“Supper with the Savior”
Monologue from Psalm 51
Created by ©Dr. Larry L. Thompson (2005)
Scene opens with modern day David entering stage area where you find a table for two that is stylishly set representing an upscale restaurant. David enters with brief case speaking as if talking to the maitre d’. This monologue is a one person presentation. Any reference to other individuals in the course of the monologue is simply creating the illusion of activity and conversation between the individuals and David.
“You sure he’s not here? Do me a favor and check with the receptionist at the front door and just ask her if anyone has called to say they are going to be late. I’m met this guy many times and He’s always punctual; as a matter of record; He is the one that is always waiting on me. This is really not like Him. (David takes his seat and casually glances at the menu while also taking a look through the restaurant to see if there is anyone else he knows. Catches the eye of the waiter) Could you bring me my usual? No, I’m just going to get something to drink for right now; I’ll wait to order until my friend joins me. I’m sure He’ll be here any minute. The guy is never late…
No, this is not business. Honestly, how many times have you seen me conduct business while I’m eating? No this is just one of my dearest friends…I’ve known him since I was a boy. I guess I was first introduced to Him when I was working with my dad. You know I’ve told you before that my dad was not the city boy I become. We grew up on the farm. You talk about work. I knew putting my time in helping work the livestock that there was one thing I wanted to do when I became a man…not work with the livestock. You bet it’s hard work and try getting a date when you’re a kid and you smell like a goat! Anyway, I first met him when He visited my family. He’s an amazing man. He didn’t seem to mind that I was the youngest in the family. He told me that I was going to make it big someday. I said, “Yeah right” He looked right at me and said, ‘Listen to me. Trust me when I tell you that you going to make it big. He really believed in me when no one else would even give me an opportunity. I remember telling my brothers that this new friend was really helping me and giving me a confidence I had never experienced before. They ridiculed me and kept reminding me that it didn’t take much confidence to work the sheep. Their insults were unmerciful but I guess that’s what the youngest always expects.
I’ve got to tell you that they were the ones most surprised when I hit it big. Yeah, everyone’s heard about. It was one giant of deal. No one thought I could pull it off but I just kept remembering what my Friend said years ago out in the fields, “Listen to me, trust me.” Honestly, it appeared a lot bigger deal to every one else. I guess it looked so big it scared the rest of them away… that’s why no one else wanted to risk everything. Why did I choose to risk it all? Who knows, maybe just young and confident. All I know is that I was just a stones throw away and I thought I would give it shot. It just took one. Once the first deal fell…I mean that deal dropped like a rock. From there it was clear sailing for a while. I tell you this, I didn’t have any trouble finding dates after that first corporate takeover. It may sound ruthless but when you in the heat of battle the only way to come out alive is to be aggressive. You cut the head off your competition and there’s not much life left em. Do me a favor, next time you pass the front door just double check and see I have someone waiting for me or at least see if they have left a message. Thanks buddy. (David opens brief case and notices his Bible and takes it from the case and just casually thumbing through the pages prior to being interrupted by the waiter’s return.)
What? Still no word? I’m telling you something must be wrong. This man NEVER misses an appointment. (gesturing with the Bible) This, yeah it’s a bible. Well of course I read it. You better bet your life I believe it. I used to read this every day. More advice my friend gave me…another one of those, “Listen to me, trust me.” (Reflective) You know I’m sorry to say that I got so busy the past year or so that my visits to this book have been less frequent. You know what it’s like, every day is a battle, another war, eventually it takes a toll. I’ve tried to scale back my work, got other people fighting my battles now. Yeah, it gives me a little more leisure time. (Distracted by looking at his watch, impatient) Speaking of time….WHERE IS HE…You know, I better check my PDA to be sure I’ve got the right date. I know I’ve probably said this before but this man never misses an appointment. (Checks PDA while also making a phone call) It’s one of those newest models. Brand new, phone, camera, calendar, schedule, television, I get everything on this baby…except an answer from my Friend, (talking to the phone) come on guy pick up…where are you? (Closes the phone in frustration) Look there’s no since in me waiting on Him.(picking up the menu) Why don’t you go ahead and bring me this special “the sensual leg of lamb melts in your mouth.” How could I possible resist that kind of temptation? (Laughs) Speaking of leg of lamb, the new hostess is well shall I say, easy on the eyes.
