As one who was not raised with public prayer I would say that speaking to God with others surrounding me is not something I would choose to do. For me, conversations with God have been private. Having attended public prayer I chose only to listen. Of course, I would acknowledge any church who supports public prayer and I have admired those who can speak with passion to God on behalf of the listeners. I have been uncomfortable at times with those who share too much in public prayer or reveal private information under the guise of praying for the needs of another. Being a part of public prayer is a choice and I wonder if the reason for sparse numbers is evidence that others have the same hesitancies that I have.
Opening a meeting or gathering with a prayer or praying before a meal does make perfect sense to me. Asking God for His blessing and showing our gratitude is always appropriate and meaningful.
As one who was not raised with public prayer I would say that speaking to God with others surrounding me is not something I would choose to do. For me, conversations with God have been private. Having attended public prayer I chose only to listen. Of course, I would acknowledge any church who supports public prayer and I have admired those who can speak with passion to God on behalf of the listeners. I have been uncomfortable at times with those who share too much in public prayer or reveal private information under the guise of praying for the needs of another. Being a part of public prayer is a choice and I wonder if the reason for sparse numbers is evidence that others have the same hesitancies that I have.
Opening a meeting or gathering with a prayer or praying before a meal does make perfect sense to me. Asking God for His blessing and showing our gratitude is always appropriate and meaningful.
Well put, Lynda. Thanks for the comment.