Can I Say the “Lord’s Prayer?”

I cannot say Our, if I live in a watertight spiritual compartment; if I think a special place in heaven is reserved for my denomination.

I cannot say Father, if I do not demonstrate the relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say which art in heaven, if I am so occupied with the earth that I am laying up no treasure there.

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 not doing all in my power to hasten its coming.

I cannot say Thy will be done, if I am questioning, resentful of, or disobedient to His will for me.

I cannot say on earth as it is in heaven, if I am not prepared to devote my life here to His service.

I cannot say give us this day our daily bread, if I am living on past experience, or if I am an under-the-counter shopper.

I cannot say forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us, if I harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say lead us not into temptation, if I deliberately place myself, or remain, in a position where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say deliver us from evil, if I am not prepared to fight it in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.

To say this prayer honestly will cost everything.

—M.W Gass