I cannot say “Our,” if I live in a watertight spiritual compartment; if I think a special place in Heaven is reserved for my denomination.

I cannot say “Father,” if I do not demonstrate the relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say “which art in Heaven,” if I am so occupied with the earth that I am laying up no treasure there.

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 not doing all in my power to hasten its coming.

I cannot say “Thy will be done,” if I am questioning, resentful of or disobedient to His will for me.

I cannot say “on earth as it is in Heaven,” if I am not prepared to devote my life here to His service.

I cannot say “Give us this day our daily bread” if I’m living on past experiences.

I cannot say “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us,” if I harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say “Lead is not into temptation,” if I deliberately place myself, or remain in a position 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 accord the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say “Thine is the power,” if I fear what men may do; or what my neighbor may think.

I cannot say “Thine is the glory,” if I am seeking glory for myself.

I cannot say “Forever and forever”, if my horizon is bounded by the things of time.

I cannot say “Amen,” if I do not also add, “Cost what it may,” for to say this prayer will cost EVERYTHING.

Author Unknown

Related Articles:

• SUDAN & BURMA: CHRISTIAN REFUGEES IN PERIL
• Pray for the World 6 February 2012
• PRAYER OF A HUMBLE SERVANT
• Prayers for Help in Times of Trouble
• Pray for the World (January 31, 2012)

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