It happened once upon a time that Mullah Nasruddin went to offer prayers in the mosque, but that day he was in a hurry, and so his prayers were rushed.  He knelt when he should stand, he stood when he should kneel–in short, he got all mixed up.  Inevitably a very pious person noticed, and criticised the Mullah for his behaviour.

“That is no way to pray,” said the man.  “Your haste has spoiled your prayers.  Think that some day you will meet your Creator face to face, and how will you explain to Him what you have done today? You should say your prayers again, properly this time.”

Obediently, the Mullah repeated the prayers, this time in a more ‘prayerful’ rhythm.  When he finished, the pious man said, “There – surely God is more content with your prayers now!”

“I doubt it,” said the Mullah, preparing to leave.

“Why is that?” asked the pious man, astonished.

“Because the first time, I said the prayers badly but I said them for God.  The second time, I didn’t say them for Him–I said them for you!”