Three Secret Things (Matthew 6:1-8)

Why Secret? Religious people make a show of these things, like the Pharisees, - hypocrisy - a thing abhorrent in the sight of God. Jesus warned against doing these things for a show.

Why do we do these things? not to impress people, but because God asks us to do so. We please God, not men. 

1. Prayer a vital activity for growth and power in the faith. It is the time I talk to the Lord and He talks to me. It is the time I open my heart to Him, and He reveals His secrets to me. It is the time when I get alone with God, when the Holy Spirit deals with me and reveals things hidden in my heart. The Psalmist says, Psalm 139:23,  "Search me, O God..." We also have a model prayer, which Jesus taught, that we need to be aware of (Matthew 6:9-13.). 
2. Fasting. This on its own is of no value, unless you want to lose weight! It is always coupled with prayer. It is the time we seek God intensely for some desperate/specific need. We fast alone, or with other believers. How often? it is entirely up to one's individual judgement. It is not a sad affair, nor for a show, like the Pharisee in Luke 18:10-12. There is no commandment to fast; but notice that Jesus said "When you fast". Sometimes God calls His people to fast, as in an emergency - Joel 1:14.
3. Almsgiving. Again there is no commandment; but an obligation to look after the poor and destitute of God's people. Deuteronomy 24:19-22 shows the principle of almsgiving. God commands this, it should not be for show. The motive is love and care. God is no man's debtor. He owes us nothing. Even a glass of water given to someone in need will have its reward.