I cannot say (the Lord's prayer)
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 divine
relationship in my daily life.
I cannot say "Who art in heaven", if all my interests 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 let go
of my own will and accept the righteous rule of God.
I cannot say "Thy will be done", if I am unwilling or
resentful of having that will done 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
fellowmen.
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 an uncompromising spiritual warfare against evil.
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 neighbors
and friends may say about me or do to me.
I cannot say "Thine is the glory", if I am seeking my own
glory first.
I cannot say "Forever", if I am too anxious about each day's
affairs.
I cannot say "Amen", unless I can honestly say, "No matter the
cost to me, this is my prayer."
