THE PRAYER WE DARE TO PRAY

Growing deep inside of us is the hunger for authentic life; and a distaste for sham and phoniness. There is a deep admiration for the person who is aware and sensitive to other’s feelings which gives life a dimension of meaning.

The apprehensions that life at its core does not make sense, does not add up, prevents  us from fully functioning as human beings. Deeper than our own anxiety over guilt or death is our anxiety over emptiness and meaningless.

Jesus is the personification of authentic life. In our Lord’s Prayer, He gives us the feelings and attitudes we need to cultivate.

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 am called  by His name, am not holy.

I cannot say … “Thy kingdom come”  - if I am unwilling to give 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 expending 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 … “Amen” – Unless I can honestly say also, cost what it may, this is my prayer!

(Author unknown)