Matthew 6:1-11

Showy religion

1 “Be careful that you don't practice your religion in front of people to draw their attention. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

2 “Whenever you give to the poor, don't blow your trumpet as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets so that they may get praise from people. I assure you, that's the only reward they'll get.

3 But when you give to the poor, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing

4 so that you may give to the poor in secret. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.

Showy prayer

5 “When you pray, don't be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that's the only reward they'll get.

6 But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you.

Proper prayer

7 “When you pray, don't pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words they'll be heard.

8 Don't be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask.

9 Pray like this: Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name.

10 Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it's done in heaven.

11 Give us the bread we need for today.