5: 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 WHO 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.

I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US, if I harbour a grudge against anyone.

I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, if I deliberately place myself 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.

I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM, if I do not accord the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say THINE IS THE POWER if I fear what people may do or what my neighbours may think.

I cannot say THINE IS THE GLORY if I am seeking glory for myself.

I cannot say FOR EVER AND EVER, if my horizon is bounded by the things of time.

I cannot say AMEN, if I do not also add "cost what it may". For to say this prayer honestly will cost everything.

– Original source unknown

Next: 6: The London Challenge