I cannot pray....

I cannot pray OUR, if my faith has no room from 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, with God’s help to be holy.

I cannot pray THY KINGDOM COME, if I am unwilling or resentful of having it 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 that I receive.

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 evil 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 FOR EVER AND EVER, if I am too anxious about each day’s affairs.

I cannot pray AMEN, unless I can honestly say “cost what it may, this is my prayer”.