As I was downsizing, by going through all my handwritten notes, I came across this challenge.

It acts as a check to remind us that our attitude in prayer is very important. In fact, our attitude is way more important than our ability to memorize and repeat (although this will help us stay on track and provide an outline).  

Our attitude in praying is very important. Click To Tweet

 

The Challenge:

 

I CANNOT SAY —

— “Our”, if my religion has no room for others and their needs.

— “Father”, if I do not demonstrate this divine relationship in my daily life.

— “Who art in heaven”, if all my interests and pursuits are on earthly things.

— “Hallowed be thy name”, if I, who am called by His name, am not holy.

— “Thy kingdom come”, if I am unwilling to let go of my own will and accept the righteous rule of God.

— “Thy will be done”, if I am unwilling or resentful of having that will done in my life.

—  “On earth as it is in heaven”, unless I am truly ready to give myself to His service here and now.

— “Give us this day our daily bread”, without expending honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of my fellowmen.

— “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”, if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.

— “Lead us not into temptation”, if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

— “Deliver us from evil”, if I am not prepared to fight an uncompromising spiritual warfare against evil.

—  “Thine is the kingdom”, if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject. 

—  “Thine is the power”, if I fear what my neighbors and friends may say about me or do to me.

—  “Thine is the glory”, if I am seeking my own glory first.

— “Forever”, if I am too anxious about each day’s affairs.

 — “Amen”, unless I can honestly say, “No matter the cost to me, this is my prayer.”

 

 

I did a Google search to find out who the author is — Unknown. Thank you Unknown for this beautiful challenge that helps us to reflect on the importance of  what we pray.

 

 

Reading through this challenge reminded me of that time long ago when I was so excited to think about this thought provoking way of viewing the prayer Jesus gave us in Matthew 6:9-13. 

 

 

Let’s be transformed in the way we think (about prayer) by the renewing of our minds. As we do this lets remember that God, like any friend, wants to be in meaningful conversation with us.

Let's be transformed in the way we think by the renewing of our minds. Click To Tweet

 

If you felt challenged by Unknown’s “I Cannot Say,” leave a comment in the reply box below to help encourage others in their prayer lives. Thank you!

 

What change could you make this week to encourage yourself and others to keep on conversing with our Heavenly Father?  Please share in the reply box below.