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 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 “ON 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 neighbour the bread I receive.

I cannot pray “FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US” if I continue to harbour 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.

Author unknown. If anyone has a proprietary interest in this story please authenticate and I will be happy to credit, or remove, as the circumstances dictate.

Thanks to AleeHead@aol.com