Are Public Prayers A Pretense?

Are Public Prayers a Pretense?

Are They Dangerous?

INDEX

Chapter 23 Preview: Should Christians pray in front of groups of other people, or was prayer primarily meant to be from your lips to His ears? I really dont see a shred of Biblical evidence supporting the practice, but there are prohibitions! This chapter examines the scriptures that should support public prayer Scripturally—if any were to—but no such support is found!

“vain repitition”

Is there often a reason why some normally outspoken men are quite reluctant to pray in public? Is there a reason why others savor the “opportunity”? Consider the following explanation.

Recently [written in 2001] I asked not to be called upon to “perform” a prayer in front of a local living room Sabbath Assembly. Here are some of the scriptures that I considered concerning why I cannot, in good conscience, perform formal public prayers any longer.

In Luke 11, Jesus (actually Yeshua, off site) was asked by one of His Disciples to teach them to pray. This was after He had already sent out “the seventy” to represent Him! (Luke 10:1,17) It was a genuine prayer that the disciple had interrupted and it is certain that even at this late time in His ministry, they were totally unfamiliar with the specifics of prayer! You have to wonder why they did not know what they should pray about. Hadnt they heard Yeshua praying in public?

Actually, there is no scripture encouraging one person to “lead” others in prayer in the Bible! The records indicate that prayer is strictly a personal relationship with God. The scriptures demonstrate prayers private nature; it being done in a person’s own home, or among other Saints (believers). When several people are praying together they are ALL praying simultaneously whether at homes or in synagogues, or other places, each person not being particularly mindful of the prayers being made by others.

Could praying in public cost you your eternal life? Carefully consider the only commentary about praying in public, in the Bible. The same exact context covers doing any good thing in public.

Matthew 6:1-5 Be careful that you dont do your charitable giving before men, to be seen by them, or else you have NO REWARD from your Father who is in heaven. 2 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, dont sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you do merciful deeds, dont let your left hand know what your right hand does, 4 so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 5 “When you pray, you shall not be as the ‘hypocrites’ [literally: “actors” or “pretenders”] for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. WEB

Notice that even these “pretenders” were not necessarily praying to be heard by men, they were praying because they wanted to be “seen by men”!

Here is a specific condemnation of the Pharisees performing public prayers to put on a show of self righteousness. I had always been assured that it was the length of the “prayer”, or perhaps the well rehearsed oratory that Yeshua objected to. However the context concerns being “seen by men” because “they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets”. Calling attention to oneself was the primary offense, which is absolutely unavoidable when someone “leads in prayer”. There is a specific instruction, in the very next verse, for prayer to be done it in a “closet”.

Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your ‘inner chamber’ [literally a “closet” as in the KJV, or a “secret room”] and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. WEB

Could a person “leading in prayer” in church be violating the scriptural admonition against being “seen by men”, and doing it in the very presence of God? The reason that I stopped participating in these “prayers” was because I could not do it in faith, so by definition I was sinning. This has concerned me for many years.

“secret room” does not of course mean that one has to be at home or in some special place to pray. The reference to a “secret room” simply emphasizes the intimate nature of our heartfelt thoughts that one only shares with God. This is something that even the hypocrite did correctly—he was praying quietly “to himself”!

Luke 18:10-11 Two men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to himself like this: ‘God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. WEB

Why is formal public prayer considered a necessity when there no scriptural provision made for it? The way that I was tutored to pray in public seemed to be a “vain repetition”. No, it was not a chant, but it was the same topic every week for decades: Ask God to “bless the speaker and the ears that hear the words—Amen.” Then ask God retroactively to “bless the speaker and the ears that heard the words—Amen.” In the past, when I tried to vary this routine a bit I was chastised.

Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard [by God] for their many words. NKJV

In Yeshua’ prayer of John 17, He was seemingly oblivious to those around Him. Consider Yeshua’ use of the words “they” and “them” that He used 36 times in that prayer. This prayer, in writing, is to inform us of our Saviors thoughts, even during this horrendous chapter of His life. Public prayers use the word “we” as often as Yeshua used “they” and “them”. These two words, and others, demonstrate that He was praying FOR them—not with them!

Does the following verse indicate that public prayer was a part of Sabbath Assembly protocol of the Early “Church” (off site)?

1 Corinthians 14:16 Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the AMEN’ at your GIVING OF THANKS, seeing he doesnt know what you say? WEB

This verse is buried in a chapter that deals extensively with speaking in tongues during a Sabbath assembly. Yet, there are great truths to be gleaned, concerning the original Sabbath Assembly format, from these neglected passages. This is a bit lengthy, but it is our best insight into Apostolic Sabbath protocol—and it still does not demonstrate the validity of public prayer!

