The Things That Matter

I recently came across a beautiful writing that highlights in a few words how our prayers can be better made when we consider things that might be hindering them.
I have been brought up in prayer and I believe that prayer is good for the soul. The ability to be in a separate place, to speak out words from the depth of your heart whether audible or not, is priceless as you can mention things that may be too heavy for people to hear, uttering that wont be judged but made to the one who is able to providently answer in ways best known to Him.

If the prayers are answered it is a benefit to you. If they are not, the privilege of being able to hand them over while believing brings peace to the soul. So either way, prayer is good.

Please read the information below and ponder on the issues raised.

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 ‘on 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 am 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 due 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.

Anonymous