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I Cannot Pray
Topics: Prayer
I cannot pray "OUR", if my faith has no room for others and their need.
I cannot pray "FATHER", if I do not demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living.
I cannot pray "WHO ART IN HEAVEN", if all of my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.
I cannot pray "HALLOWED BE THY NAME", if I am not striving for God's help to be holy.
I cannot pray "THY KINGDOM COME", if I am unwilling to accept God's rule in my life.
I cannot pray "THY WILL BE DONE", if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.
I cannot pray "IN EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN", unless I am truly ready to give myself to God's service here and now.
I cannot pray "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD", without expending honest effort for it or if I would withhold from my neighbor the bread I receive.
I cannot pray "FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US", if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
I cannot pray "LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION", if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
I cannot pray "DELIVER US FROM EVIL", if I am not prepared to fight with my life and my prayer.
I cannot pray "THINE IS THE KINGDOM", if I am unwilling to obey the King.
I cannot pray "THINE IS THE POWER AND THE GLORY", if I am seeking power for myself and my own glory first.
I cannot pray 'FOREVER AND EVER", if I am too anxious about each day's affairs.
I cannot pray "AMEN", unless I honestly say "Not MY will, but THY will be done, so let it be.
"But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your heavenly Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask Him. [Matthew 6:7-8]
Prayer is one of the best free gifts we can receive and give. There is no cost, but a lot of rewards Let's continue praying for one another.
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Bruce Waitman<><