Is praying in public against a direct command from Jesus? Does this also include church and public meals?

[Drich]

I ask this because our pastor likes to hold these big long prayer meeting where he 'aggressively encourages' people to pray publicly after the sermon. This last Wednesday he and one of the older members bumped heads about the pastors use of an outline which was established by the Lord's prayer in mat 6 and luke 11.

The arguments centers around the Pastor's want to justify praying publicly using this outline, while the older member pointed out that in mat 6 Not only is the out line given, but we also have a directive that publicly praying in a place of worship, or in public is wrong. Jesus directly says that the people who pray loudly in the synagogues and street corners Do Not get a response from God. That the adoration of their fellow men who see what they are doing and makes them think they are 'holy' for their prayer is all the reward they will get.

Mat 6: 5“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and pray loudly. They want people to see them. The truth is, that’s all the reward they will get. 6;But when you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father. He is there in that private place. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you.

2/3s of this chapter talks about do not do your works or praise in the sight of others. So it follows that praying for meals in public, (at least at the table infront of others) and public prayers in church is heavily frowned upon/will not be heard by God. According to Jesus and His teachings found in mat 6.

What say you?

 

[WayneNSO]

I ask this because our pastor likes to hold these big long prayer meeting where he 'aggressively encourages' people to pray publicly after the sermon. This last Wednesday he and one of the older members bumped heads about the pastors use of an outline which was established by the Lord's prayer in mat 6 and luke 11.

The arguments centers around the Pastor's want to justify praying publicly using this outline, while the older member pointed out that in mat 6 Not only is the out line given, but we also have a directive that publicly praying in a place of worship, or in public is wrong. Jesus directly says that the people who pray loudly in the synagogues and street corners Do Not get a response from God. That the adoration of their fellow men who see what they are doing and makes them think they are 'holy' for their prayer is all the reward they will get.

Mat 6: 5“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and pray loudly. They want people to see them. The truth is, that’s all the reward they will get. 6;But when you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father. He is there in that private place. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you.

2/3s of this chapter talks about do not do your works or praise in the sight of others. So it follows that praying for meals in public, (at least at the table infront of others) and public prayers in church is heavily frowned upon/will not be heard by God. According to Jesus and His teachings found in mat 6.

What say you?

You have a good point here but what do you mean praying for meals ? I do not think a prayer of praise for what is provided before you is the same thing that is talked about in that chapter.

 

[Drich]

Not meals in general, but say a group of church members goes to a restaurant. Is it proper to pray to your meal publicly?

 

[OMC]

I ask this because our pastor likes to hold these big long prayer meeting where he 'aggressively encourages' people to pray publicly after the sermon. This last Wednesday he and one of the older members bumped heads about the pastors use of an outline which was established by the Lord's prayer in mat 6 and luke 11.

The arguments centers around the Pastor's want to justify praying publicly using this outline, while the older member pointed out that in mat 6 Not only is the out line given, but we also have a directive that publicly praying in a place of worship, or in public is wrong. Jesus directly says that the people who pray loudly in the synagogues and street corners Do Not get a response from God. That the adoration of their fellow men who see what they are doing and makes them think they are 'holy' for their prayer is all the reward they will get.

Mat 6: 5“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and pray loudly. They want people to see them. The truth is, that’s all the reward they will get. 6;But when you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father. He is there in that private place. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you.

2/3s of this chapter talks about do not do your works or praise in the sight of others. So it follows that praying for meals in public, (at least at the table infront of others) and public prayers in church is heavily frowned upon/will not be heard by God. According to Jesus and His teachings found in mat 6.

What say you?

When I read Matthew 6, I don’t see Jesus forbidding all public prayer; I see Him forbidding performative prayer—prayer done to be seen, admired, or treated as spiritually impressive.
Jesus says the hypocrites “love to stand… and pray loudly” so that people will notice them; that motive is what He condemns.
But the same Jesus who said “go into your room” also prayed publicly at Lazarus’ tomb, blessed food publicly before feeding the 5,000, prayed publicly in Gethsemane, and taught His disciples to pray “Our Father,” which is a corporate prayer.
The early church in Acts prayed together constantly, and God answered those prayers.
So when I look at Matthew 6, I see Jesus attacking showmanship, not congregational prayer. If a pastor pressures people to pray publicly to prove spirituality, that violates the passage; but if believers pray together humbly, without trying to impress anyone, that aligns perfectly with Jesus’ teaching.

