"Our Father"

                                       "Our Father"

I cannot say "Our" if my faith has no room for others and their needs.
I cannot say "Father" if I do not demonstrate HIS relationship with me in my daily living.
I cannot say "who art in heaven" if my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.
I cannot say "hallowed be thy name" if I do not have honor, glory, and trust in HIM all the way.
I cannot say " thy kingdom come" if I am unwilling to have HIS kingdom grow in my heart, my home, my school, my country, and all the world.
I cannot say " thy will be done" if I am unwilling or resentful of having it done 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 by ignoring the genuine needs of my family, friends, and neighbors.
I cannot say " forgive us our sins as we forgive those who are indebted to us" if I continue to harbor ill feelings, a grudge against anyone or if I gossip.
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 YOUR word and prayer.
I cannot say " thine is the kingdom" if I cannot follow the ten commandments.
I cannot say " thine is the power" if I fear what my neighbor and friends may say about me.
I cannot say "thine is the glory" if I am seeking my own glory first.
I cannot say " forever" if I am more concerned about each day's happenings than about YOUR presence here in my life.
I cannot say " AMEN" unless I honestly say, "Cost what it may, this is my prayer."

God, Our Father, you created all of us in YOUR image and YOU gave us Jesus to show us how to live as YOUR children. Send YOUR Holy Spirit to guide us as we grow in YOUR love. Teach us how to live fairly and justly. Help us to treat all those we meet with respect and love. Amen.

Anonymous