I CANNOT PRAY

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