Sometimes I

simply share with you what has been passed onto me.

Come to

think of it, that's what being a Christian is all about.

Anyway,

here's an item that has been in my file for years, but it

is as relevant today as ever.

You and The

Lord's Prayer:

I cannot

say OUR , if my

religion has no room for others and their need.

I cannot

say FATHER , if I

do not demonstrate his relationship in my daily living.

I cannot

say Who Art in

Heaven , if all my daily interests and pursuits are in

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 give up my own sovereignty and

accept the righteous reign of God.

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 fellow humans.

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 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 or do.

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 honestly say, "Cost what it may, this is my

prayer."

I bet we

won't mindlessly recite The Lord's Prayer next time, will

we?

Kollmeyer

is senior pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in

Fayetteville. ?