Prayer in Public

[microvelo]

I was just thinking of how I have never seen someone make the Sign of the Cross outside of home or church. I believe that we as a Catholic body are slacking on praying in public. Maybe because we are too embaressed or think we can hold it off and do it later. Just remember that Jesus would drop to his knees in the middle of the mall if we needed him. Just a thought. GOD Bless Ya’ll :getholy:

 

[Christy_Beth]

There is a small, very small, group that goes to dinner after Saturday evening mass. If I go join them, there are, at most, 8 of us. But, the grace is always said before anyone eats. Maybe this isn’t much, but at least it’s something.

 

[Della]

It is something to make the sign of the cross and prayer before a meal in a restaurant. My dh and I do it all the time. Once, when we were traveling, we stopped at a small diner and did as we always do. An older couple came over to us and thanked us for praying before eating as a witness to Christ in the world. So, people do take notice and it does affect them.

I also make the sign of the cross whenever I pass a Catholic parish, cathedral or basilica to honor Jesus in the tabernacle within them. And when I hear an emergency vehicle’s siren or hear of someone’s death or other tragedies, like the Boston Marathon or the explosion in West, TX. May God grant peace to the dead and recovery to the injured and those who aided them and witnessed these terrible events.

 

[Ad_Orientem]

Ever been to a pro-life rally or seen Catholics praying the rosary in front of an abortion clinic or in another peaceful protest? Some of these things happen on a weekly basis.

As to blessings before meals, some Catholics sign themselves at light speed with very small, imprecise movements; though this, too, may be part of the problem you mention.

S. Matthew 6:6 fits in here somewhere, too. “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

 

[Della]

Ever been to a pro-life rally or seen Catholics praying the rosary in front of an abortion clinic or in another peaceful protest? Some of these things happen on a weekly basis.

As to blessings before meals, some Catholics sign themselves at light speed with very small, imprecise movements; though this, too, may be part of the problem you mention.

S. Matthew 6:6 fits in here somewhere, too. “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

I don’t think Mt.66 applies here. We aren’t talking about making lengthy prayers on street corners to get praise from others, but rather of being a witness to Christian life and beliefs in the public square.

 

[cradlecatholic5]

My husband and children always pray before meals wherever we are, home, restaurant, friend and/or family homes.

 

[jopap]

My family always prays before we eat. It is good to do it shows thay you are thankful for the gifts you received.

 

[frjimt]

instead of focusing on not having seen it… let me ask: have you prayed in public?
i’ll never forget the witness of a small group of only about 600 young people from lifeteen praying at a park in front of countless others…

 

[Irish_Cabbie]

It is something to make the sign of the cross and prayer before a meal in a restaurant. My dh and I do it all the time. Once, when we were traveling, we stopped at a small diner and did as we always do. An older couple came over to us and thanked us for praying before eating as a witness to Christ in the world. So, people do take notice and it does affect them.

I also make the sign of the cross whenever I pass a Catholic parish, cathedral or basilica to honor Jesus in the tabernacle within them. And when I hear an emergency vehicle’s siren or hear of someone’s death or other tragedies, like the Boston Marathon or the explosion in West, TX. May God grant peace to the dead and recovery to the injured and those who aided them and witnessed these terrible events.

Della, this was a beautiful post. Thanks for writing it. When I read that you bless yourself whenever you pass a Catholic church, I was reminded of that movie, A Bronx Tale. Robert DeNiro played a bus driver in that movie who did the very same thing. I think I should start blessing myself whenever I pass a Catholic church as well.

youtube.com/watch?v=S56Qw2PJctI

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I often see professional athletes make the sign of the cross.

But remember one thing, people can see you make the sign of the cross, but they’ll
also take a closer look to see if you commit something to use against Christianity.

As an example, have you ever seen the bumper sticker on a car, " Honk If You Love Jesus?"

You honk and the driver gives you a hand signal using one finger.

Jim