7. What counsel does Jesus give about how not to pray? Matthew 6:5, first part.
NOTE ‘The Pharisees had stated hours for prayer; and when, as often came to pass, they were abroad at the appointed time, they would pause wherever they might be, perhaps in the street or the market place, amid the hurrying throngs of men, and there in a loud voice rehearse their formal prayers. Such worship, offered merely for self-glorification, called forth unsparing rebuke from Jesus.’ page 84.
8. Why do people pray in this way? Matthew 6:5, last part.
NOTE: ‘Many offer prayer in a dry, sermonising manner. These pray to men, not to God. If they were praying to God, and really understood what they were doing, they would be alarmed at their audacity; for they deliver a discourse to the Lord in the mode of prayer, as though the Creator of the universe needed special information upon general questions in relation to things transpiring in the world. All such prayers are as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. They are made no account of in heaven. Angels of God are wearied with them, as well as mortals who are compelled to listen to them.’ Testimonies, volume 2, page 581.