Lesson 2289

(Lesson 2289)(03-18-18) Matthew 6:5-6
    “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. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”

   Today’s lesson is another very, very important one that is either, almost, totally and deliberately disregarded or grossly overlooked by the vast majority of so called Christians churches.
    In today’s quote, Jesus was speaking directly to His disciples, (Its important to note that Christian people today are also supposed to be the disciples of Christ. Therefore, this directive teaching the disciples how to pray, and disallowing public prayer, was also aimed at us.) Therein, He made it perfectly clear that we are NOT to pray aloud in public. We are instead, to either totally conceal ourselves before praying, or pray silently so that no other person can overhear our prayer. “pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.“ There is NO room in this lesson for variation from that instruction.
    Sadly, I know of NO denomination of “Christian” churches that abide by what Jesus taught concerning public prayer. Every one I have EVER accounted for, not only allows, but encourages standing public prayer during their services. Most refer to it as “leading” prayer. I have found NO scriptural reference allowing a Christian individual to “lead” prayer.
    It is high time that true Christian people abide by what Jesus instructed His disciples to do.~