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 life.
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 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 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 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 neighbors and friends may say or do.
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 honestly say, "cost what it may, this is my prayer".
author unknown
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The Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer Dialogue
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for more on the Lord's Prayer:
faithgiant.com/the-lords-prayer/