The Lord’s Prayer (May 2020)

I cannot say Our,
if I live in a watertight spiritual compartment;
if I think a special place in heaven is reserved for my denomination.

I cannot say Father,
if I do not demonstrate the relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say Which art in Heaven,
if I am so occupied with the earth, that I am laying up no treasure there.

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 not doing all in my power to hasten its’ coming.

I cannot say Thy will be done,
if I am questioning, resentful of, or disobedient to His will for me.

I cannot say On earth as it is in Heaven,
if I am not prepared to devote my life here to His service.

I cannot say Give us this day our daily bread,
if I am living on past experience.

I cannot say Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us,
if I harbour a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say Lead us not into temptation,
if I deliberately place myself, or remain in a position, where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say Deliver us from evil,
if I am not prepared to fight it in the spiritual realms with the weapon of prayer.

I cannot say Thine is the kingdom,
if I do not accord the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say Thine is the power,
if I fear what men may do, or what my neighbours may think.

I cannot say Thine is the glory,
if I am seeking glory for myself.

I cannot say For ever and ever,
if my horizon is bounded by the things of time.

Author unknown but acquired on a cruise ship & contributed by Margaret H