1 Corinthians 14:1 ... 17 Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in another language speaks not to men, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit he speaks mysteries. [This is a proof text that speaking in tongues is not for the “building up of the Assembly!”] ... 9 So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air ... 12 So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the ‘building up’ [or edifying] of the Assembly. 13 Therefore let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. [Yes, we should ALL pray “at church”] I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. [Music is accepted as well.] 16 Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will he who fills the place of the unlearned say the “Amen” at your GIVING OF THANKS, seeing he doesnt know what you say? 17 For you most certainly GIVE THANKS well, but the other person is not ‘built up’ [edified]. WEB

Here is the clue that indicates that the subject matter has not switched from speaking in tongues to public prayer. This kind of “giving of thanks” does not edify “the other”! We have already established that speaking in tongues is not for the edifying of “the Assembly” but should we assume that prayer is also not for the brethren? Absolutely not! Prayer edifies!

What about the word “Amen”? Doesnt the use of the word Amen indicate that a public prayer had ended? I’ll come back to that. The context continues to concern tongues and Sabbath service protocol:

1 Corinthians 14:18-33 I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all. 19 However in the Assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language. 20 Brothers, dont be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature ... [More on tongues not quoted.] 23 If therefore the whole Assembly is assembled together [a Sabbath Assembly] and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, [there was no closed door policy, rather there was the understanding that God could guide an “uninformed” person into a Sabbath assembly] wont they say that you are crazy? 24 But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, he is reproved by all, and he is judged by all. [That happens now, right?] 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed. So he will fall down on his face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed. 26 What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. [Meaning: “Why do you brethren all want to speak on the same Sabbath”? Also notice that “leading” in prayer was not being fought over.] Let all things be done to build each other up. 27 If any man speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the Assembly, and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets [ordinary Saints] speak, two or three, and LET THE OTHERS ‘DISCERN’ [OR “JUDGE” NKJV—Your Assembly does that, right?] 30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you ALL can prophesy ONE BY ONE, that all may LEARN, [new concepts, what else!] and all may be exhorted. 32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, 33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. WEB

Where is the part that says that certain people should not be allowed to speak of the things that they are passionate about? Are we afraid that someone will say something that was wrong or even heretical? Should we, rather, let them pick off the weak of the flock in privacy, rather than let them speak openly to the Assembly, having “the others JUDGE?” If this were the procedure followed today, a new person would be suspicious of someone who tried to introduce “a new truth” to them apart from the involvement of others!

Of course some would surely be better speakers, and would be encouraged to speak more often. As far as women being required to “keep silent”, I surmise that the intent was that women should not become elders in the Assemblies.

Continuing in the only Biblical Sabbath protocol:

1 Corinthians 14:34-40 As in all the Assemblies of the Saints, 34 let your wives keep silent in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the law also says. 35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful for a woman to chatter in the Assembly. 36 What? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone? 37 If any man thinks himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, [as in your minister] let him recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Lord. 38 But if anyone is ignorant, let him be ignorant [probably a guy who wont listen to reason]. 39 Therefore, brothers, desire earnestly to prophesy, [speak under inspiration] and dont forbid speaking with other languages. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. WEB

Is the use of the word “Amen” used above, or anywhere else in the Bible associated with prayer? Perhaps we should rather ask who associated it with prayer. In Luke 11:2-4, the “model prayer”, Yeshua never said anything about Amen, nor did He mention it in His real prayer which occupies the entire 17th chapter of John. Actually, the first thirteen uses of Amen in the Bible are associated with cursing the wicked! The next reference in the Bible mentions Benaiah saying Amen to David. The next reference concludes David’s Song of Thanksgiving (1 Chronicles16:36). The next reference concerns an oath that was confirmed by the use of an Amen. (Nehemiah 5:13) When Yeshua stated the “Great Commission” in Matthew 28:18-20, was He praying to the disciples when He said “Amen”? Mark concluded his “gospel” account with Amen as did Luke and John. Paul used it to conclude his epistles. Revelation 3:14 uses as a personal name for God! The four “living creatures” said it in Revelation 5:14, do they need to pray or can they just talk to God? The Bible itself is concluded with two Amens. There are numerous other examples having nothing to do with prayer. Now it could be acceptable to mention the word “Amen” in conjunction with a prayer because the Matthew 6:10-13 version of the model prayer uses the word Amen, or was that Matthew’s own personal “may it be so”, added decades later, concerning “Thy kingdom come”? To me, the code word Amen always being associated with prayer is a mainstream Christian fabrication. Saying Amen after your own prayer is like saying to God, following a prayer: “I agree with me” or “I am not kidding You”!

Yeshua’ Prayers

Does the account of the feeding of the five thousand, in Matthew 14, really constitute an example of Yeshua “leading in prayer”? Actually this account shows Yeshua passing up the perfect opportunity to “lead in prayer”! Did Yeshua ask anyone to bow their heads or look off toward heaven or even have a “moment of silence”? No!

