Thought for the Day 7/19/2024

 Friday Tale - Prayer If's 

"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" (Mat 6:9-13).

·       I cannot say "Our", if my religion has no room for others and their needs.

·       I cannot say "Father", if I do not demonstrate this divine relationship in my daily life.

·       I cannot say "Who art in heaven", if all my interests and pursuits are on 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 let go of my own will and accept the righteous rule of God.

·       I cannot say "Thy will be done", if I am unwilling or resentful of having that will done 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 genuine needs of my fellowmen.

·       I cannot say "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us", 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 an uncompromising spiritual warfare against evil.

·       I cannot say "Thine is the kingdom", if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

·       I cannot say "Thine is the power", if I fear what my neighbors and friends may say about me or do to me.

·       I cannot say "Thine is the glory", if I am seeking my own glory first.

·       I cannot say "Forever", if I am too anxious about each day's affairs.

I cannot say "Amen", unless I can honestly say, "No matter the cost to me, this is my prayer."

~ Unknown

 BUT Peter and the apostles answered,
"We must obey God rather than men."
~ Acts 5:29