Drama in the Church Saga Read Free Page A

out again. She laughed because she was used to getting strange looks because of her odd behavior at times.
    Danyelle was a hefty girl and nobody would ever make the mistake of calling her petite. Her body had lots of curves. Her hips were wide and her huge bust size was a genetic trait that had been passed down in her family from generation to generation.
    Danyelle smoked morning, noon, and night. She claimed that marijuana was her motivation to get out of bed in the morning. Before inhaling her first puff, she would always kiss it up to God first and say a silent prayer. She prayed that the Lord would bless her experience, so she would get the most out of her high. She believed that God made weed as a natural herb, and it was there for everyone to enjoy.
    â€œFor the Bible tells me so.” Danyelle finished her song. Julian laughed at her.
    Elise walked in after picking up the joint Danyelle threw on the ground. “Danyelle, why must you do that every time you enter the church?”
    Danyelle knew she was referring to her singing, “I’m just letting the Lord know that I’ve arrived.”
    â€œI’m sure the Lord could never miss you. Where’s Olivia?” Elise asked Danyelle.
    â€œShe said she wasn’t feeling well and decided to stay home.”
    Val gently cleared her throat to signal to Elise that Olivia was embarrassed by what happened on Sunday.
    Elise spoke up. “Today, I would like to talk about the power of prayer. It is so important for us to maintain a close and intimate relationship with the Father.” She clasped her hands.
    â€œThe only way to do that is through prayer. God wants us to tell Him about any burdens that we are carrying. He also wants us to tell Him about the amazingly good things that happen in our lives. We can only do that by going to Him in prayer. I challenge everyone in here to double the amount of time they spend in prayer. If you pray for five minutes a day, double it to ten minutes. If you pray for an hour a day, double it to two hours a day. Prayer is going to be our focal point for the next few weeks. We will have a more in-depth conversation on prayer next week. Does anyone have any questions?”
    Julian raised his hand. “Is it all right that I pray about which team I prefer to get drafted to?”
    Elise laughed at his question. “Yes, Julian, if you want something specific, you need to be specific in your prayer. If you desire something and it’s in God’s plan for you to have it, you will receive it. God wants to bless you. All you have to do is ask.”
    â€œCan I pray for a man?” Tressie asked.
    â€œSure.”
    â€œCan I pray that the Lord send me Nasir Jones?”
    â€œWho is Nasir Jones?” Elise asked.
    â€œNasir Jones is this rapper who’s already engaged to Kelis,” Val spoke up.
    â€œTressie, I’m pretty sure God isn’t going to give you someone else’s fiancé, so you need to change your prayer request.”
    Elise fielded the other attendees’ questions and they all sang a few hymns.
    Elise concluded her lesson by saying, “For the first week everyone should pray for one thing. Next week, when we gather again, we’ll discuss whether or not God answered your prayer. Is that all right with everyone?”
    Everyone in the room nodded.
    â€œI’ll close out in prayer.”
    Everyone held hands while Elise prayed.
    â€œHeavenly Father, I want to thank you for once again bringing us safely together. I ask that you bless each and every heart here, and that they increase their prayer life to get closer to you. Through prayer they will realize and experience that you have control over all things great and small. Amen.”
    In unison everyone responded, “Amen.”

Chapter 2
    The following day, Olivia walked into the apartment she shared with her sister, Danyelle, and was welcomed by a cloud of smoke. She waved her hand in front of her face to