The proper places for private, public and secret prayer are considered today along with the Savior’s condemnation of counterfeit religious displays and vainglory (we say, showing off). The prophecies of Jesus to condemn hypocrisy and self-promotion do not contradict the divine exhortations to continue good works, importunity, intercession, devotions performed out-of-doors, and shared prayer. Given that the gathering places once set apart only for service to GOD now also are used as social halls, community centers, and auditoriums for civic service, amusement and recreation, church sanctuaries are often defiled and profaned by personal chatter, gossip, quarrels and whispering. Some congregations even display cadavers and honor their dead in the areas once strictly set apart for intimacy with GOD by divine laws against uncleanness. While the tabernacle and temple were divinely chosen as locations for oracles, offerings and sacrifice, no specific place was commanded by Deity as the setting for prayer. Prayer has been neither forbidden nor required on the basis of age and gender criteria; and group prayer is practiced by as few as two partners as well as by many more than one hundred. (See Acts 1: 12-15, Acts 21: 4-6, 1st Timothy 2: 1-6 and James 5: 13-18, KJV.) The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Yk” (Level 2 with 397 points, a member since February 05, 2015) attacked using the following:
When Christians pray in public like a church is that the same as praying in a closet with the door shut like Jesus Christ said to pray?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6: 1-9, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Saved by a Prayer? (10/31/2014); Is Prayer an Act of Faith? (11/01/2014); Perfection and Prayer? (08/27/2014); Prayer not Enough? (07/12/2013); A Tree Falls To The South (07/13/2013); Outgrowing Childhood Prayers? (04/07/2013); Confessing Only to GOD? (04/08/2013)
“Yk”, here are a few points that many Christian believers take into account regarding prayer:
(1.) Prayer is one form of intimate communication between believers and divinity that permits multiple forms of heartfelt exchange and interaction. Included are acceptance, agreement, appeal, approval, confession, dedication, intercession, lamentation, listening, petition, praise, promise, sacrifice, sealing, and submission.
(2.) Because prayer also cleanses and sets apart for service (we say, sanctifies), the sanctuary of most church buildings are accounted anointed, consecrated, and purified through prayer. Thereby, as though it were the upper room recorded in scripture, the area where believers assemble becomes their most holy place wherein they may receive the divine presence; and it is not simply because of its size that congregations gather there for instruction, prayer, and worship.
(3.) No believer ever prays alone. Their prayers are joined to those of the angels, to those of Christ and the Holy Spirit as well as to those of every other believer who was, who is, and who will be. Thus, the power of a single prayer is amplified and multiplied.
As with all the things of our salvation, there is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) Believers pray without fear in all places (the home, the workplace, the battlefield) understanding that nothing can separate us from the love of GOD in Christ. The assembly or body is itself a “closed setting” wherein believers may offer prayer as though concealed and hidden. Outsiders may hear or see the carnal dimensions that indicate believers are praying such as bowing the head, folding the hands, or bending the knee. However, the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are in a direct communication that does not even require speaking aloud.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith and spiritual maturity.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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