“Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be
good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.”
Matthew 6:1 The Message (MSG)
“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for fifteen minutes of fame! Do you think God sits
in a box seat? “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.”
Matthew 6:5-6 (MSG)
“This, then, is how you should pray:
Matthew 6:9a NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV)
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9b (NIV)
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as
I will, but as you will.”
Matthew 26:39b (NIV)
Give us today our daily bread.
Matthew 6:11 (NIV)
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven
our debtors.
Matthew 6:12 (NIV)
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from
(the) evil (one).
Matthew 6:13 (NIV)
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire
and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:13-15 (NIV)
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Amen.