The Message Bible MSG
New International Version NIV
5 "And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?
5
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
6 "Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.
6
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
7 "The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God.
7
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.
8 Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need.
8
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are.
9
“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
10 Set the world right; Do what's best - as above, so below.
10
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
11
Give us today our daily bread.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
12
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You're in charge! You can do anything you want! You're ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.
13
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.