Proper Alms Giving and Prayer
Matthew 6:1-15
“Watch out that you’re not charitable just to impress others. If so, you get no reward from your Father which is in heaven. Therefore, when you give to the poor, don’t do it with trumpet fanfare, like the hypocrites in synagogues—or in the public streets to gain notoriety. I tell you the truth; that’s their only reward. Rather, when you help the poor, don’t even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing! That way, your giving in secret will be seen by your Father who sees all secrets and he will reward you openly.
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“And when you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites! They love to pray while standing in the synagogues and on the street corners, so others can see them. I tell you the truth, they have their reward. But you—when you pray—go into a closet and shut the door. Then pray to your Father who understands secrets, and your Father who knows all secrets will reward you. And when you pray, don’t keep repeating the same mantra, like the gentiles do, because they think excessive pleading gets God’s attention. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need, even before you ask him.
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“Pray like this. Father in heaven, blessed be your name! Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today’s bread. Forgive us what we owe you—as we forgive those indebted to us. Lead us away from temptation and deliver us from evil, for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
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“Further, if you forgive others when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you remain unforgiving, you will remain unforgiven by your Father.