Sermon on the Mount II

Jesus drops His voice. "When you give to the poor, do not make a big show of it. Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Some of the leaders shift where they stand. They loved being seen. But God watches what nobody else sees. And that is what He rewards.

Jesus talks about prayer. "Do not stand on the street corner so everyone can hear you. That is what fakers do. Go into a room. Close the door. Talk to your Father where nobody can see." Prayer is not a show. It is a secret meeting between you and the God who already knows your name.

"And when you pray, do not pile up empty words over and over." Jesus shakes His head. "God is not far away. He already knows what you need before you even open your mouth." Then Jesus does something no one expected. He teaches them a whole new way to pray. Simple. Short. Every word full of meaning.

Matt 6:1