Bible Verses about Praying in Public, Public Prayer – Should Christians Pray In Public? Should We Pray In Public?

Bible Verses about Praying in Public, Public Prayer – Should Christians Pray In Public? Should We Pray In Public? See also: What Jesus Said About Prayer.

Dear Friends, Jesus tells us to pray privately. (See Bible Verses below).
As Christians and followers of Jesus Christ, should we pray in public?

Is praying publicly an issue or a non issue for us as Christians?
We recently explored Inspiring Bible Verses about Praying in Secret. You may also have read the post Spending Time in the Secret Place. You may wonder, if Jesus tells us to pray in secret, should we then ever pray in public?

Bible Verses about Praying in Public vs. Praying in Secret
Matthew 6:5, ESV And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (Emphasis mine)

Matthew 6:6, ESV But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Dear Friends, the above does not mean that we as Christians should never pray in public: for instance to encourage a group of people, to pray for a group of people, or to otherwise lead others in prayer. These scriptures are talking about the condition of our hearts, our motives, and why we pray.
Related: Is my heart right with God? How do I know my heart is right with God?

We need to watch out, to make sure our “public prayers” (or anything else we do for that matter), are not done in order to show off or to impress others, or so that others can see us (See Matthew 6:5 above, and Matthew 6:1 below.)

Matthew 6:1, ESV Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

This is why Jesus tells us to pray in secret: i.e., pray privately. This line of thought is very similar to what Jesus said concerning giving to the needy: Again, it has to do with the state of our heart, and what is motivating our actions:

Matthew 6:2-4, NASB So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Related: Bible Verses about Generosity; Pride; Humility

When we want to say or do anything, including praying publicly, we must always ask ourselves – Why am I doing what I am doing? Do I want to be honored by men or honored by God? (Hindrances to Prayer)

Another important question we must ask: Is my heart right with God?

See also: Guarding your heart; God’s Approval; What Makes God Happy?

1 John 5:14, NIV This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Conclusion:
Praying publicly is a non issue. The more important issue at hand is the state of our hearts. So help us God, Amen.

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Thanks for reading, Dear Friends!
Have a wonderfully blessed, stress-free, productive, and joyful day!
Much Love & Blessings,
Bomi Jolly ~ JollyNotes.com