Cost What It May, This is My Prayer

Brothers and Sister in Christ, there are countless of acquaintances in my life who know the Lords prayer word for word, to the letter or better yet, verbatim…but if I ask them what scripture that prayer is listed under, they are utterly wrong most if not all the time. The question I truly ask is…Are we truly praying it or just saying it?

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matt. 6:9-13 (KJV)

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 this relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say... "Who art in heaven” If all my interests and pursuits are 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.

I cannot say... "Thy Will Be Done" If I am unwilling or resentful of having Him 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... "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread"
Without extending honest effort for it or by ignoring the needs of my fellow men.

I cannot say... "Forgive Us Our Debts As We Forgive Our Debtors" If I continue to harbor 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, the Glory" If I do not give disciplined obedience, if I fear what neighbors 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!"