CHAINS OF GLASS

May be performed as Readers Theater, or memorized.
  • Woman is positioned center stage.
  • Demon 1 is behind and to the right of the woman
  • Demon 2 is behind and to the left of the woman
  • Voice is from offstage.

    (Demons begin with backs to audience)
    VOICE:
    For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms.

    WOMAN:
    My life seems to be one spiritual struggle after another. There's always something causing me to stumble in my walk.

    (Demons turn in unison)
    D1:
    Good morning Demon Alcohol

    D2:
    Good Morning Demon Greed
    Move quickly while she's struggling
    Confuse her wants for needs

    WOMAN:
    I need to get a second job, so I can afford to get a new outfit for the company Christmas dinner. Y'know if could make more money, life would be easier. I mean,why is it the neigbors have their big house and a Lexus and all.

    D1:
    Splendid now, her ears are plugged

    D2:
    She's sure to miss the alarm

    D1:
    Here's the chain for round her legs

    D2:
    And here's one for her arms

    WOMAN:
    How am I gonna make the payments on all these credit cards? I can't take on another job. They say they're going to reposess the sofa. I need a drink to wind down after waiting tables. Good thing I don't have to declare the cash I get from tips. Maybe I can skim some from the till. There's no way they'll miss a few bucks here and there. I'll pay it back when I get back on top of things.

    VOICE:
    I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

    WOMAN:
    Oh Father forgive me of my greed. Help me to keep close to you. I repent of my sin in Jesus name.

    (Demons recoil at the name of Jesus)
    D1:
    What was that?

    D2:
    I can't be sure,
    I'm still blinded from the blast.

    D1:
    The Name above all names has shattered
    the chains like they were glass.

    WOMAN:
    Praise God They made such a good offer for the car. After the boat sells, I'll have three more months before I'm debt free. I can quit the second job, and spend more time with my son. Thank you Lord for seeing me through the traps and snares laid by the enemy.

    D2:
    You fool you didn't bind her right

    D1:
    I don't know, she looked enslaved

    D2:
    We'll need some reinforcements now

    D1:
    You never told me she was saved!

    WOMAN:
    I love you Lord. Thank you for letting me feel your presence. (eyes closed hands raised)

    D1:
    I hate it when they pray like that.

    D2:
    She was putty in our hands

    D1:
    Anxiety and fear are on the way

    D2:
    Let's see how long she stands
    (Turn backs to audience)

    WOMAN:
    It's so good to be free from the bondage of sin. I'm being blessed everywhere I turn. Even my son is starting to ask about the things of God. Thank You Lord (Eyes closed)

    (Demons turn in unison)
    D1:
    Anxiety, it's good to see you.

    D2:
    Oh hello Fear. Let's have some fun

    D1:
    Of course we know that you are saved

    D1 & D2:
    But... what about your son?

    WOMAN:
    (Eyes snap open in fear) My son! What if something happens before he knows you Lord? It's late, he said he'd be home early. What if something's happened? Why wasn't I a better parent when he was young? Oh...

    D1:
    Oh yes, you should be quite afraid
    You really oughtn't sleep

    D2:
    You see your boy is ours, oh yes
    and him we're going to keep.

    WOMAN:
    Oh Lord no...

    VOICE:
    Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

    WOMAN:
    (Quietly)Thank you Lord for watching after my son. I ask that you would continue to watch over him in Jesus Name.
    (Boldly and forcefully)
    You spirits of fear and anxiety
    I've been bought, you can't have my heart!
    Who the Son sets free is free indeed,
    In Jesus Name... DEPART!

    (Demons cover heads with arms, and turn backs to audience)
    Copyright © 1997 Robert J. Lee

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