⁵ “And when you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to ^(A)stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners ^(B)so that they ^[a]will be seen by people. ^(C)Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. ⁶ But as for you, when you pray, ^(D)go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and ^(E)your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

⁷ “And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their ^(F)many words. ⁸ So do not be like them; for ^(G)your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

The Lord’s Prayer

⁹ “^(H)Pray, then, in this way:

^14 (O)For if you forgive other people for their ^[h]offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ¹⁵ But ^(P)if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your ^[i]offenses.

Your Attitude toward God

5 ^[a](A)Guard your steps as you go to the house of God, and approach to listen rather than to offer the ^(B)sacrifice of fools; for they do not know that they are doing evil. ^2 [b]Do not be ^(C)quick with your mouth or ^[c]impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your ^(D)words be few. ³ For the dream comes through much ^[d]effort, and the voice of a ^(E)fool through many words.

⁴ When you ^(F)make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. ^(G)Pay what you vow! ⁵ It is ^(H)better that you not vow, than vow and not pay. ⁶ Do not let your ^[e]speech cause ^[f]you to sin, and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a ^(I)mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice, and destroy the work of your hands? ⁷ For in many dreams and in many words there is futility. Rather, ^[g](J)fear God.