Read Me A Bedtime Story Mum

Warren looked at the clock on his bedroom wall. Mum, who was sitting on his bed said: "It is 8 0' clock now. And time for any five-year-old to be sleeping.

Warren yawned and muttered, "Yes Mum. Please read me a bedtime story, 'cos I hate saying prayers.

"You can have both, said Mum rising from the bed to fetch a book.

"I will be asleep before all of that is finished.

"Not if you say a short prayer to thank God for the day you've had. And ask him to bless all your family and keep us all safe. Then I will read you a story.

"What is it going to be about? asked Warren, brightening up.

"It will be about a man who liked to say prayers, replied his mum.

Mum searched the bookcase. Then she looked on the shelf under the coffee table. She moved a pile of newspapers to see if there were any hidden books under them. But could not find the story book of a praying man. Then she said: "I will try to remember that story. My Gran often told it to me when I was little.

Warren snuggled down to listen to the story, pulling his yellow and white quilt right up to his neck.

Mum ran her hand over Warren's dark, curly hair. Then she sat on his bed and asked him to repeat a very short prayer.

He also asked for a blessing for everyone in the world. Warren thought that was a really big thing to do. But he added, "especially for my Mum and Dad.

Mum began her story: A very long time ago there was a boy called Damien. He lived in a country where a cruel king ruled. Damien's mother taught him to say prayers. When he grew up to be a man, he still kept saying his prayers. Sometimes at his bedroom window for everyone to see.

Damien's friends told him to be careful. They warned him about the new King.King Saronka was a tall man with a long grey beard. He loved rich food. And had parties at the Palace where his guests ate lots of meat and drank a lot of wine. Sometimes he got drunk.

Damien refused to join in the feasts. But he continued to eat vegetables and cereals. He also said prayers every day. He was strong and healthy. And looked better than his neighbours. One neighbour said to another: "He dares to disobey the King, yet look how well he looks.

The other neighbour said: "Let us report him to King Saronka.
So they told the King about him. And soon soldiers dressed in red-and-black robes, went to Damien's home to arrest him. They found him on his knees praying. And dragged him away.

Damien was not afraid, because he believed that the God he prayed to would send a guardian angel protect him.

The soldiers hurried Damien through the streets. People jeered as they went by.
At the Palace a party was going on. All kinds of music filled his ears. The King sat on a deep red, velvet throne. He wore a splendid purple robe. And had a glittering crown upon his head. Every time he held up his golden staff, a servant would run towards him to see what he wanted. They kept the King's goblet full of rich, red wine. And the guests stomachs were full of rich foods, sweet meats, and drinks.

Suddenly a band of musicians marched in. The King got to his feet. His servants lined up behind him, and followed him out. They went over to the King's Study. And 2 soldiers carried Damien in.

The King said to Damien, who stood in front of him. I know what you have been doing. Why do you keep talking to your guardian angel? I forbade any kind of praying.

"I know your majesty. I have to talk to him. He is my protector.

"I hope he protects you well, because I am going to punish you for your disobedience. You will either go to the Snake Pit or the Lions' Den.

"Yes your Majesty. I'm sorry. I will prayer for you while I'm there.

"Be quiet, the King snapped. Then he ordered the soldiers to take Damien to the Lions' Den.

On the way to the den, Damien heard the terrible roars of hungry lions. He asked his guardian angel to calm them down. When the soldiers threw him in the den, the lions were calm enough for Damien to stroke their furs, pat their heads and say prayers for them. Then they all went to sleep.

Next morning the prison workers went to the den. They looked inside and saw Damien calmly stroking the lions. They ran off to tell the King. The King quickly sent the soldiers to get Damien.

"So your guardian angel is powerful, and protects you Damien.

"Yes your majesty.

"And that gives you power too. Perhaps you can be useful to me. Give him a new purple robe you two. And set him free.

Damien asked: "May I speak your majesty?

The King said: "You may, but do not start praying.

"When I'm free, I would like to go to a land where I'm allowed to pray.

"I will grant you that wish. Go in peace. Sounds like a good idea. You'll only cause trouble if you stay here.

"So Damien got his wish, Warren said sleepily.

"Yes dear, now go to sleep, Mum said, bending over to kiss him.

"Mum have I got a guardian angel too?

"Yes you do.

"If I ask for something will I get it?

"You might if you are good, Mum said, switching off the light. "Good night.
Every night when Warren said his prayers, he asked his guardian angel for a puppy. When it was his birthday, a little brown puppy came for him.

Warren still says his prayers every night. He speaks quietly, but his mum hears. And he always gets what he wants.
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