I got schooled

To manage stress during the workday, I sometimes slip out for a brisk walk around my neighborhood. Miley Cyrus' new album had just been released, and I was listening to Hate Me on a loop. The drums of the chorus cut out, and suddenly I hear "miss! miss! MISS!" ring out against the piano. Pulling out my headphones, I turn to see a woman hurrying up behind me. "I'm sorry to bother you," she begins, "can you spare some change?" I tell her I'm sorry, but that I'd stepped out for a quick walk and didn't bring my wallet. "Is there something else I could do?" I ask. She nods, before saying, "I would never say no to a prayer." I tell her I'm not religious, but that I'd be happy to try if she thinks the man upstairs wouldn't mind. She says that's okay, and so I proceed, carefully choosing my words from the Episcopalian services I attended growing up. I conclude, "May you continue to watch over her." There is a pause. "You're forgetting the magic word," she says, bringing her head up. "Oh," I fumble, wondering what she could mean. "Abracadabra!" I offer. She looks at me incredulously, before bursting into laughter "Bitch, what the fuck, it's Amen!"