Giving and Prayer

Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18

Giving and Prayer
 

Others often show the world their faith
on a TV monitor and a stage
for all the world to see they are religious
full of themselves and the attention.

They show others how to be Chrsitian
and flaunt their wealth as a sign from God
as the mantle of their authority and piety
never sharing the gifts from God.


Let me be always humble, Lord
circumspect and grateful in all I do
keep me from seeking others'  praise
so I might be enfolded in your arms.

Let me use my hands for sharing
my days for service and love
may my days be filled with bending
and giving away the Creator's love.