Study Desk

"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 many words.

"So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

"For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

"Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.

"But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;

for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing?

"And why are you worried about clothing? Notice how the lilies of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin thread for cloth,

"Do not worry then, saying, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear for clothing?'

"For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

"For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.

"For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

"Or what person is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf of bread, will give him a stone?

"Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he?

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.