Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/523

 A right intention. Prayer,  fasting  and  alms-deeds  are  good  works, as the  angel  Raphael  told  Tobias  (Old  Test.  LXIX). But good  works are neither  meritorious  nor  pleasing  to  God,  if  our  intention  in  doing them is  not  good,  and  not  directed  to  the  glory  of  God. If we  seek our own  glory  when  practising  good  works,  we  are  serving  our  own self-love and  pride,  and  not  God,  and  therefore  we  must  not  expect any reward  from  Him.

The public  worship  of  God.  Our  Lord’s  admonition:  “When  thou prayest, go  to  thy  chamber  &amp;c.”,  must  not  be  misunderstood. He does not intend  to  blame  the  public  worship  of  God  in  churches,  for  He Himself  went  to  the  Temple,  as  also  did  His  apostles. The public worship of  God  in  common  is  necessary  and  pleasing  to  Him,  but we must  frequent  it  not  to  seek  our  own  glory,  but  that  of  God. But our private  devotions  ought,  if  possible,  to  be  made  in  secret,  so  that they may  not  be  spoilt  and  made  worthless  in  the  sight  of  God  by  a desire  for  human  praise.

Do you  learn  your  lessons  well  only  in  order to win  praise? Do you  say  your  prayers  in  order  that  you  may be thought  good? You would  be  far  richer  than  you  are  in merits  before  God,  if  you  always  had  a right  intention  in  your practice of  good  works.

“And when  you  are  praying,  speak  not  much  as  the  heathens. For they  think  that  in  their  much  speaking  they  may  be  heard. Be not  you,  therefore,  like  to  them,  for  your  Father  knoweth what is  needful  for  you,  before  you  ask  Him. Thus therefore shall you  pray:

“Our Father  who  art  in  heaven,  hallowed  be  Thy  name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will  be  done  on  earth  as  it  is  in  heaven. Give us  this  day  our  supersubstantial bread. And forgive  us  our