PITFALLS OF PUBLIC PRAYER

PITFALLS OF PUBLIC PRAYER

PRAYER BASICS
First of all, let’s look at prayer in general. The following is a list of things I found that people prayed for in the Bible. Overall, we are shown we can pray for ourselves, relatives, friends, and even enemies. This list is not all inclusive, but here it is:
1. Praising God
2. Thanking God
3. Pleasing God
4. Health and life
5. Good relationships with others
6. Wisdom and spiritual strength
7. Delivery from harm, evil, and our enemies.
8. Forgiveness
9. Reduction of punishment
10. More faith
11. Promises to the Lord.
12. Salvation
13. Peace, safety, and prosperity
14. Petition the Lord as requested by others.
Well, I think that is enough items to get ideas. These are a lot of things to pray for, so rather than study each of these areas, I will just show a few verses about praying for others. After all, most things we pray for ourselves, we can also pray for others.

As early as Genesis and continuing through the New Testament, we see examples of praying for others. We can even plead for others as Lot did when he pleaded with God not to destroy Sodom. A similar example of pleading for others is the woman who asked Jesus to help her daughter who was possessed by a demon. Incidentally, for the sake of trivia, God actually told Jeremiah NOT to pray for some. Here are a few scriptures regarding praying or petitioning for others:
1. Gen 20:7 NIV..... Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and HE WILL PRAY FOR YOU and you will live”
2. Exo 8:28-29 NIV..... Pharaoh said, "I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far. Now PRAY FOR ME.” Moses answered, "As soon as I leave you, I will pray to the LORD”
3. Gen 18:32 NIV..... Then he [Lot] said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."
4. Jer 14:11 NIV..... Then the LORD said to me, "DO NOT PRAY for the well-being of this people.

THE LORD’S PRAYER
Mat 6:9-13 KJV..... After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen.

It appears The Lord’s Prayer was about praying in private. Why do I believe that? “Us” and “our” are apparently use of the Majestic Plural as we pray for others as well as for ourselves. Isn’t that what we are supposed to do: pray for others as well as for ourselves? Even if one thinks it is also a public prayer, it is a obviously a foundation for all prayers.

One other thing about the Lord’s Prayer we should not ignore is that Jesus prayed to "Our Father." Jesus clarified this:
Joh 16:23-24 NIV......  In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.  Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

So, what do we learn from The Lord's Prayer? Do we humbly praise God and acknowledge his power? Do we ask for a better world based on God’s will? Do we primarily request only necessities like food? Remember, if you deserve more, God knows and will give it to you without even asking. No need to remember 14 or more items. No need to read from a list. After all, wouldn’t it be terrible if we did not get anything unless we prayed for it? What did Jesus say about knowing our needs before you even ask? What did Jesus say about the ravens?
1. Mat 6:8 KJV..... Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
2. Luk 12:24 NIV...... Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

As I stated in the beginning, I am not saying we shouldn't pray for things not in the Lord's Prayer. However, I am primarily analyzing the Lord's Prayer as setting a foundation for private prayer The Lord’s Prayer is only a template. It is not an all-inclusive prayer. It only highlights the important issues that should ideally be in every prayer. More importantly, do you notice the only things asked for in the Lord’s Prayer are a better world, righteousness by delivery from evil, forgiveness, and bread? Yes, the only material thing asked for is bread!

PUBLIC PRAYER
Now let’s look at the main emphasis of this lesson; public prayer. I never felt comfortable with saying or hearing a pubic prayer. Hopefully, I will bring out issues you have never thought about. First of all, let’s look at important prayer guidelines Jesus gave directly prior to teaching the Lord’s Prayer.
3. Mat 6:5 KJV..... 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.
4. Mat 6:6 KJV..... 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.
5. Mat 6:7 KJV..... But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

One should not ignore these words of Jesus. Think about it! Jesus first told the disciples how NOT to pray, then he told them HOW to pray. I find it hard to believe Jesus would tell us not to have vain repetitious public prayers, and then 2 verses later give us a vain repetitious prayer to repeat together word for word aloud! Some might argue Jesus was only talking about VAIN repetitious prayers and NOT ALL repetitious prayers. However, the nature of public prayer leads to vanity. Today, many ignore the four verses preceding the Lord ’s Prayer as if they don’t exist or as if they were meant only for the Pharisees. The Lord’s Prayer was obviously a lesson in praying given to the disciples by Jesus. That is the context, and Jesus did not tell the disciples to repeat it publicly or to say it word-for-word. There are 8 authors of the New Testament. None, that I know of, led a public prayer. Neither did Jesus or any Apostle ask anyone to join them in a vocal prayer! Instead, they mentioned things to be included in their prayers.