 

[BetterCallPsalms]

I would think it matters if it concerns if the prayers are coming from the heart toward God with no regards if it is done in private or public. If it is done for show/vanity more than to glorify God, I would say it would be offensive in the Lord's eyes.

 

[WayneNSO]

Not meals in general, but say a group of church members goes to a restaurant. Is it proper to pray to your meal publicly?

I would say it depends how it is done, if its done softly spoken like you have a normal conversation between yourselves at a table is one thing but if its at high volume wanting the whole restaurant to hear then that's a look at me, like you was on stage acting

I'd like to hear more comments from others about this subject, as I am just stating my opinion here, maybe there are verses I have not considered.

 

[ResidentAlien]

I would say it depends how it is done, if its done softly spoken like you have a normal conversation between yourselves at a table is one thing but if its at high volume wanting the whole restaurant to hear then that's a look at me, like you was on stage acting

I'd like to hear more comments from others about this subject, as I am just stating my opinion here, maybe there are verses I have not considered.

I think Jesus was just warning about being hypocrites who try to look religious to others but aren't right with God in their heart. I take His warnings about hypocrisy pretty seriously. Jesus prayed publicly, so I don't think He was saying it should never be done; but everyone should examine themselves and consider if they are seeking praise from God or men.

 

[Lanolin]

I never really got the praying in restaurants

It always made me uncomfortable esp when people prayed for too long and the food got cold.

A short blessing/benediction should suffice.

 

[Lanolin]

I think children benefit from memorising the Lord's Prayer though, that everyone can say together.

Also the Serenity Prayer is a good one for everyone regardless of religious faith or lack of.

 

[Drich]

When I read Matthew 6, I don’t see Jesus forbidding all public prayer; I see Him forbidding performative prayer—prayer done to be seen, admired, or treated as spiritually impressive.

Then why the directive to go into your closet and close the door? 2/3s of Chapter 6's sermon was about literally doing things for God in private? (Fasting, donating, helping others and prayer, we are told to do in secrete.)

Jesus says the hypocrites “love to stand… and pray loudly” so that people will notice them; that motive is what He condemns.

When I read this it is telling me anyone who prays publicly is a hypocrite because they are doing this to be seen. This is why He imediatly follows this with where to pray. (Don't be like the hypocrits who stand and pray in public, for they just want to be seen. Go home to your closet and close the door.

Close the door so people in your own home do not see what you are doing.

But the same Jesus who said “go into your room” also prayed publicly at Lazarus’ tomb,

If you read the passage on this 'prayer' over Lazarus Jesus in the prayer makes an apologetic statement on why He is praying publicly:

41 So they moved the stone away from the entrance. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you heard me. 42 I know that you always hear me. But I said these things because of the people here around me. I want them to believe that you sent me.” 43 After Jesus said this he called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

The early church in Acts prayed together constantly, and God answered those prayers.

There are roughly 20 to 30 examples of prayer (depending on how you define it) in the book of acts. Of those examples there are only 7 instances that demonstrate 'corporate prayer.'

I'm not disputing the efficacy of corporately lead prayer Or decon/elder praying over people.. I am calling into question the act of individuals being taught to pray in situations covered in mat 6 warning against public displays of prayer.

So when I look at Matthew 6, I see Jesus attacking showmanship, not congregational prayer. If a pastor pressures people to pray publicly to prove spirituality, that violates the passage; but if believers pray together humbly, without trying to impress anyone, that aligns perfectly with Jesus’ teaching.

I agree.

 

[OMC]

Then why the directive to go into your closet and close the door? 2/3s of Chapter 6's sermon was about literally doing things for God in private? (Fasting, donating, helping others and prayer, we are told to do in secrete.)

Jesus’ command to go into my closet and shut the door simply means He wants my prayer to be directed toward the Father rather than toward an audience, so the secrecy He describes is about purifying my motives, not about requiring a literal hidden location.

 

[OMC]

When I read this it is telling me anyone who prays publicly is a hypocrite because they are doing this to be seen. This is why He imediatly follows this with where to pray. (Don't be like the hypocrits who stand and pray in public, for they just want to be seen. Go home to your closet and close the door.

