In Secret

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 

In Secret

Dear Generous and Loving Creator
we are surrounded by good deed stories
news of kindness get so much attention
help us to be humble givers now.

Make us aware of our need for attention
we are all in hiding separately together
we want to shine from homemade bunkers
let us work in the alleys and the shadows.

Help us to leave off shame and judgment
give us new vision to see the real need
make us those who pray loudly in secret
and quietly go out and care for others.

May our devotion and kindnesses be gifts
of thanksgiving for love showered down
may we devote our lives to joyful giving
that we might be true to love's call. Amen