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Alms, Prayer, Fasting
Students may read Matthew 6:1-8, 16-18
Jesus taught his disciples that they should pray by themselves and not make a show of giving alms or fasting. All these practices should be done privately. Jesus wanted his disciples to pray alone, unseen by other people. He told them, “Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret.” He also said that fancy words were not important. “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Discussion Questions
Sometimes Jesus and the disciples prayed together. But Jesus also sent them off to pray alone. Why didn’t Jesus approve of praying in front of others? Why is it helpful to understand that God knows what we need even before we ask?
