Leading Me Astray.

How is it that so many pastors don't know the difference between a prayer, a benediction, and a sermon? Why am I asking this? Well, a couple of things got to me recently. First, I attended a pre-Veteran's Day program in October - I believe it was basically for the local politicians, since election day was Nov. 7th and Verteran's Day isn't until Nov. 11th - the local politicians had their signs out all around the place. But that is not the issue. The issue was the local pastor of a well know church in the area who was giving the benediction. This man had no clue as to what he was supposed to do (which was to give a benediction - a blessing). After talking for over three minutes about what he was going to do and telling the audience what they were supposed to do for the benediction (which he turned into a prayer and quassi alter call) he lost me. The fourth and final time he said "and with every head bowed..." I did not bow my head nor close my eyes. I sat and wondered how this guy could be so clueless, how could he not know how to give a benediction? How could he not understand the purpose of the benediction at this event?

Then last Sunday at church my pastor started preaching a sermon during a prayer (this man has a Ph D). He started out fine, thanking God, acknowledging God, petitioning God and then he started on a....." for we know that if....then, and we know that if we do this or don't do that...then..."
He lost me, I started thinking "hey man, you're going to be preaching the sermon in about three minutes - stict to the prayer." Then we wonder why people feel like they don't know how to pray - well it's because their pastors don't set an example of how to pray - they mix up preaching with their prayers......come on guys..... the example was set by Jesus Christ .....The Lord's Prayer.....it's a prayer.

So here's the basics according to Webster.
Prayer: an earnest request; a humble entreaty made to God.
Sermon: a speech given as instruction in religion or morals.
Benediction: a blessing.

So come on guys, let's try to get the simple stuff right. If you can't make your point in your sermon, don't try to preach little sermonettes in your prayers or benedictions - spend more time working on your sermon!