s3-104 PRAYER WITH PURPOSE

The establishment of human traditions causes iniquity within the church, presenting "a form of godliness that denies the power thereof: from such turn away!" (2 Timothy 3:5). Jesus confronted the scribes and Pharisees with their hypocrisy. "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore, ye shall receive the greater damnation" (Matthew 23:14).  Pretense in prayer" is the cornerstone of this lesson. Too often, we pray with ulterior motives rather than beseeching God. If I pray in such a manner as to cause someone to feel an emotional response, I am 'praying' to please myself. Such efforts do not reach the ceiling, let alone the throne of grace.