I Cannot PrayI 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 fellow men. 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 do or say to me. I cannot say Thine is the glory if I am seeking my own glory first. I cannot say forever if I am anxious about each day's events. I cannot say amen unless I honestly say "Cost what it may, this is my prayer." Back to Christian Poetry
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