1. **Matthew 6:5-6 (NIV):**
- "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
2. **James 4:3 (NIV):**
- "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
- *This verse highlights the importance of the intentions behind prayer. Prayer should come from pure motives, not selfish desires or a wish to manipulate outcomes.*
3. **1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV):**
- "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs."
- *This description of love is a reminder that prayer, when done in love, should not be self-seeking or harmful to others.*
4. **Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):**
- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
- *This passage encourages prayer to be a source of peace and connection with God, rather than a way to control situations or people.*
5. **Luke 6:28 (NIV):**
- "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."
- *This teaching from Jesus emphasizes praying with a spirit of blessing, even for those who may not treat us well, rather than using prayer as a means of retaliation or judgment.*
