 The Lord's Prayer
Jesus specifically gave us this prayer, but ....
I cannot say Our - if my religion has no room for others and their needs.
I cannot say Father
- if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily living.
I cannot say who is in heaven
- if all my interest and pursuits are on earthly things.
I cannot say hallowed be thy name
- if I, who am called by 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 it 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 my fellow men.
I cannot say forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us - if I continue to harbour 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 weapon of prayer.
I cannot say thine is the Kingdom
- if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.
I cannot say thine is the power
- if I fear what my neighbours may say or do.
I cannot say thine be the glory
- if I am seeking my own glory first.
I cannot say for ever
- if I am too anxious about each day's affairs.
I cannot say Amen
- unless I honestly say, "Cost what it may, this is my prayer".
Contributed by Olwen (source unknown)
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