Note: This appears as today's reading from the saints in For All the Saints. It is an Anonymous meditation on the Lord's Prayer and one worthy of our reflection and consideration.

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, with 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, on 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 that 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 evil 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, “Cost what it may, this is my prayer.”

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