Matthew 6:5–17 (NLT) Jesus: In my kingdom, pray the right way and for the right reasons. Don’t pray like the . 5 “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. Pray privately & avoid mindless . 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. 7 “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8 Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! 9 Pray like this: … Fast , not publicly. 16 “And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. 17 But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. 18 Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. the truth. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. What Now? When your mind stops in prayer, stop your mouth. When your heart is restless to be admired or heard, rest your heart in this truth: “my Father sees me.” CONTINUING THE CONVERSATION 1. How do you feel about the idea that Jesus warned people about praying the wrong way & for the wrong reasons? 2. Think of a time when you prayed your most meaningful prayers. What were they like — short, long, in crisis, focused, solitude, private, etc.? 3. How might it help you to remember & rest in this truth while in private prayer: “my Father sees me and knows exactly what I need even before I ask him.”