The Bible talks about people who pray in public at length, partially to impress others. Two thousand years ago that may have impressed people, but we are asked to pray in private.
Do you think the reverse is true today? If someone openly prayed in public, what would the perception be? Would people think they were a wacko without credibility or be impressed with their commitment? Would that person lose credibility or gain it?
Is it easier to pray in private? Do you bless your food in public, or are you concerned about offending someone else? Strangers have told me that it was refreshing to see me bless my meal. Honestly, my ego does consider what others think of me, though I hate to admit it. You?
Thank you, God, for Grace, Truth, Love, and Laughter,
Darren
(Reminder, this is just a journal of my mistakes, experiences, and thoughts along my journey to having a closer relationship to God. I do not claim to be an authority on the subject. If you want to know The Way, read the Bible.)
P.S. Thank you, especially, for grace.
Want to see more God Blog posts? https://darrenlacroix.com/category/godblog/
My husband prayed (out loud, though quietly) over our first meal as a married couple in a restaurant. Not because we wanted to impress anyone, but because we were truly thankful. Before the meal was over, an older couple came to our table, thanked us for praying in public, and assured us that this was a good start to our marriage. We continue to pray, now 15 years later, because we continue to be thankful.
We’re not trying to impress anyone, we’re not trying to tell anyone else they need to pray, we’re simply thankful.
I have no problem praying out loud, praying in public, praying in private, praying in a group, praying with another person, praying over computers… But you knew that already. LOL! I used to care what people thought, but not any more. The wow moments I get from prayer are precious to me.