Close the door so people in your own home do not see what you are doing.

I read Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 in a strictly text‑first way, it really does sound like He’s saying that anyone who prays publicly is acting like a hypocrite, because His command to go into my room and shut the door is meant to remove every possible audience, even the people inside my own home

 

[2Christ]

I ask this because our pastor likes to hold these big long prayer meeting where he 'aggressively encourages' people to pray publicly after the sermon. This last Wednesday he and one of the older members bumped heads about the pastors use of an outline which was established by the Lord's prayer in mat 6 and luke 11.

The arguments centers around the Pastor's want to justify praying publicly using this outline, while the older member pointed out that in mat 6 Not only is the out line given, but we also have a directive that publicly praying in a place of worship, or in public is wrong. Jesus directly says that the people who pray loudly in the synagogues and street corners Do Not get a response from God. That the adoration of their fellow men who see what they are doing and makes them think they are 'holy' for their prayer is all the reward they will get.

Mat 6: 5“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and pray loudly. They want people to see them. The truth is, that’s all the reward they will get. 6;But when you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father. He is there in that private place. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you.

2/3s of this chapter talks about do not do your works or praise in the sight of others. So it follows that praying for meals in public, (at least at the table infront of others) and public prayers in church is heavily frowned upon/will not be heard by God. According to Jesus and His teachings found in mat 6.

What say you?

find a new church

You are correct about having doubts for praying in public and quoted the correct verse.

 

[OMC]

If you read the passage on this 'prayer' over Lazarus Jesus in the prayer makes an apologetic statement on why He is praying publicly:

41 So they moved the stone away from the entrance. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you heard me. 42 I know that you always hear me. But I said these things because of the people here around me. I want them to believe that you sent me.” 43 After Jesus said this he called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

When I read Jesus’ words at Lazarus’ tomb, I see Him openly saying that He prayed out loud only for the sake of the crowd, which shows that His public prayer in that moment was exceptional and purposeful, not a model for normal prayer that contradicts His command to pray in secret

 

[tablet123]

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

1 Timothy 2: 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

We are to pray no matter where we are at and is not wrong to do.

So we can pray publicly.

Matthew 6:5 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.

John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

This does not have to do with not being able to pray in public but the attitude behind it.

Some people do things to impress other people wanting them to think they are special for they want glory for themselves.

Which some claiming Jesus might do the same which they have their reward not of the heavenly realm for they are giving glory to themselves.

2 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.

Matthew 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.

5 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.

6 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.

I do not believe it means we cannot pray in public but we cannot have the attitude of doing it for attention and to glorify ourself wanting people to think we are special.

That is why it says when you give alms do not blow a trumpet alerting others for attention.

And do not let your left hand know what your right hand does to show the importance of not wanting attention for what you do.

And do not pray to be seen of people for attention.

Do not live and labor for the kingdom of God to give yourself glory.

It says when you pray do it in secret which is to show the importance of not drawing attention to yourself.

Like if your hand causes you to sin cut it off or your eye pluck it out but you know it does not really mean that but to show the importance of not sinning.

Like let not your left hand know what your right hand does when giving alms but you know you know so it shows the importance of not giving yourself glory and to keep it secret in the sense of not wanting attention.

But I do not believe we cannot pray in public but we cannot have the wrong motive.

Praying in public can bring testimony to people and some may ask about what you believe or have questions that can turn positive on their part.

And in this way God gets the glory for you are praying to help yourself and others as a benefit but have the attitude that you want it to draw attention to God.

Like not denying Christ during persecution it will make people wonder about what you believe that you would die and suffer for it.

We can pray for people on the street to benefit them for what are we supposed to do take them to a place that is private.

Are they supposed to miss out on people praying for them because they only have a short time to spend because they have to be somewhere of importance.

If we can pray for them then we can pray for ourself.

Unless we can pray for people in public that are there but pray for ourself in private.

But I believe we can prayer publicly for ourself and others not there.

But what would be the difference if we pray for ourself or for other people that are there in public for either way we could give glory to ourself.

And we can pray for people in public that are there for why would they have to miss out to help them so we can prayer for ourself in public and others not there.

Pray without ceasing and pray everywhere for something as important as prayer should not wait.

