Do you pray in public?

[seekingtruth411]

Yes i do

 

[EasterJoy]

We pray together silently when we pray before meals in public. We don’t try to hide what we are doing, but we also do not want to pray in a way that calls attention to ourselves, as Jesus warned about people who pray “so that others may see them”.

 

[LongingSoul]

For example… like at a restaurant before you eat? I have before. This is more like a poll

Not obviously. When the kids were small we only went to Sizzlers and smorgasboard restuarants but I would lean into them and say “thankyou God for dinner” and they would all quietly say it after me. I was aware that that was heard by others at times and felt comfortable with that informal type of prayer.

Perhaps its the culture I live in but it is usually the Evangelical types that prayer publically like that and it leaves you with a negative feeling about showiness. On the other hand I make a point of keeping my Ash Wednesday ashes visible and talking openly about going to Mass, Recon. or Stations etc.

 

[Patavium]

I pray in my mind before I eat at restaurants, if I am alone.

I’ve prayed with fellow christian friends including non-catholics before eating at restaurants.

My wife E_7 and I pray before eating at restaurants, and we have also pray rosaries at parks and at airports.

I say, BE CATHOLIC, and cross yourself, and pray. Don’t be afraid to do so in public, private, wherever.

God bless!

 

[UpUpAndAway]

I want to be fearless, too. Thank you for this post.

It’s not always easy, and I hope I didn’t mislead you into thinking it is. But it’s doable. The main thing I try to keep in mind is not to make it obvious I’m praying—no exaggerated movements, no high “look-at-me-I’m-praying” volume—but don’t do anything to hide it, either. Natural movements, natural volume (just above a whisper).

I also back off when I need to, such as during a recent lunch with a lapsed Catholic friend. She was so uncomfortable with the idea of my praying out loud in public that when I moved to make the Sign of the Cross she quickly began talking about something else entirely. I gave up after the seventh attempt and said grace in my head. No good would have come out of insisting.

God bless!

 

[rinnie]

For example… like at a restaurant before you eat? I have before. This is more like a poll

I say grace, but try to do it more in private, don’t make it a point for anyone to see me.

I don’t hide it because I am embarrassed or anything, but don’t want to make a mockery out of it either.

Like one time I said grace, blessed myself, real fast, said it to myself and blessed myself again real fast. Usually no one notices.

This lady came over and said, honey I just want to thank you for something. I was like what? She said you are much younger then I, and I am ashamed that I have forgotten the need to thank God before every meal.

But you have reminded me, and I will never forget again.

 

[The_Bucket]

A quiet grace in restaurants. I say the Divine Mercy on the bus home from work but I’m not broadcasting it.

 

[Winter_Warlock_1]

My soon to be wife has gotten me in the habit of saying Grace before each meal; home, restaurants, anyplace. At first it seemed strange and new - now it gives me joy to give thanks to God for all of the blessings that He has bestowed upon us.

Winter.

 

[ampridgen]

I pray before meals, cross myself and pray in a whisper if I am alone, but out loud with anyone else. I asked my friend’s husband to say grace before our dinner after my graduation. He had me in tears it was so kind. Our waitress stood back patiently until he finished and then came over and gave me a hug. I moved to a conservative area for many reasons, but this is one of the big ones. Public prayer is vital for society. You never know who you might touch as someone else pointed out.

Anne Marie

 

[Cricket2]

I pray before meals, cross myself and pray in a whisper if I am alone, but out loud with anyone else. I asked my friend’s husband to say grace before our dinner after my graduation. He had me in tears it was so kind. Our waitress stood back patiently until he finished and then came over and gave me a hug. I moved to a conservative area for many reasons, but this is one of the big ones. Public prayer is vital for society. You never know who you might touch as someone else pointed out.

Anne Marie

Good for you and congratulations. I got to go to Germany about 10 years ago on a concert tour. We prayed as a group before all of our meals. Every time all of the other patrons, the servers and staff, stopped what they were doing and waited for us to finish. I was amazed as that has never happened to me any place in the US.

I think we need to pray, not as some exaggerated effort to appear “holier than thou” display, but in simple earnest. As you say you never know who you might touch.

 

[Tampa_Dave]

I pray the Rosary (silently) during my commute. We always cross ourselves and pray out loud at restaurants.

 

[JakeAugustine]

Yes we must be a witness to others. Not just that but we should always give God thanksgiving and glory for everything he does in our life, especially when he provides us with a meal to eat. I normally pray when going out to eat, out loud. When on a plane trip I say the rosary, silently.