1. 1 PRAYER PERVERTED Matt. 6:5-7 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

2. 2 PRAYER PERVERTED Introduction: 1.Prayer: Fellowship Between God & His Spiritual Children 2. Matt. 6:9-13 Jesus Gave a Model of Prayer. Vs. 7 Address God with Reverence, Praise Vs. 10 Pray for His Kingdom Vs. 10 Pray for His Will Not Ours to be Done Vs. 11 Pray for Physical Needs Vs. 12 Pray for Pardon Vs. 13 Pray to be Delivered from Evil Vs. 13 Give Honor, Glory, All Praise to God

3. 3 PRAYER PERVERTED Introduction: 3. Pray in His Name, Under His Authority, By His Instruction: Jn. 16:21-24 Often Perplexed, Asked Him Many Questions; Soon Rejoice to Pray God’s Blessings through Him 1 Jn. 5:14-16 Pray According to His Will 4. Jesus Contrasted Proper Prayer & Perverted Prayer in Matt. 6:5-7

4. 4 PRAYER PERVERTED I. Prayer Used as Panic Button, Magical Incantation A. 1 Pet. 3:12 God Not Hear All Prayers B. Jn. 9:24-34 God Not Hear Sinners

5. 5 PRAYER PERVERTED II. Prayer to Mary & Other Dead People A. Prayer a Form of Worship Matt. 6:9 Directed to God Jn. 16:23 Ask Blessings from God Matt. 4:9-10 Offer Worship or Seek Blessings from Anyone Other Than God Forbidden (Ex. 20:3-5) B. Paganism: Worship, Pray to Spirits of Ancestors C. Catholicism: Worship, Pray to Mary & Spirits of “Saints”

6. 6 PRAYER PERVERTED III. Enhance Prayer by Burning Candles, Incense A. Confidence God Hears Our Prayer Based on Perfect Sacrifice of Christ Heb. 4:16 Obtain Mercy, Find Grace through Christ Heb. 10:12, 19-22 Approach God with Confidence through Sacrifice of Christ B. Candles, Incense Add Nothing

7. 7 PRAYER PERVERTED IV. Women Lead Prayers A. 1 Tim. 2:8-12 God Ordained Male Leadership in Worship B. 1 Cor. 14:37 False Claims of Modern “Prophets” Justify Women Leading C. Woman Leading Defies God’s Authority D. Church Which Tolerates Women Leading Not Belong to the Lord (Rev. 2:9)

8. 8 PRAYER PERVERTED V. Pray Through, Say Sinner’s Prayer for Salvation A. Jn. 3:5 Born of Water & the Spirit, NOT Born of Prayer B. Mk. 16:15-16 All Must Obey Gospel, NOT Pray Through C. Acts 9:11, 18; 22:16 Saul Not Saved by Prayer, But Obeyed Gospel D. Sinner’s Prayer Not Found in Gospel E. 1 Jn. 1:7-10 Erring Saint Pray Pardon