I know of no place where Jesus even suggested public prayer. It seems Jesus NEVER said that any public or repetitious prayers are acceptable. He did, however, point to some that are unacceptable. Nevertheless, some today will try to explain what Jesus never said. Did Jesus ever say to anyone, “Now repeat after me?” or “Join me in a prayer? Did any of his disciples ask people to bow their heads in prayer and begin a public prayer? Did Jesus or any apostle ever say, “Now let’s all say the Lord’s Prayer?” Which apostles were known for their great public prayers? Obviously, none in the roughly 7,900 verses of the New Testament! Didn’t Jesus himself always pray silently except when he was teaching the disciples how to pray? (No, I didn’t forget Jesus’ call to God from the cross.) One might say Paul permitted public prayer. This is true, however Paul also demonstrated how public prayer encourages vanity:
1Co 14:16 NIV.... Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say "Amen" to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying?

If we wish to be analytical about Paul's statement, we note two things; 1. Paul calls it "praise," not prayer. 2. Paul mentions only "thanksgiving." Paul was mentioning the two most important aspects of prayer. We can also look at the Apostles praying for a replacement for Judas in Act 1:24.
“Then they prayed, Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen.”
However, this simple prayer is strictly to God (whether silent or out loud) for his guidance. If only church prayers were that simple.

Moreover, the lesson Jesus was teaching in Matthew 6:5-13 was that public repetitious prayers cause one to say the words without full sincerity because people are listening. In other words, public prayer, by its nature leads to vanity. So then, what should we learn from Jesus in Matthew 6:5-13?
1. Don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray standing in the synagogues (churches) to be seen by men. (I didn’t mention street corners because that doesn’t seem to be a problem.) Isn’t it revealing that we only remember the street corner part? I used to always picture a man standing on a street corner when I thought of this scripture.
2. Pray in private because you are praying to God, and he still hears your prayers and reward you openly.
3. Do not pray like the heathen with vain repetitions because God actually knows what you need before you ask.
Some might say, “Well, a public prayer is different than a private prayer.” That’s my whole point! We should only pray primarily in private, or PRAY LIKE WE WOULD IN PRIVATE. How did Jesus specifically teach us to pray in public? I think you will spend a long time trying to find that answer.

PARABLE ABOUT PUBLIC PRAYER
We can further learn about praying in public from a parable told by Jesus:
Luk 18:10-14 NIV......  "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'  "But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'  "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

In this parable, Jesus was talking about public prayer. The Pharisee seemed to be praying either silently to himself or audibly by himself (“prayed thus with himself,” KJV). In either case, he wanted people to know he was praying. Sure, the Pharisee was arrogant by saying he is better than others, but that is only part of the message. Jesus had a reason for saying this man was praying in public. If Jesus made a point of criticizing a man for praying in public, perhaps we should think twice before doing it. Keep in mind, Jesus never criticized anyone for praying in private!

MORE ON PUBLIC PRAYER
One does not need to pray for others publicly. As I often say in Facebook, “If you really want to pray for me, you do not have to announce it.” I say this because the person is actually mocking me by judging my salvation or intelligence. Furthermore, I once had a past pastor pray that I would ask for forgiveness in front of others. Was that prayer to God or to me and everyone listening? Just for the the record, I did nothing wrong but react to a person who slandered me to make himself look good. No prayer was made for the person who broke the 9th commandment. This is a perfect example of how prayer can be used as a weapon, even by good people.

On the other hand, a sincere public announcement of praying for another's wellbeing can still be a self-righteous way of showing others how well you speak to the LORD. I am not saying a one-on-one prayer request is unacceptable. I am not saying it is wrong to ask others to pray for you or to tell others you are praying for them. Such a confidential personal pronouncement that you are praying for that person can certainly be encouraging, but do you really follow through? I think it is best to pray first, and then tell the person you have already prayed for them. I think that way is much more meaningful. (That is what I try to do whenever possible.) Be honest; can’t you just pray for someone without making a public announcement? Even on Facebook one can private message.

PUBLIC PRAYERS AT HOME
What about prayers at the dinner table? Children are still learning to pray, so public prayer for them is an acceptation. For what it is worth, my grandson said a grown-up prayer since he was about 9 and he loves it. His public prayer gives us an indication how he is learning to pray. Moreover, don’t sell our children or young adult short by having them repeat a mindless public prayer. Worse yet, I even hear adults repeat the “God is Great” prayer. If they need a repetitious prayer, they could at least memorize the Lord’s Prayer. Finally, I think any public prayer should address God and not the things people want to hear. Come to think of it, we don’t need to tell God how hard the cook worked.... God already knows. If we want to compliment the cook, we can just tell the cook! OH, wouldn’t it be terrible to have a silent prayer at the dinner table? People might think you do not know how to pray. Hmmm.... What did Jesus say about being vain?

