Rewarding Prayer Model - Forgive While Being Forgiven

Today's Focus Scripture - Matthew 6:5-15 

5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.
8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

This passage begins with Jesus explaining about not "tooting your own horn" when we do good works, i.e. helping the poor.  When we do things in secret our Father will reward us openly.  And in these verses Jesus continues that theme about praying in the secret place and not using a lot of words to be heard by men, or vain, repetitious prayers.  The entire chapter of Matthew 6 deals more with doing things in secret and not blabbing about it, as well as not worrying about our lives "for tomorrow will care for itself."

We are all good people.  But none of us are quite "good enough" to be able to by-pass the Blood of Christ for the forgiveness of our trespasses and sins against God and others.

Come to the reward of forgiveness.