Matthew 6:2-18

2“So whenever you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not blow a trumpet before you [to advertise it], as the hypocrites do [like actors acting out a role] in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored and recognized and praised by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full.

3But when you give to the poor and do acts of kindness, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing [give in complete secrecy],

4so that your charitable acts will be done in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.

5“Also, when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to pray [publicly] standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they may be seen by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full.

6But when you pray, go into your most private room, close the door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.

7“And when you pray, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

8So do not be like them [praying as they do]; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

9“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

10Your kingdom come, Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

11Give us this day our daily bread.

12And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].

13And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’

14For if you forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15But if you do not forgive others [nurturing your hurt and anger with the result that it interferes with your relationship with God], then your Father will not forgive your trespasses.

16“And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they put on a sad and dismal face [like actors, discoloring their faces with ashes or dirt] so that their fasting may be seen by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full.

17But when you fast, put oil on your head [as you normally would to groom your hair] and wash your face

18so that your fasting will not be noticed by people, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees [what is done] in secret will reward you.