PUBLIC PRAYER ABUSE IN CHURCH
So, how does public prayer in church measure up to Jesus’ standard? Do people stand elevated at the front of the church and face the congregation to be seen by men as the Pharisees did in the synagogues? Why else would people stand up front? Can you imagine asking someone to pray in the back of the church? (He could use the wireless mike.) Hmmm.... Better yet; Jesus mentioned us praying in a closet. How often are you asked in church to bow your head and say your own silent prayer? (When I was Worship Leader, I remember doing that.) What a stupid question; don’t we go to church to have others show us how to pray? (Of course, I am being sarcastic.) Well, leading others to pray PRIVATELY is a step in the right direction. In fact, today a worship leader did just that. I only remember that happening one other time in over 40 years. Maybe churches should have a class for Christians who do not know how to pray. I am sure few people would sign up for that. Nevertheless, some churches have chants, liturgies, and doxologies that are repeated regularly so one can memorize or read them. (The words are actually written in the bulletin or on a screen for those with poor memories and for the Christmas/Easter crowd.)
At church, does the prayer leader realize God knows what we want before we ask? Does that person have notes so he doesn’t mess up in front of everyone (Isn’t this vane)? Does the prayer leader think the people in the congregation do not know how to pray privately or have no desire to pray (Isn’t this vane)? Does the prayer leader think he can force people to have the same prayer requests that he does (Isn’t this also vane)? In other words; at home you can pray for anything you want, but at church you will pray for what the church wants! Have you ever heard anyone lead the congregation in prayer for something the church is against? (Well, sometimes someone sneaks one in!) Does God need church members for a prayer filter?

In addition, public church prayers are sadly often complimentary speeches disguised as prayers. It is not only important what is implied, but also what is inferred by the congregation. Can’t anyone see that a typical public church prayer is nothing like the Lord’s Prayer and more like the prayers of the Pharisees Jesus criticized? Unfortunately, a typical public church prayer requires a good public speaker who is active in the church. He should:
1. Praise the pastor and asking God to help him. (It is really a compliment for the pastor.)
2. Thank God for such good church volunteers (It is really a compliment.)
3. Thank God for a great church ministry. (It is really a compliment.)
4. Mention church members that are ill. (This is a public notice.)
5. Ask God for support of a church ministry or church project. (This is really both a public notice and a call to action.)
6. Throw in some other things to impress people.
7. Not forget to look at the notes, and above all, don’t mess-up! (Remember, you are standing on stage in front of everyone!)

Some might say, “Well, a public prayer is different than a private prayer.” That’s my whole point! We should only pray primarily in private, or else pray like we would in private. How did Jesus specifically teach us to pray in public? I think you will spend a long time trying to find that answer. Remember, the Lord’s Prayer is probably an example of how to pray in private. Even if one thinks this is a public prayer, we do not have to add to it as if it is inadequate. However, A common practice is to say a long prayer first and end with the Lord's prayer. This seems like showing the Lord's Prayer is inadequate, and a few other things need to be said first.

So what do I suggest? You’ve heard of a minute of silence at public events haven’t you? Well, that’s the idea. Instead of someone standing up front and leading others in prayer, churches should have a time (more than a minute, lol) for private prayer. Before starting, the pastor or worship leader could mention elements in the Lord’s Prayer, any particular people that are ill, and any other necessities that should be included in their prayer. If a person is requested to stand up front and pray, at least they should follow these guidelines:
1. Don’t mention any compliments or thank God for anyone hearing the prayer.
2. Don’t ask for anything that suggest the congregation take any kind of action to help God answer the prayer. (That is why we have announcements.)
3. Basically, speak only to God and keep it simple, humble, sincere, and praise God. We can either follow Jesus’ teaching or make excuses why we don’t.
4. Remember, one can’t be embarrassed in private prayer, but neither can one look good to the congregation! Listeners; not God will say, “Well, that was a really nice prayer,” or “that prayer was really long.”

SUMMARY
In summary, I will leave you with one overlying principle. I once heard a TV pastor tell a story about public church prayer. I forget the details of the story, but I do remember the pastor’s important punch line. He asked, “Are you praying to God or the congregation?” His message was obvious; prayer is to be only to God. In most church prayers that is sadly not the case. Instead, prayer is about standing up front to be seen, looking at notes, being nervous about messing-up, letting people know what you are saying to God, enticing others to pray for the same things as you, making announcements, or encouraging the congregation to do something. Do not worry about the congregation knowing you are nervous, but worry about God knowing why you are nervous.

Some things to keep in mind whenever you hear a public prayer:
1. Does the prayer-giver have hidden notes? Why close your eyes, if he/she doesn't!
2. Is the prayer a mini-sermon telling you how to obey God?
3. Is the prayer an attempt to get people to do something?
4. Is the prayer a compliment to any of the listeners?
5. Is it a proclamation of a belief or an idea?
6. Moreover, is the prayer strictly to God, or to the people hearing the prayer?

 Psa 5:2 NIV..... Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for TO YOU I pray.