LORD’S PRAYER

I cannot say “our” if I live only for myself.

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

I cannot say “who art in heaven” if I am laying up no treasure there.

I cannot say “hallowed be thy name” if I am not striving for holiness.

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

I cannot say “thy will be done” if I am disobedient to his Word.

I cannot say “on earth as it is in heaven” if I’ll not serve him here and now.

I cannot say “give us this day our daily bread” if I am dishonest or am seeking things by subterfuge.

I cannot say “forgive us our debts” if I harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say “lead us not into temptation” if I deliberately place myself in its path.

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

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

I cannot attribute to him “the power” if I fear what men may do.

I cannot ascribe to him “the glory” if I’m seeking honor only for myself, and I cannot say “forever” if the horizon of my life is bounded completely by time.

Author Unknown797

A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter. So he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: “I have circled the block ten times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.”

When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note: “I’ve circled this block for ten years. If I don’t give you a ticket, I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.”798