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Line 5: − + − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − In the [[Sermon on the Mount]], [[Jesus Christ]] told followers how to pray and offered an ideal prayer ({{Bible ref|Mathew|6|9-13}}). He cautioned against praying hypocritically, such as praying in public to look good, and said that instead one should pray alone, secretly, and should not announce one's prayer. Some Christians interpret this as direct instructions and for this reason oppose prayers in schools, public meetings, or other non-religious meetings. − {{Bible quote|And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.|book=Matthew|chap=6|verses=5-7|rmargin=230px}}+ − + − − Other religions, and even different traditions within Christianity have developed their own practices related to prayer.<ref>"The Modes of Prayer," from the Nazerine Way of Essenic Study [http://www.thenazareneway.com/modes_of_prayer.htm]</ref> − == Praying in public ==+ − Various figures in the Bible prayed in public or otherwise not alone and in secret. + + + + Line 44:
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Some reworking
== Praying in secret ==
== How not to Pray ==
<center>''"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."'' <ref>{{Bible ref|Luke|5|16}}</ref></center>
In the [[Sermon on the Mount]] [[Jesus]] warned against hypocrisy in prayer:<blockquote>"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full."<ref>Matt 6:5</ref></blockquote>
At the time the religious authorities believed it was necessary to pray at specific times of the day, and would often make sure they were in large crowds of people when those times arose so that they could be seen and heard by all. Jesus did not approve of this.
Jesus also gave instructions on how not to pray:<blockquote>"And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."<ref>Matt 6:7-8</ref></blockquote>
Pagan prayers at the time believed that there was power in words and continous repetition and if you said a word often enough, then you could eventually own that object or claim that power for yourself. Jesus condemned this.
== A guideline of how one should Pray ==
Jesus gives a guideline of how one should pray to God with The Lord's Prayer:<blockquote>"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thing is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever, Amen."<ref>Matt 6:9-13</ref><ref>[http://www.lifeofchrist.com/teachings/sermons/mount/lordsprayer.asp Instructions for praying] </ref></blockquote>
==Private and Public Prayer==
There are many examples in the Bible for praying in private and also for praying within a group, and sometimes even for praying in public.
<blockquote>''"But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed."'' <ref>{{Bible ref|Luke|5|16}}</ref></blockquote>
[[Image:Jesus praying.jpg|thumb|Jesus praying at Gethsemane]]
[[Image:Jesus praying.jpg|thumb|Jesus praying at Gethsemane]]
Jesus also instructed:<blockquote>"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."<ref>Matt 6:6</ref></blockquote>
[http://www.lifeofchrist.com/teachings/sermons/mount/lordsprayer.asp Instructions for praying] Sermon on the Mount.
Even though he was with his [[Twelve Disciples|disciples]], Jesus also went off alone to pray on the [[Mount of Olives]] before he was about to be seized and [[crucified]].<ref>Luke 22:39-41</ref>
There are also many examples in the Bible of group prayer or praying in front of others:
* [[Solomon]] prayed publicly in dedicating the [[temple]] ({{Bible ref|1_Kings|8|22-61}}).
* [[Solomon]] prayed publicly in dedicating the [[temple]] ({{Bible ref|1_Kings|8|22-61}}).
* [[Daniel (prophet)|Daniel]] prayed alone in his room, but by an open window where he could be seen ({{Bible ref|Daniel|6|10-11}}).
* [[Daniel (prophet)|Daniel]] prayed alone in his room, but by an open window where he could be seen ({{Bible ref|Daniel|6|10-11}}).
* Jesus sometimes prayed with his disciples ({{Bible ref|Luke|9|18}}).
* Jesus sometimes prayed with his disciples ({{Bible ref|Luke|9|18}}).
* The Church prayed for Peter's miraculous release from prison ({{Bible ref|Acts|12|5}}).
* Jesus prayed in public, such as in {{Bible ref|Matthew|19|13-15}} when Jesus prayed for the children brought to him.
* Jesus prayed in public, such as in {{Bible ref|Matthew|19|13-15}} when Jesus prayed for the children brought to him.
Other religions, and even different traditions within Christianity have developed their own practices related to prayer.<ref>"The Modes of Prayer," from the Nazerine Way of Essenic Study [http://www.thenazareneway.com/modes_of_prayer.htm]</ref>
== References==
== References==
[[Category: Religion]]
[[Category: Religion]]
[[Category: Christianity]]