TO PRAY THE LORD’S PRAYER
I CANNOT SAY … “OUR” if my religion has no room for other people and their needs.
I CANNOT SAY … “FATHER” if I do not demonstrate a loving relationship in my daily life.
I CANNOT SAY … “WHO ART IN HEAVEN” if all my interests and pursuits are on 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 sovereignty and accept the reign of God in my daily life.
I CANNOT SAY … “THY WILL BE DONE” if I am unwilling or resentful of having Him be the leader 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 … “FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US” if I continue to harbour 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, THE POWER AND THE GLORY” if I do not give disciplined obedience…if I fear what my neighbour and friends may say or do…if I seek my own glory first.
I CANNOT SAY … “AMEN” unless I can honestly say also…cost what it may, this is my prayer.
Author Unknown
“Serving in His Strength” is a blog
published by the Member Development Committee of
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League–Canada, Inc.
Lutheranwomen.ca
2025