(Phone vibrates signaling a call- David checks caller ID and speaks to the waiter) Caller ID says “unknown” probably a salesperson but I better check it. Can I take this call in the restaurant? Thanks. I’ll only be a minute. (David answers phone)
Hello? I’m sorry, I don’t have time for riddles. Yes this is David. Okay but just a minute, I’m at lunch. (Listens as if receiving the story from the caller) Okay, let me see if I have this straight. What would I do as owner of my company if I had a vice-president who receives $200K a year embezzle by taking all of the life savings out of the retirement account set up for our janitor? You’ve got to be kidding. Anyone that ruthless and heartless I would fire them and expose them publicly. Nothing would serve them better than the public humiliation. (Long pause and obvious change of countenance on the face of David)
What did you say? Who is this? How did you find this information out about me? Well of course I know she’s pregnant, but it’s not adultery, we’re married now, Yes, but that’s what I’m trying to tell you, her husband died in a work related accident. (Long pause) Oh my God. How do you know this? Who do you work for? You mean HE KNOWS…He knows about everything? Yes, I thought I was to meet Him for lunch today. (David gives a quick glance around) No, He hasn’t arrived, I have been waiting on Him. (Pause) What do you mean He’s waiting on me??? Hey, wait a second don’t hang up… (Stunned, David sits in a silence for an awkward moment until interrupted by the waiter) No, everything’s alright…Wait a second, no, everything’s not alright. Would you hold my table for a moment? (David walks away from the table grabbing his bible; his leaving visually expresses separation as well as being alone so he can speak to the Lord)
(David begins reciting Psalm 51 adapted for today’s language and situation)
Dear God, I beg You, have mercy on me! Lord, the only reason I ask for mercy is because I have known your unfailing love; I have been the recipient of your great compassion. My God I beg you, please take away this terrible stain my sin has caused.
Father, I ask that by Your love and grace You cleanse my life from my guilt. Lord, please take this sin away from my life.
Lord, everything that man said is true and I confess my shameful and deceitful actions—To be honest, I think about my sin day and night.
This one thing I know, You alone are the one I have sinned against. You know the evil I have committed in your sight. What the caller said was true…everything he said was true.
Lord, this is no excuse but I recognize that from the moment I was born I was also born with this sinful and deceitful heart.
I have learned from You that You desire honesty in our relationship. With an honest heart and life You will teach me to be wise.
Lord, I am terrified for only you can cleanse my life of this sin. I long to once again be pure before You.
I confess to You that I have been hiding the fact that I am miserable; O God, please give me back the joy I know you have taken from me.
I can not bear the thought that you would forever look at my sin; I ask you to remove it from my life.
I ask for a new heart and new spirit that returns to You and lives to obey You and have fellowship with You.
Lord, I have been so lonely without You. I desperately need you to return. I long to once again fellowship with You.
Father, is it possible for You to make our relationship like it used to be? Lord, give me that new heart that gleans its greatest joy by living in obedience to You.
God, I should have been teaching others what You have shared with me in my lifetime. If You will but give me this opportunity, I promise I will speak to everyone of Your Love.
Lord, I ask you to forgive me for lying, for committing adultery and for causing a man to lose his life and his family. That man was not guilty but I am! God, please forgive me; My life desperately needs the joy that I once knew with You and how I long to once again praise You.
Father, I know that You demand a change of my heart, not just a show of change with my actions. Lord, I could put a million dollars in the offering this Sunday but if I continue to hide this sin it means nothing to You.
The only offering You want from me is to see that my heart is truly sorry for this terrible sin I have committed. I agree with you that it is sin; I will make this sin right and I will never return to this sin again.
Lord, there is so much work to do in Your kingdom and so little time. If You will forgive me and give me strength I will invest my life in building the lives of others for Your glory.
My heart’s desire is only for You to be pleased with my life, my sacrifices and my love for You. I ask You to Forgive me; return to Me and let me never leave Your presence again. Amen
(David rises from his prayer and as he is returning to his seat at the restaurant he looks up, a smile breaks from his face and he softly responds) Hello, thank You so much for coming, I’m so glad You’re here, please sit down… (David sits and lights fade)
(Pastor moves from the table and asks congregation to join him in prayer as he sets up the invitation)
---End---