 

[Watchman22]

I ask this because our pastor likes to hold these big long prayer meeting where he 'aggressively encourages' people to pray publicly after the sermon. This last Wednesday he and one of the older members bumped heads about the pastors use of an outline which was established by the Lord's prayer in mat 6 and luke 11.

The arguments centers around the Pastor's want to justify praying publicly using this outline, while the older member pointed out that in mat 6 Not only is the out line given, but we also have a directive that publicly praying in a place of worship, or in public is wrong. Jesus directly says that the people who pray loudly in the synagogues and street corners Do Not get a response from God. That the adoration of their fellow men who see what they are doing and makes them think they are 'holy' for their prayer is all the reward they will get.

Mat 6: 5“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners and pray loudly. They want people to see them. The truth is, that’s all the reward they will get. 6;But when you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father. He is there in that private place. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you.

2/3s of this chapter talks about do not do your works or praise in the sight of others. So it follows that praying for meals in public, (at least at the table infront of others) and public prayers in church is heavily frowned upon/will not be heard by God. According to Jesus and His teachings found in mat 6.

What say you?

I practice praying in secret like scripture teaches.
Christianity as a whole is way off track concerning prayer. And nobody is showing any concern to get it back on track.

Pray in secret, fast in secret, give in secret.

 

[Drich]

I think Jesus was just warning about being hypocrites who try to look religious to others but aren't right with God in their heart. I take His warnings about hypocrisy pretty seriously. Jesus prayed publicly, so I don't think He was saying it should never be done; but everyone should examine themselves and consider if they are seeking praise from God or men.

I think the idea Jesus praying publicly is popular among Christians. but if you look at the actual examples of Jesus' prayers many of those prayers where not public, and some examples of 'prayer' are times when He looks up and gives thanks to the Father.

Chat gpt:
Notable Examples of Jesus Praying Publicly

• Giving Thanks for Food: Blessing the loaves and fishes before feeding the 5,000 and 4,000 (Matthew 14:19, Mark 8:6).
• At the Tomb of Lazarus: Praying aloud so the crowd could hear that the Father always hears Him (John 11:41–42).
• The High Priestly Prayer: Praying aloud for His disciples and believers before His crucifixion (John 17:1–26).
• Prayers from the Cross: Uttering audible words of forgiveness and commitment to God while being crucified (Luke 23:34, 46, Matthew 27:46).
• Public Praise/Soul Troubled: Praying "Father, glorify your name" in the hearing of the crowd (John 12:27–30). [1, 2, 3, 4]

The recorded public or audible prayers of Jesus in the Gospels span 16 specific instances or parallel passages across Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These include moments where He gave thanks before a crowd, prayed aloud in front of His disciples, or spoke directly to God while surrounded by people.

Prayers of Thanksgiving and Blessing

• Baptism of Jesus
  
  • Luke 3:21 – Jesus prays publicly at His baptism, and the heavens open.
• Feeding of the 5,000
  • Matthew 14:19 / Mark 6:41 / Luke 9:16 / John 6:11 – Jesus looks up to heaven and blesses the loaves and fish before the crowd.
• Feeding of the 4,000
  
  • Matthew 15:36 / Mark 8:6 – Jesus gives thanks again before distributing food to the crowd.
• Praise for Revealing Truth to the Humble
  
  • Matthew 11:25–26 / Luke 10:21 – Jesus prays aloud, praising the Father for hiding truths from the "wise" and revealing them to children.
• The Last Supper
  • Matthew 26:26–27 / Mark 14:22–23 / Luke 22:17–19 – Jesus blesses the bread and cup in front of His disciples.
• Road to Emmaus
  • Luke 24:30 – After His resurrection, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, and breaks it in front of two disciples.

Prayers of Petition and Intercession

• Before a Crowd in Jerusalem
  
  • John 12:27–28 – Jesus prays aloud, "Father, glorify your name," and a voice answers from heaven.
• At the Tomb of Lazarus
  • John 11:41–42 – Jesus thanks God out loud specifically so the standing crowd will believe.
• The High Priestly Prayer
  • John 17:1–26 – Jesus prays an extended prayer aloud for Himself, His disciples, and all future believers.

