Matthew 6:5-15
The King teaches His people to pray to the Father with hidden sincerity, kingdom priorities, daily dependence, and forgiving hearts.
5 “When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7 In praying, don’t use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.
8 Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need, before you ask him.
9 Pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
The King teaches his people to pray to the Father with hidden sincerity, kingdom priorities, daily dependence, and forgiving hearts.
Matthew records Jesus correcting hypocritical and pagan-like prayer by teaching his disciples to pray simply, Fatherward, kingdom-first, dependently, repentantly, and forgivingly.
The Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus instructs disciples about righteousness before the Father.
Hidden Righteousness, the Father’s Reward, and Seeking First the Kingdom
Kingdom righteousness lives before the Father rather than human applause, treasures God above earthly security, and seeks first his kingdom with childlike trust.