I cannot pray "OUR," if my faith has no room for others and their need.
I cannot pray "FATHER," if I do not demonstrate this relationship to
God in my daily living.
I cannot pray "WHO ART IN HEAVEN," if all of my interests and pursuits
are in earthly things.
I cannot pray "HALLOWED BE THY NAME," if I am not striving for God's
help to be holy.
I cannot pray "THY KINGDOM COME," if I am unwilling to accept God's
rule in my life.
I cannot pray "THY WILL BE DONE," if I am unwilling or resentful of
having it in my life.
I cannot pray "IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN," unless I am truly ready
to give myself to God's service here and now.
I cannot pray "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD," without expending
honest effort for it or if I would withhold from my neighbor the bread
I receive.
I cannot pray "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO
TRESPASS AGAINST US," if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
I cannot pray "LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION," if I deliberately choose
to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
I cannot pray "DELIVER US FROM EVIL," if I am not prepared to fight
with my life and my prayer.
I cannot pray "THINE IS THE KINGDOM," if I am unwilling to obey the King.
I cannot pray "THINE IS THE POWER AND THE GLORY," if I am seeking
power for myself and my own glory first.
I cannot pray 'FOREVER AND EVER," if I am too anxious about each day's
affairs.
I cannot pray "AMEN," unless I honestly say "Not MY will, but THY will
be done, so let it be.
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for
they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not
ye therefore like unto them: for your heavenly Father knoweth what
things ye have need of before ye ask Him. Matthew 6:7-8