Prayers on the Cross

• Prayer for Forgiveness
  • Luke 23:34 – Jesus prays publicly from the cross: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
• Cry of Forsakenness
  • Matthew 27:46 / Mark 15:34 – Jesus cries out loudly: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
• Final Commendation
  • Luke 23:46 – Jesus calls out with a loud voice: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."

Here is a list of the times Jesus spoke in public/infront of other people to God. (some would argue that is prayer, as Jesus has a open dialog with the Father, but i will go with it.)

In red are the 5 unique times Jesus actually prayed/lead prayer in public..

Now contrast this with all of the praying He did in Private.
Chat gpt:
The Gospels record Jesus praying about 25 to 38 distinct times during his earthly ministry. The exact count varies slightly among scholars depending on whether parallel accounts across different Gospels are counted separately or merged, and whether brief blessings of food are categorized as standard prayers. [1, 2, 3]

So 25 times if you do not count different accounts of the same prayer.

I point this out because our posture on prayer should be a private. I am not saying we can not have corporately lead prayer as clearly there is a precedent for it. I'm am saying that unless there is a serious need or circumstance for prayer, our prayers should be private.

 

[Drich]

I practice praying in secret like scripture teaches.
Christianity as a whole is way off track concerning prayer. And nobody is showing any concern to get it back on track.

Pray in secret, fast in secret, give in secret.

This is exactly my point.

 

[Drich]

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

1 Timothy 2: 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

We are to pray no matter where we are at and is not wrong to do.

So we can pray publicly.

Matthew 6:5 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.

John 12:43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

This does not have to do with not being able to pray in public but the attitude behind it.

Some people do things to impress other people wanting them to think they are special for they want glory for themselves.

Which some claiming Jesus might do the same which they have their reward not of the heavenly realm for they are giving glory to themselves.

2 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.

Matthew 6:3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.

5 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.

6 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.

I do not believe it means we cannot pray in public but we cannot have the attitude of doing it for attention and to glorify ourself wanting people to think we are special.

That is why it says when you give alms do not blow a trumpet alerting others for attention.

And do not let your left hand know what your right hand does to show the importance of not wanting attention for what you do.

And do not pray to be seen of people for attention.

Do not live and labor for the kingdom of God to give yourself glory.

It says when you pray do it in secret which is to show the importance of not drawing attention to yourself.

Like if your hand causes you to sin cut it off or your eye pluck it out but you know it does not really mean that but to show the importance of not sinning.

Like let not your left hand know what your right hand does when giving alms but you know you know so it shows the importance of not giving yourself glory and to keep it secret in the sense of not wanting attention.

But I do not believe we cannot pray in public but we cannot have the wrong motive.

Praying in public can bring testimony to people and some may ask about what you believe or have questions that can turn positive on their part.

And in this way God gets the glory for you are praying to help yourself and others as a benefit but have the attitude that you want it to draw attention to God.

Like not denying Christ during persecution it will make people wonder about what you believe that you would die and suffer for it.

We can pray for people on the street to benefit them for what are we supposed to do take them to a place that is private.

Are they supposed to miss out on people praying for them because they only have a short time to spend because they have to be somewhere of importance.

If we can pray for them then we can pray for ourself.

Unless we can pray for people in public that are there but pray for ourself in private.

But I believe we can prayer publicly for ourself and others not there.

But what would be the difference if we pray for ourself or for other people that are there in public for either way we could give glory to ourself.

And we can pray for people in public that are there for why would they have to miss out to help them so we can prayer for ourself in public and others not there.

Pray without ceasing and pray everywhere for something as important as prayer should not wait.

I'm not saying praying in public is a sin. I am pointing out that praying in public means your prayer goes no further than the adoration of those who witness your public display of prayer.. Just like Jesus said it would in mat 6.

To me Jesus is saying if you want to pray in public fine, just know your pray will go no further than your voice will carry it.

 

[Watchman22]

I'm not saying praying in public is a sin. I am pointing out that praying in public means your prayer goes no further than the adoration of those who witness your public display of prayer.. Just like Jesus said it would in mat 6.

To me Jesus is saying if you want to pray in public fine, just know your pray will go no further than your voice will carry it.

I think anytime prayer is mentioned in scripture, people automatically think it's being done outloud. When it was probably being done in secret as Jesus taught.

Even in a group, His teachings on prayer in secret could be fulfilled by praying within themselves in secret , together.