Editor 's Note-
Perhaps you have heard of the value of meditating on a familiar prayer, such as the "Our Father, " line by line. Prayerfully concentrating on the memorized words often can lead us into new insights about the true meaning of a prayer or allow us to really hear what God may be saying to us. 
The following "Conversation with the Lord" was sent to us via e-mail. Even though the original source is not known and it 's been edited to fit this space, we hope it is of some help to you in your prayer life.

"Our Father, who art in heaven... 
Yes?
Don't interrupt me, I'm praying.
But you called me.
Called you? I didn't call you.
You said, "Our Father, who art in heaven." Here I am. What's on your mind?
But I didn't mean anything by it. I was just saying my prayers for the day. I always say "The Lord's Prayer.'' It makes me feel good, kind of, like getting a duty done.
All right.  Go on.
"...Hallowed be thy name... "
Hold it. What do you mean by that?
By what?
By " Hallowed be thy name?"
It means...Good grief; I don't know what it means. Its just part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?
It means honored, holy, and wonderful.
That makes sense. I never thought about what "hallowed" meant before. "...Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven... "
Do you really mean that?
Sure, why not?
What are you doing about it?
Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.
Have I got control of you?
Well, I go to church.
That isn't what I asked you, What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know.  And then there's the way you spend your money, all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?
Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at church.
Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it.  Like you, for example.
Oh, all right.  I guess I have some hang-ups, but I really would like to cut out some of those things.  I would like to, you know, be really free.
Good, Now we’re getting somewhere.  We’ll work together, you and I.  I’m proud of you.
Look, Lord, I need to finish here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does.  "...Give us this day our daily bread... "
You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight.
Wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize me day?" Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups. Praying is a dangerous thing.  You could end up changed by it, you know.
That's what I'm trying to get across to you. You called me, and here I am. Keep praying, I'm interested in the next part.
I'm afraid to. 
Afraid of what?
I know what you'll say.
Try me and see.
"...Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...”
What about Ann?
See. I knew you would bring her up. Why, she's told lies about my family and me.  I've sworn to get even with her.
What about your prayer?
I didn't mean it.
At least you’re honest. But it's not much fun carrying that load of bitterness around inside, is it?
No, but I`ll feel better as soon as I get even. She'll wish she never had moved into this neighborhood.
You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you are already. But I can change all that.
You can? How?
Forgive Ann. Then I'I1 forgive you. That way the hate and sin will be Ann's problem, not yours. You will have settled your heart.
You’re right. You always are. And more than I want to get even with Ann I want to be right with you. So...I forgive Ann.  Help her find the right road in life. Lord. She's bound to be miserable, doing the things she does to others. Show her the right way.
Wonderful! How do you feel?
Not bad. In fact, I feel pretty' good. I don't think I’ll be uptight when I go to bed tonight for the first time in ages.
You're not through with your prayer. Go on.
All right. "...And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  In your Son’s name, Amen. "
Good!  I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in places where you will be tempted. That's your part.
I'm sorry, Lord. Up until now I thought if I just prayed the "Our Father" every day, then I could do what I liked.
What pleases me is to have people like you truly love me. Now that some of your old sins are exposed and out of the way, there is no limit to what we can do together.
Lord, let's see what we can make of me, okay?
Yes, let's see.