Silent prayer or praying aloud?

[Precious2Him]

Hello everyone, not sure if anyone has ever posted about this before, though it's possible. Anyways, here's my question and thoughts on this:

So many people believe in silent prayer, and many believe in praying aloud. Some believe in both. Personally I'm one of those whom believes in both, that just as everything else in life, we must find a "healthy balance". There's several verses which represents and instructs us on both sides of this, and in a sense it's a loaded, yet simple question and answer. What's your thoughts?

God knows our every thought before we ever know it, He knows every detail about us, every hair on our head. He knows every need, He knows when and how we will approach Him, the times will be foolish and try to do and figure things out on our own, etc.

Some believe that when you speak/pray things aloud, it prevents Satan from attacking you, because he hears you claiming God's promises, victory, and more. While others believe that when you pray aloud, it actually gives Satan room to make a playground and attack you, because he knows what you desire, and can therefore work even harder to prevent/prolong those things from coming to be. However the power and will of God always wins, so I'm not sure how much sense that really makes.

The thing about praying silently, is that it's just more intimate to many people. While praying aloud is intimate, be it that you're praying with others or alone, they just feel it's not quiet as intimate as silent prayer. Over all, I can see both sides, and validity in them.

Things to consider: Matthew 6:5-8 tells us how to pray, and even says to go and pray privately.
Psalm 142:1-2 says I cry aloud to the LORD; I plead aloud to the LORD for mercy. I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him.

Matthew 6:5 says when we pray, not to be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. However, if you're praying aloud, in private, or in agreement with others, this doesn't apply. It's a matter of praying for the right reasons, and in proper context and such.

Then there's confession, we're told to confess with our mouth, and believe in our heart. Interesting how it all ties in, and I can see why so many have mixed emotions and thoughts about this, it's complex in a sense, yet simple as well. Just as the Word as a whole is, it's as simple or difficult as we make it over all I suppose. Anyways, what's your thoughts on this?

 

[tdawg23]

I think it's good to pray aloud bc like you already mentioned about claiming Gods promises. God SPOKE the world into existence and the same, we have power in our words. The power of life and death are in the tongue the bible says. I believe God wants us to approach Him with an sure attitude that whatever we ask of Him He hears us, and will give us an answer. Come to Him boldly knowing that what He says is true and that all of your prayers will be answered if they are according to His will. There should be a time where you come before Him, turning off all of the distractions like the tv and radio and just listen for His still small voice and guidance. Anyways, just my thoughts.

 

[Precious2Him]

I think it's good to pray aloud bc like you already mentioned about claiming Gods promises. God SPOKE the world into existence and the same, we have power in our words. The power of life and death are in the tongue the bible says. I believe God wants us to approach Him with an sure attitude that whatever we ask of Him He hears us, and will give us an answer. Come to Him boldly knowing that what He says is true and that all of your prayers will be answered if they are according to His will. There should be a time where you come before Him, turning off all of the distractions like the tv and radio and just listen for His still small voice and guidance. Anyways, just my thoughts.

I agree with you, but as I said before, I also see where we're to pray silently. It's just something some people prefer. Especially in church, they don't necessarily care to pray aloud where everyone can hear every detail of what's between them and God. It's like the personal aspect of ones walk and relationship with God, as well as the unspoken prayer request many have. It's not to be rude or leave anyone out of anything, there's just certain things in life some people don't feel the need to share with others. It's not out of fear of judgment either, it's just how they feel about things. Some figure that because God already knows the situation, the details, the needs, and He already has the outcome planned and figured out, there's no need to tell everyone, everything about some situations, circumstances, events, etc. in life. There's also those times where someone may feel ashamed of something they've done, or someone else has done to them, therefore, they prefer to approach God privately, because they fear the shame others may put upon them. It's interesting, and a deep subject in a sense. I appreciate your thoughts, and agree with you, there's just various ways and aspects of this and looking at this very subject hope that makes sense. God bless you!

 

[tdawg23]

Yeah, I know what you're saying and you seem to have a pretty good grasp on it. I try to be careful about what I say, I try to only speak from what I know is definitely the truth and see what other Godly people do. I've been confused about the silent praying thing before so I personally usually just say it really low and no one can hear or do it later when alone. I know a kutless song says, 'silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new that's what faith can do'. But how can you know unless the bible says it. I don't believe God would want us sharing every single detail of our most personal stuff with everyone though, you're right. That's a great question you brought up!

 

[Precious2Him]

Yeah, I know what you're saying and you seem to have a pretty good grasp on it. I try to be careful about what I say, I try to only speak from what I know is definitely the truth and see what other Godly people do. I've been confused about the silent praying thing before so I personally usually just say it really low and no one can hear or do it later when alone. I know a kutless song says, 'silent prayers get answered, broken hearts become brand new that's what faith can do'. But how can you know unless the bible says it. I don't believe God would want us sharing every single detail of our most personal stuff with everyone though, you're right. That's a great question you brought up!

