Matthew 6:5-16

5“When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They like to stand in synagogues and on street corners to pray so that everyone can see them. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward.

6When you pray, go to your room and close the door. Pray privately to your Father who is with you. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.

7“When you pray, don’t ramble like heathens who think they’ll be heard if they talk a lot.

8Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9“This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, let your name be kept holy.

10Let your kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven.

11Give us our daily bread today.

12Forgive us as we forgive others.

13Don’t allow us to be tempted. Instead, rescue us from the evil one.

14“If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failures.

16“When you fast, stop looking sad like hypocrites. They put on sad faces to make it obvious that they’re fasting. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward.