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mgreen77
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Does this mean we should really only pray in private?
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puzzleannie
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no, it means that there are times for public prayer, and the purpose of that is to praise, ask, thank and express contrition as a community, and that there are times for private prayer, which should be private, not performed solely for the sake of impressing others with one’s devotion. context context context. To what situation has Jesus been referring in this passage?
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mgreen77
Guest
I must admit even in re-reading the surrounding passages, I’m still not quite sure?To what situation has Jesus been referring in this passage?
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Todd_Easton
Guest
Jesus elsewhere encouraged common prayer:
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:18-19)
We also have the example of common prayer in the early Christian community:
When they [Peter and John] were released they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them…” (Acts 4:23-24)
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:18-19)
We also have the example of common prayer in the early Christian community:
When they [Peter and John] were released they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them…” (Acts 4:23-24)
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puzzleannie
Guest
Mt 6 the chapter begins by Jesus citing the example of hypocrites who blow trumpets as the walk through the street to give alms, not because they care for the poor, but so people will observe their good actions and praise them for it. Mt 6:5 when you pray to not be like the hypocrites who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners [in public where everyone can see and hear them]. Our Lord is specifically addressing this specific behavior on what should be private occasions of alms-giving and prayer. No where is he referencing communal prayer of the Church, nor condemning the times the faithful gather to pray together. He is condemning the attitude behind their actions, the hypocrisy, of seeking the good opinion of other people rather than seeking to please God. In fact he immediately goes on to teach the disciples to pray in the words “Our Father” which imply communal prayer. The words cited in OP seem very clear and unambiguous in their modifying phrase “like the hypocrites”.I must admit even in re-reading the surrounding passages, I’m still not quite sure?
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Vince1022
Guest
No. Christ prayed in public, and with others. So should we (as Catholics do at every liturgy).Does this mean we should really only pray in private?
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Nita
Guest
Matthew 6:5-6
Consider that “closet” means your innermost being – your heart/soul/mind. Enter there, be there. And then commune with the Father who is also present there; your spirit speaking to the Father who is Spirit. When you pray, always enter there, whether it’s in the privacy of your bedroom or a church filled with other people.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.
The “hypocrites” in verse 5 were not there. Their heart/soul/mind was on everything exterior – they were not speaking for God to hear, but for the people to hear.
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Prayer_Warrior
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Communal prayer has been a practice since the foundation of the Church. Jesus also set the example for us by praying in the synagogue, praying with His disciples, and praying in private. Through the passage in Matthew, Jesus is telling us how offensive it is when we try to make ourselves look holy by praying in public so that we might be seen and admired by other people. The hypocrites that He spoke of are they type of person whose heart is far from God but they want to look good in front of people. Also, in addition to addressing the issue of hypocrisy in prayer, Jesus wanted to tell us how to have that deep inner prayer life like He showed us at Gethsemane. Private prayer like this deepens our love for God and our intimate relationship with Him. It is not to be overlooked. However, communal prayer and worship is also necessary. Remember when Jesus said “do this in remembrance of Me” He was not alone in the closet, nor would He expect us to be when we carry out His command.
See Acts 2:42-46
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
See Acts 2:42-46
They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers.
Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.
Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart,
praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
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heavizen
Guest
There is a place for private prayer and public (community) prayer.
The OUR FATHER is very much a community (public) prayer. Since we do not address the Father in the singular nor when we petition, it is in the singular, “Give US today…”. This tells us that God is building a community, His Church, the Bride for His Son as He calls a people to Himself. It is not God and I only though each of us are very very special in our own individual strength and for this matter there is an important place for private, personal prayer but keeping the end in mind, the Scriptures tell us that He is seeking a people for Himself - Israel in the O,T, and the New Israel in the N.T.
Of course, the OUR FATHER can be and should be prayed in private too. And yes, private prayer is important.
The OUR FATHER is very much a community (public) prayer. Since we do not address the Father in the singular nor when we petition, it is in the singular, “Give US today…”. This tells us that God is building a community, His Church, the Bride for His Son as He calls a people to Himself. It is not God and I only though each of us are very very special in our own individual strength and for this matter there is an important place for private, personal prayer but keeping the end in mind, the Scriptures tell us that He is seeking a people for Himself - Israel in the O,T, and the New Israel in the N.T.
Of course, the OUR FATHER can be and should be prayed in private too. And yes, private prayer is important.
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