After getting somewhat used, to the extent that one can, to having my prayer life interrupted by the Boss on a reasonably regular basis, I've found He has been fairly quiet lately. That isn't to say He's absent, or inactive in my life, just that He doesn't seem to see any need to communicate in human style. It's a bit disconcerting.

In one of my musings while driving, it occurred to me that while I know He's hearing what I'm saying, from a human perspective the experience is something akin to this:

"Heavenly Father..."

Response: "Hello, and welcome to Prayer Waiting. You have reached the Prayer Direction Center. If this is a prayer of thanksgiving, push 1 now. If this is a prayer requesting healing, push 2. If this is a prayer of intercession, press 3. For all other prayers, please stay on the line and the next available angel will assist you."

There follows a lengthy period of harp music, during which I muse that I didn't know God had prayer waiting. Then the same pleasant voice comes back on the line.

"We're sorry, all angels are currently busy. Your prayer is important to us. Please stand by, and an angel will be with you shortly."

More harp music. It's starting to sound like Enya. I wonder if there's some code I can use to get directly through to His voicemail. Too bad He doesn't have an e-mail address...

"We're sorry, but all angels are still occupied with other faithful. Prayers will be answered in the order in which they were begun. In order to expedite your prayer, please have your full name, including confirmation name if applicable, available. We will assist you as soon as possible."

The harp music is now getting on my nerves. I'm starting to fantasize about Christian pop, or even Abba, when I hear the angelic voice return...

"We're sorry. All angels are still busy. We remind you that peak prayer hours on weekdays are from 9:00 - 11:00 p.m, when the majority of the faithful retire, and throughout Sunday morning. The average wait time for an angel at this point will be (pause -- insert electronic angelic voice) twelve minutes. (The usual voice returns.) You may continue to hold, or you may pray again during a lower-volume period."

The harp music cuts back in, and I decide that insomnia has its advantages. I’ll have to thank God for that, when I get through.