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Is all the praying we do in public biblical ?
mrsnacks:
I know that Jesus said that when we pray - go in private.
But in Christendom there is a lot of public prayer. A lot of getting together in a circle and everyone saying something to God. I really never felt comfortable with it and it's may be me. I was going through struggles especially when it came to my turn in the past. I would be trying to sound more spiritual or more clever than the prayer before me. Yes one can pray in the flesh. I did it. Public prayer can be a competition in a small way. Then even the pastor would ask God's blessings upon the message that he was about to speak etc. Then he would preach about tithing, hell or free will. And then when church people go out and eat together - one better not touch his food until the appointed one has prayed for everyone. I at times pray silently and thank Him for the food. Why is it that I have to always do it out loud ?
Anyway some thoughts ?
Redbird:
Hi Mr. Snacks,
Boy, you sure are a curious sort :D. You're right, I also felt "off" in church praying in public because I know what Jesus says in the gospels, not to mention repeating prayers 10 or so times in a row like we did in the Catholic church, when Jesus says not to use vain repetitions. And what about idols....get my drift! I could go on and on. One more though, the clincher that finally got me was that Jesus said to call no man rabbi or father on earth, as one is our Father....God. So, in my heart, I knew some of the things in the church were just not in agreement with Christ's teaching. I am still thankful for the good stuff they taught though and I did learn alot. But, I learned truth from Jesus. He is the one who has never let me down, His words ring true. HE IS THE WAY AND THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE.
Well, I feel better now. :D
His peace to you ~ Lisa
mari_et_pere:
Praying in public reminds me of the Pharisees. They were high and mighty as they walked through the streets. I don't see my folks often enough, and this past Saturday my dad drive down here to pick up a couch that me and my wife gave them. Well, me and him went to get some lunch at Burger King. Of course he prayed over our food in Burger King. :) He believes it's the right thing to do so I didn't say anything. The man is in his mid/late 60's; he's not going to change his ways just because his kid disagrees, you know what I mean? But I thought, "Oh my gosh, I bet the Pharisees would have prayed over their lunch at Burger King, very very loudly as to bring attention to the fact that they were SO good."
Not saying my dad did that, but I'm pretty inclined to say public prayer is for Pharisees. NO OFFENSE.
Matt
jackson:
Jesus teaches about prayer,
Matthew 6: 5 and 6
5. "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father who sees everything will reward you."
There isn't really anything else that needs to be said.
In His Grace,
Jackson
mrsnacks:
--- Quote from: jackson on May 23, 2007, 10:02:45 AM ---Jesus teaches about prayer,
Matthew 6: 5 and 6
5. "When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. 6. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father who sees everything will reward you."
There isn't really anything else that needs to be said.
In His Grace,
Jackson
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You are right. I recall a few times when I have prayed in silent among other Christians in a restaurant and start to eat , then one will look at me and ask me did I pray. Or someone will say okay let's hold hands and pray.
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