THE LORD'S PRAYER

I cannot say …

“Our” if I live only for myself.

“Father” if I do not endeavor each day to act like his child.

“Who art in heaven” if I am laying up no treasure there.

“Hallowed be thy name” if I am not striving for holiness.

“Thy Kingdom come” if I am not doing all in my power to
hasten that wonderful event.

“Thy will be done” if I am disobedient to his Word.

“On earth as it is in heaven” if I do not serve him here and
now.

“Give us this day our daily bread” if I am dishonest or am
seeking things by subterfuge.

“Forgive us our debts” if I harbor a grudge against anyone.

“Lead us not into temptation” if I deliberately place myself
in its path.

“Deliver us from evil” if I do not put on the whole armor
of God.

“Thine is the kingdom” if I do not give the King the loyalty
due him from a faithful subject.

“The power” if I fear what men may do.

“The glory” if I’m seeking honor only for myself, and

“Forever” if the horizon of my life is completely bounded
by time.