Matthew 6:5–15: What Prayer Is and How It Works
Jesus reframes prayer as secret, honest address to a Father who already knows what his children need, and he gives a model that starts with God's name, kingdom, and will. Prayer works because of the character of the One addressed, not because of technique or volume.
Fasting for God, Not for People: Matthew 6:16–18
Jesus assumes his followers will fast, but he strips the practice of self-display. The purpose of fasting in Matthew 6:16–18 is to be seen by the Father who is in secret, not by people.