June 3, 2020 Fr. Mike's Summer Shorts
THE REAL MESSAGE OF THE LORD’S PRAYER
+ I cannot pray our, if my faith has no room for others and their need.
+ I cannot pray Father, if I do not demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living.
+ I cannot pray who art in heaven, if all of my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.
+ I cannot pray hallowed be thy name, if I am not striving, with God’s help, to be holy.
+ I cannot pray thy kingdom come, if I am unwilling to accept God’s rule in my life.
+ I cannot pray thy will be done if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.
+ I cannot pray on earth as it is in heaven, unless I am truly ready to give myself to God’s service here and now.
+ I cannot pray give us this day our daily bread, without expending honest effort for it, of if I would withhold from my neighbor the bread that I receive.
+ I cannot pray forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone.
+ I cannot pray lead us not into temptation, if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.
+ I cannot pray thine is the kingdom, if I am unwilling to obey the King.
+ I cannot pray thine is the power and glory, if I am seeking power for myself and my own glory first.
+ I cannot pray forever, if I am too anxious about each day’s affairs.
+ I cannot pray amen, unless I honestly say, “Cost what it may, this is my prayer.”
A SAINT’S PRAYER: Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart, which no unworthy affection may drag downwards; give me an unconquered heart, which no tribulation may wear out; give me an upright heart, which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside.” ~ Thomas Aquinas