Tom Corcoran | Prayer: Secret or Public?

Once again the National Day of Prayer is upon us. This year the theme is: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" (Ps. 91:2). Some believe that gathering together to pray is not in keeping with Scripture (Matt:6:5-9). I admit I'm uncomfortable praying with others. Jesus taught us how to pray. Prayer is not an obvious or natural activity or it wouldn't have had to be taught. We pray because we are followers of Jesus and have fellowship with God. Jesus is our mediator so that our prayers afford direct access to God. Dietrich Bonhoffer wrote: "True prayer is done in secret, but this does not rule out the fellowship of prayer altogether, however clearly we may be aware of its dangers. In the last resort it is immaterial whether we pray in the open street or in the secrecy of our chambers, whether briefly or lengthy, in the Litany of the Church, or with the sigh of one who knows not what he should pray for. True prayer does not depend either on the individual or the whole body of the faithful, but solely upon the knowledge that our heavenly Father knows our needs. That makes God the sole object of our prayers, and frees us from a false confidence in our own prayerful efforts." I share that sentiment...on May 5th whether you are planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, be busy at work/home, or gathering to pray with others, spend time in Scripture; hear God speak to you.

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This portion was derived from an email newsletter of Multi Church DC, which was written by my friend Tom Corcoran. I thought it was an interesting perspective on prayer that I would share with my readers. Please feel free to leave any feedback on your thoughts.

Here is Tom’s Twitter account info; take a moment to follow him on Twitter: @multichurchdc