Anonymous wrote:OP, thanks for bringing up a thought-provoking question.

As a Christian, I believe that praying in community is important. Christian are part of a body in Christ and we draw strength and guidance from each other, which is why worship and praying with other believers is important. We are not intended to practice our faith in solitude.

However, I don't think this is the same thing as praying in public, by which I assume you mean praying before public, secular meetings and other events. I guess I see that the original point is to ask God's guidance on decisions being made, etc, but if the purpose of the meeting is not worship/ religion-related then I agree it is not necessary and in fact may be offensive to others.

It is a shame that religious people dig in their heels over things like this.

PP, thank for your thoughtful response to my question.

I was raised Christian, but honestly had never thought very much about the Gospel passage I posted. I certainly remember hearing and reading Mathew 6:9 -- "the Our Father" instructions. That part is so important to Christians than every single CHristian church prays the way Jesus instructed.

Why do some Christians ignored the earlier, very very clear passage? It is crystal clear. -- When you pray do not so it to be observed by others. Do it in private behind closed doors.

I can kind of understand praying in "private" as being in a private congregation -- in your own church, with your own family and so on. Although Jesus specifically mentioned "do not be like the hypocrites, praying in synagoges. I don't know how he could have been more clear exactly -- there is hardly any room for interpretation here. )

But clearly any public location especially one where there are people not of your faith present -- does not qualify as private! And definitely in the US any school board meeting, town hall meeting, or session of Congress would count as "in public". Jesus specifically said "Do not pray in public!" How can CHristians justify wanting to pray to God in such a case? To ask for his blessing on the board's endeavor? Jesus specifically said: 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. God knows what you need before you ask him!

Don't pray in public, asking out loud for things.

This prayer in public thing should be a non-issue, especially for ANY Christian who thinks homosexuality is a sin because "it says so in the Bible."

I think public prayer is important, in the way wearing your team's jersey, or flying your country's flag is. You are making a public and conscious statement of your religious beliefs.

The fact that I think all religion is ridiculous and am embarrassed for you, should not dissuade you from proclaiming who you are. The fact that many think like me, but are willing to tolerate it because it makes you feel better should not discourage you.

Go for it! I like to know who you are!

Why is this even a question? It is in the bible itself and should be practiced as such: do not pray in public, do not pray before others, pray silently or when you are by yourself. For prayer is meant to be your true self speaking to God and nothing else. Prayer is not meant for others, prayer is meant only for yourself and God.

People who pray out loud in public always have the "What others think of me" question on their mind, if they admit to it or not. If a friend asks you to pray for them, do so. Silently. That way you are not influenced by other people's opinion of yourself, but only by what you truly want to say to God and God alone.

OP, thanks for bringing up a thought-provoking question.

As a Christian, I believe that praying in community is important. Christian are part of a body in Christ and we draw strength and guidance from each other, which is why worship and praying with other believers is important. We are not intended to practice our faith in solitude.

However, I don't think this is the same thing as praying in public, by which I assume you mean praying before public, secular meetings and other events. I guess I see that the original point is to ask God's guidance on decisions being made, etc, but if the purpose of the meeting is not worship/ religion-related then I agree it is not necessary and in fact may be offensive to others.

It is a shame that religious people dig in their heels over things like this.

So why are Christians making a big fuss about the right to publicly pray before town board meetings?

Do they not believe Jesus said what he said? or do they just choose to ignore his teachings on that particular point?

He seems awfully clear about it.

Anonymous wrote:PP here again. I apologize, I assumed you were CHristian. I realize belatedly you could be a different religion. What is it about your religious requirements for prayer that cannot be accommodated, in private, for example, during lunch? Do you need to lay down a prayer rug in public, facing a certain direction and at a certain time that is not conducive to working in a school?

While a Muslim teacher would need accommodation to be able to pray one of the 5 daily prayers at school, he/she can still pray otherwise as any Christian would -- i.e. thank God; ask God for whatever etc -- as those are just done mentally.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I pray outside the school where I teach because I am not permitted to pray inside.

Of COURSE you are permitted to pray inside school, exactly as Jesus Christ instructed.

When your students go to lunch, do exactly as he said.

Go into your classroom, shut the door, and pray, privately, "Our Father, who art in heaven...."

Straight from the Bible (Mathhew 6) -- do it like this ---

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

PP here again. I apologize, I assumed you were CHristian. I realize belatedly you could be a different religion. What is it about your religious requirements for prayer that cannot be accommodated, in private, for example, during lunch? Do you need to lay down a prayer rug in public, facing a certain direction and at a certain time that is not conducive to working in a school?

Anonymous wrote:I pray outside the school where I teach because I am not permitted to pray inside.

Of COURSE you are permitted to pray inside school, exactly as Jesus Christ instructed.

When your students go to lunch, do exactly as he said.

Go into your classroom, shut the door, and pray, privately, "Our Father, who art in heaven...."

I pray outside the school where I teach because I am not permitted to pray inside.

It's not. As pointed out above, it's about appearing proper and holier than thou.

Anonymous wrote:Especially for Christians?

When Jesus specifically told people NOT to pray in public?

I agree. Making a big display of your piety is pretty unChristian. It's fine with me if prayer leaves the schools.

Signed, a Christian

It's so people can make sure the public sees their public image as devout, and give the perception of having values - often completely contrary to their private lives.

I'm thinking of the recent Supreme Court ruling saying it's OK to start town hall meetings with prayer. Why would Christians even want to do this?? GIven the Jesus specifically told them not to?

Especially for Christians?

When Jesus specifically told people NOT to pray in public?