Right, I don't believe God wants us sharing every single detail with everyone, especially for married couples. like if they're having issues,then talk to God privately first,then seek godly counsel . just make sure it's not for/where EVERYONE can hear and know about it. Also,many struggle with personal things like feeling lonely,temptation,porn,lust,falling away from feeling God,loss of a loved one,etc. and they just done want everyone knowing exactly how they feel or about their struggles. so they go to someone in confidence,and it should be kept "secret",just between those two people and God

 

[seed_time_harvest]

Hello I think that,wheather you pray loud or silently will not make your prayer more effective.GOD is a SPIRIT and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and TRUTH So then,if your heart is right,your prayer will be effectual.

 

[Precious2Him]

Hello I think that,wheather you pray loud or silently will not make your prayer more effective.GOD is a SPIRIT and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and TRUTH So then,if your heart is right,your prayer will be effectual.

It's not an issue/question of if it will make your prayer ''more effective", as we already know that it won't. It's simply a question of people's beliefs on both sides of things, and if they lean more towards one than the other, or if they practice both. Personally I do both, because as stated before by tdawg and myself, there's just some things you don't want everyone and their neighbor knowing about, and some things are just between you and God. It's like speaking in tongues, that's a gift of the spirit, and sometimes just between that person and God, unless He provides someone to give interpretation to the body of Christ. If they're provided, then the interpretation is to be shared with the body, if not, then those words are for that specific person. I've been to churches where someone will start speaking in tongues, but they'll do it silently, to their self....even excusing themselves, to go sit and be in quiet with God alone. Kinda the same thing with silent prayer in a sense, like going to our prayer closet, being alone, quiet, still, just listening to God speak to us, and also speaking to Him directly from our heart. Without the mouth ever speaking a single word, as God already knows our heart, it's desires, etc.

 

[RickyZ]

There is power in the spoken word; in private I primarily pray aloud whether it be a whisper to self and God or a shout from the rooftop. And it's not that a prayer on the lips is more connected to God than one in the mind, it's that (as one poster mentioned) satan and his minions really can't stand to hear it. Vocal praise and worship to God is like burning coals in their ears, and when cleansed and covered by the blood of Christ you speak directly at them it breaks strongholds and grips they've held for generations. When you call up before God someone or something, you call before God every critter that has attached itself thereto. And they don't like hearing that call. I like rubbing it in.

Publically, I pray quietly. That which is done before God being honored by God, I don't want any of man's attention drawn to my actions cutting into it. If asked to lead I will, but generally in a group I keep a quiet anchor with God and let others vie for attention.

 

[seed_time_harvest]

It's not an issue/question of if it will make your prayer ''more effective", as we already know that it won't. It's simply a question of people's beliefs on both sides of things, and if they lean more towards one than the other, or if they practice both. Personally I do both, because as stated before by tdawg and myself, there's just some things you don't want everyone and their neighbor knowing about, and some things are just between you and God. It's like speaking in tongues, that's a gift of the spirit, and sometimes just between that person and God, unless He provides someone to give interpretation to the body of Christ. If they're provided, then the interpretation is to be shared with the body, if not, then those words are for that specific person. I've been to churches where someone will start speaking in tongues, but they'll do it silently, to their self....even excusing themselves, to go sit and be in quiet with God alone. Kinda the same thing with silent prayer in a sense, like going to our prayer closet, being alone, quiet, still, just listening to God speak to us, and also speaking to Him directly from our heart. Without the mouth ever speaking a single word, as God already knows our heart, it's desires, etc.

Hello
very well said.

 

[MaggieMye]

Silent prayer is not mentioned in the Bible. When prayer is mentioned, it is HEARD. When Jesus prayed, his disciples HEARD Him pray.
Many people want to bank on the 'silent prayer' because they are embarrassed to speak out what their need is. This is, very simply, PRIDE!!
First of all, we are to confess our sins, one to another.
Secondly, no other person can stand with us on any given issue unless they know what it is they are standing FOR.
And this is not to say that God does not know our thoughts. He does! But nowhere in Scripture will you find, "Throw a thought up to God." And while He also knows our every need, Scripture tells us to ASK (which is a VERBAL act) and then Receive.
Maggie

 

[danschance]

God did not think the world into existence, He spoke it into existence.

Sure God can hear our every thought, but words are actions.

 

[nathan3]

People pray to their self , They some times pray aloud .. I'm not sure which is "more right" or not. But I think either is okay . Maybe it would depend in the situation also ?

 

[zone]

God did not think the world into existence, He spoke it into existence.

Sure God can hear our every thought, but words are actions.

words are actions?
since when?

words are words.

