Pray Tell

Is public prayer a witness or an act of pride? Or is it something else—like an act of love and affection?

It depends entirely on the state of our hearts as to why we pray—whether it is in public or private. If we thank God for our blessings on a regular basis, we don’t need to stop doing it when we’re out in public. If, however, our motivation for praying in public is to be seen and to demonstrate to others that we pray to God, then maybe we’ve got a problem. And if it’s about us—well, then, it probably is not about God.

After all, praying is merely speaking with God, spending time with Him. But praying to God is also, and most importantly, an act of love and affection. Praying to God is an act of trust in the one who gives us life. Praying to God is an act of humble surrender to the one who is in charge of it all and who created it all. If that’s where our focus stays, then these other thoughts shouldn’t matter. If we’re worried about what others are thinking of our words or whether we are being watched, then our focus has changed.

His Promises

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. 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.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Pray like this:

Our Father in heaven,

may your name be kept holy.

May your Kingdom come soon.

May your will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us today the food we need,

and forgive us our sins,

as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

And don’t let us yield to temptation,

but rescue us from the evil one.