I CANNOT PRAY.....

I cannot say, "OUR", if I have no room in my life for others and their needs.

I cannot say, "FATHER", if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily living.

I cannot say, "WHO ART IN HEAVEN", if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.

I cannot say, "HALLOWED BE THY NAME", if I, who am called to bear His name, am not holy.

I cannot say, "THY KINGDOM COME", if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.

I cannot say, "THY WILL BE DONE", if I am unwilling or resentful of having God's will in my life.

I cannot say, "ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN", unless I am truly ready to give myself to His service here and now.

I cannot say, "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD", without expending honest effort for it, or by ignoring the genuine needs of others.

I cannot say, "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US", if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say, "LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION", if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say, "DELIVER US FROM EVIL", if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the ultimate weapon of prayer.

I cannot say, "THINE IS THE KINGDOM", if I do not give the kind of disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say, "THINE IS THE POWER", if I fear what my neighbors may say or do.

I cannot say, "FOREVER", if I am too anxious about each day's events.

I cannot say, "AMEN", unless I can honestly say, "cost what it may, this is my prayer."

Author Unknown



Categories: daily-thoughts, prayer, faith, father, God, perspective