I Cannot Pray      
                                 

            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 and friends may say or do. 

I cannot say "THINE IS THE GLORY"

       if I am seeking my own glory first. 

I cannot say "FOREVER"

       if I am too anxious about each day's affairs. 

I cannot say "AMEN"

       unless I honestly say, "Cost what it may, this is my prayer."

                                                                                                             Unknown Author