I’ve Got Friends In Praying Places

I’ve Got Friends in Praying Places

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. Matthew 6:5-6

We pray as a family before every meal, even in public. I’ve had people watch us do so and comment later that they appreciated our boldness. Their comments have been affirming for me and I hope for them, but we don’t do it for the comments.

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

Could it be all of the above or any one of the above? I suppose it could. I think it depends entirely on the state of our hearts as to why we pray—whether it is in public or private. If we as a family thank God for our blessings on a regular basis, I don’t think we need to, or should, stop doing that 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 are a family who prays to God, then maybe we’ve got a problem. Because then it seems to be about us. 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.

Uncommon Key > Praying to God is a matter of the heart—wherever and whenever you pray—a heart that loves, trusts, and surrenders to Him. Make sure your heart is right before bowing your head or closing your eyes.