“Well, well, well!” said Mr. Potato Head as he walked into the bedroom.  Mrs. Potato Head was just finishing reading a story to Haman and Polly.  “Are you little Tater Tots finally ready for bed?”

“Daddy, can YOU read us a story too?” said Haman.

“Haman is crowding me.  Get on your own side!” fussed Polly.

“I need a drink of water!” said Haman.

“Here, let me get between you two.” said Mrs. Potato Head as she repositioned herself in the bed.

“Time for our prayers!” said Mr. Potato Head.  They all put their heads down and said the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples.  You may recognize it!

“OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN, HALLOWED BY YOUR NAME, YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN.  Give us today our daily bread.  Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.  for the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever.  amen.”

“Eyes!” said Mr. Potato Head as he held out his hands.  Polly and Haman both gave their eyes to their daddy.  Then Mrs. Potato Head did too.  He put them all in the set of drawers beside the bed.  Then he took off his shoes and lined them up with the others and placed his own eyes on the top of the dresser.   

Mr. Potato Head squeezed into bed and soon they all fell asleep.  

“Pssssst!   Pssssst!”  The sound came from the open window.

Mr. Potato Head rolled over.  “Pssssst!   Pssssst!”

“What is it!” said Mr. Potato Head in a loud whisper.

“It’s me.” said Mr. Gym Teacher.  “I have locked myself out. I walked clear over here to see if I can borrow the key you have to my apartment?”

“Can’t you climb in through a window?” whispered Mr. Potato Head.

“No!  I live on the fourth floor, remember?!” whispered Mr. Gym Teacher.

“Do not bother me.  I am in bed with my children.  I can not get up and give you anything!” said Mr. Potato Head as he rolled over.

“Pssssst!   Please, Mr. Potato Head!” whispered Mr. Gym Teacher.

In today’s gospel lesson, Jesus told a story about a man who kept asking his neighbor for bread . . . at midnight! Because the man kept asking, eventually the neighbor got up and gave him the bread.  Then Jesus said “Ask and it will be given to you.  Search and you will find.  Knock and the door will be opened for you.”

And you know what.  Because Mr. Gym Teacher kept asking, eventually Mr. Potato Head got up and put on his eyes and put on his shoes and got the key they keep to Mr. Gym Teacher’s apartment and handed it to him through the bedroom window.

Surely, if Mr. Potato Head knows how to give what is needed to his neighbor, how much more God in Heaven will give the Holy Spirit to us who but ask!                      THE END

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