A reflection on the Disciples’ Prayer ( the Model Prayer) in Matthew 6:9 – 13:

I cannot say ‘our’ if I live only for myself in a spiritual watertight compartment.

I cannot say ‘Father’ if I do not endeavor each day to act like his child.

 I cannot say ‘who art in heaven’ if I am laying up no treasure there.

 I cannot say ‘hallowed be Thy name’ if I am not striving for holiness.

 I cannot say ‘Thy kingdom come’ if I am not doing all in my power to hasten that wonderful day.

I cannot say ‘Thy will be done’ if I am disobedient to His word.

I cannot say ‘in earth as it is in heaven’ if I will not serve Him here and now.

I cannot say ‘give us . . . our daily bread’ if I’m dishonest or an “under the counter shopper.”

I cannot say ‘forgive us our debts’ if I harbor a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say ‘lead us not into temptation’ if I deliberately place myself in its path.

I cannot say ‘deliver us from evil’ if I do not put on the whole armor of God.

I cannot say ‘Thine is the kingdom’ if I do not give to the King the loyalty do Him as a faithful subject.

 I cannot attribute to Him ‘the power’ if I fear what men may do.

I cannot ascribe to Him ‘the glory’ if I am seeking honor only for myself.

I cannot say ‘forever’ if the horizon of my life is bounded completely by the things of time.

~Author Unknown