 

[MaggieMye]

People pray to their self , They some times pray aloud .. I'm not sure which is "more right" or not. But I think either is okay . Maybe it would depend in the situation also ?[/QUOTE No. Praying to yourself is STILL just thinking.
Here is the problem. Most that call themselves "Christian" do not believe that they have the same AUTHORITY as Christ....Christ withIN them. So they do not use that authority. Instead, they beg God to do what He has commissioned US to do!! ...some out loud and some 'think' it...which is NOT scriptural. Prayer is SPOKEN. Speech has sound. Period.

 

[Precious2Him]

The Bible doesn't say ''thou shalt not pray silently", in fact as stated before, it talks about praying in secret. Matthew 6:5-8 Whenever you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, because they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by people. I assure you: They've got their reward! But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him.


This scripture basically forbids praying aloud for show, as that's what is prideful, rather than one keeping to their self and praying silently(be it whispering, or inside their heart).

Matthew 7:7-8 [FONT=Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif]Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. [/FONT]
[FONT=Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif]There's no specifications there either, that says you MUST pray aloud. It simply says ask, which one can do from their heart. [/FONT]

[FONT=Corbel, Verdana, sans-serif]God never commanded us to pray aloud all the time. It's like God's voice, it's generally never heard in a verbal and literal sense. Yet we know when He speaks to us, to our heart, spirit, and soul. God did audibly speak to people in the Bible days, however since then, it's extremely rare for anyone to hear God's voice in such a manner. God lives within our heart, speaks within our heart, plants seeds in our heart which produces fruit,and He changes us from inside our heart. Seems to me, there's an awful lot of in the heart, and 'at the heart of the matter' here. The Bible no where, explicitly forbids one from praying silently, in fact, God living in our heart, gives us the words in our heart to pray, when we don't even have those words. Also, we must believe in our heart, it all stems from the heart over all, which is where Christ reigns in our being. Pretty interesting discussion here, and while I'll gladly agree to disagree with certain things, I'll also respect others rights to believe as they so choose. Again I say, it's not a matter of what's ''more right'' or ''more fitting" and such, it's a matter of opinion and beliefs. If God tells you to pray aloud only, so be it, I can't tell you He didn't, only you can distinguish that. Just as only one can distinguish if God tells them to pray silently. It's like there's a time to speak, and a time to refrain from doing so. God said His people, His sheep know His voice, and again, that voice is still and small at times, but roaring like a lion at other times....which in all honesty points more towards it's okay to pray aloud at times, and silently at times. There's a time to pray aloud in agreement with others, and a time to pray silently inside, because God already knows your heart, He lives there, and so He knows what the heart desires, needs, feels, and will say before a word is ever spoken(be those words spoken audibly or not). Anyhow, that's just some thoughts on the matter, and I do respect everyone's right to voice their own opinion, belief, and understanding of the question and matter at hand. God bless you all [/FONT]

 

[4enlightment]

Prayer is pleading for God to answer your request. And when you are at your lowest, your true feelings comes out of you. And praising Him is when God has answered your request unexpectedly that your mood from the lowest point, to the most highest point, spontaneously. Some people reacts differently than others, but there isn't no certain pattern that you must perform these act, but whatever comes from your heart, God know is it truthful or not.

1 Kings 8:28 Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy, Lord my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.

1 Kings 17:18She said to Elijah, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son?”

1 Kings 17:24Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth.”

Matthew 14:33


Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

John 4:23Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.

 

[crossnote]

Silent prayer is not mentioned in the Bible. When prayer is mentioned, it is HEARD. When Jesus prayed, his disciples HEARD Him pray.
Many people want to bank on the 'silent prayer' because they are embarrassed to speak out what their need is. This is, very simply, PRIDE!!
First of all, we are to confess our sins, one to another.
Secondly, no other person can stand with us on any given issue unless they know what it is they are standing FOR.
And this is not to say that God does not know our thoughts. He does! But nowhere in Scripture will you find, "Throw a thought up to God." And while He also knows our every need, Scripture tells us to ASK (which is a VERBAL act) and then Receive.
Maggie

No silent prayer in the bible? What's this?
1 Samuel 1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

I'll go with both.

 

[unclefester]

No silent prayer in the bible? What's this?
1 Samuel 1:13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

I'll go with both.

Ditto. Many times I'll pray silently at work ... or in the car ... or when I'm gone for a walk etc. Other times I might just feel like thanking and praising Him while doing these same things. It's all good I know that God hear's my every thought/word prayer or praise during these moments.

Philippians 4:8


[SUP]8 [/SUP]Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

 

[Precious2Him]

You guys are awesome it makes me think about the saying, "there may be places and times I'm not allowed to pray aloud, but I can pray silently and God hears it from my heart, and no one can stop that!"