Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture

 Matthew 6:1-6

Teaching about Giving to the Needy

    "Watch out! Don't do your good
deeds publicly, to be admired by others,
for you will lose the reward from your
Father in heaven. 2 When you give to
someone in need, don't do as the
hypocrites do-blowing trumpets in the
synagogues and streets to call attention
to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth,
they have received all the reward they will
ever get. 3 But when you give to someone
in need, don't let your left hand know what
your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts
in private, and your Father, who sees
everything, will reward you.

Teaching about Prayer and Fasting

 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.
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.


The Easter season is often marked by
spectacular displays of art and public
worship--we might sing beautiful Easter
hymns at church, attend moving Easter
pageants, or participate in public acts
of prayer, fasting, or devotion. The
Scripture reading reminds us that in
the midst of these outward displays,
however appropriate they are, we are
called to humility, self-sacrifice,
reflection, and quiet suffering.

Prayer

O Lord, who hast mercy upon all,
take away from me my sins,
and mercifully kindle in me
the fire of thy Holy Spirit.
Take away from me the heart of stone,
and give me a heart of flesh,
a heart to love and adore Thee,
a heart to delight in Thee,
to follow and enjoy Thee, for Christ's sake,
Amen.
-- Ambrose of Milan, 4th century bishop

(Lent Devotional from Bible Gateway)