Matthew 14:19 He commanded the multitudes to SIT DOWN ON THE GRASS; and He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes. WEB

Why had Yeshua “commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass” just prior to this incredible miracle? That particular “body language” would demonstrate to those present that they were not participants in the prayer! Why was He “looking up to heaven”? Certainly vast multitudes could not hear one man speak a few brief words, and His words were not recorded, but thousands could see the unmistakable “body language” of Yeshua looking up to heaven! Yeshua did not want this mighty miracle to be credited to Himself “in the midst of Israel”. He gave God the credit in a very deliberate way. Not to have done this would have been like Moses striking the rock, which preceded the miracle that provided another multitude with much wanted water! Moses died:

Deuteronomy 32:51 ... because you trespassed against Me in the midst of the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah of Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because you didnt sanctify Me in the midst of the children of Israel. WEB

Never take credit for a miracle of God!

Does the fact that Yeshua “blessed” the loaves and the fish really mean that Yeshua prayed for the quality or safety of the meal? Should we use this miracle as a precedent for praying aloud before meals, thanking God for the food? Yeshua was demonstrating His thankfulness for the miraculous method that the food was provided to the multitude, because it was a proof that he was the Messiah! The fact that the people ate the food was of no particular consequence! By that rationale why not ceremonially pray, thanking God, before having sexual relations as well? Why not pray each time you step into a bath tub, giving thanks for the warm water and asking that you not drown?

Furthermore, there is a difference between a “blessing” and a “prayer”.

Yeshua “blessed” little children . This was something that was done for the children, not for God!

Mark 10:16 He took them in His arms, and blessed them, laying His hands on them. WEB

Surely there are some examples of Yeshua leading in a prayer, right? Well not exactly. The famous “Lord’s Prayer” is actually a model of a prayer that Yeshua used. He indicated to them some things that we should be praying about—AFTER He had “finished praying”!

Luke 11:1-2 It happened, that when He finished praying in a certain place, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy. May Your Kingdom come. May Your will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven. WEB

Could this next example of a “Prayer” represent a prayer of disappointment and defeat as He was dying on the cross?

Mark 15:34 At the ninth hour Yeshua cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” WEB

On the contrary, this was not a prayer at all, rather, He was quoting from Psalms 22. To see that this was not a prayer of discouragement but rather an amazing statement of encouragement spoken to His nearby followers, check out this inspiring outside link: Did God Really Forsake Yeshua Christ on the Cross?

Now here is a true prayer uttered from the cross:

Luke 23:34 Yeshua said, “Father, forgive them, for they dont know what they are doing.” WEB

Prayer overheard? Yes. However, this could scarcely be used as an example of leading in prayer.

It’s not wrong to be overheard talking to God any more than it is to be overheard talking to a friend. In fact, you can defiantly pray aloud at any time and under any circumstances as Daniel did!

Daniel 6:10-11 When Daniel knew that the writing was signed , [putting a death sentence on the worship of God] he went into his house (now his windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did before. 11 Then these men assembled together, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. WEB

Similarly, when Jacob was about to die he spoke to his sons and blessed them (i.e. not praying):

Genesis 49:1 Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days. NKJV

After addressing each son the account continues:

Genesis 49:28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he BLESSED them; HE BLESSED EACH ONE ACCORDING TO HIS OWN BLESSING! NKJV

There are, of course, other prayers that were meant to be heard and recorded in the Bible, however they were given under anything but routine circumstances. When Stephen was being murdered, God obviously wanted these extraordinary thoughts toward his heavenly Father to be preserved, but it was not to edify the mob! Also when Elijah asked God to kill a bunch of pagan priests, he let Israel know exactly the purpose of this incredible display of God’s power. Elijah very simply gave God the credit for destroying those pagan priests who had been “ceremonially praying” all day long! His very short prayer, which resulted in the deaths of scores of pagan priests while they were themselves “praying in public”, may be an object lesson! Again, had Elijah not specifically given God the credit for killing those prayerful pagans it would have been like Moses claiming partial credit for the miracle that happened when he struck the rock. That mistake kept him out of the Promised Land!

Is public prayer an “art” or is it for every Saint? I know that whenever I was called upon to pray, being the self conscious person that I am, that even tho I tried to concentrate on speaking to God, it was only the people in the room that I could really focus on. I said what was expected of me, abiding by the strict formal protocol. In short, we have the ritualistic and routine “artistic” prayers of the Pharisees on one hand, and prayers in a closet on the other hand.

I know that my “public prayers” never got past the ceiling, I could almost hear the thud of them falling to the floor as I finished! Part of the reason that my “prayers” never sounded polished is because I would never premeditate a “prayer” any more than I would for one in my closet. If it is premeditated then it is a speech! I feel that the most successful “prayers” in the churches were offered—well thought out in advance. Only the details were varied to prevent them from being recognized as vain repetitions. The fact that there is often a list of “approved prayer givers” demonstrates that eloquence in the human listeners ears is the only criteria necessary to fulfill the ritual. The “lowly” laborer, who is perhaps somewhat more sincere and humble, seldom if ever has the “privilege” to “pray in public—decade in and decade out. In 1 Kings 8:14-21 there is a speech given by Solomon that is correctly subtitled in my Bible as “Solomon’s Speech at Completion of the Work”. Verse 14 calls this speech a “blessing” which is quite different than a prayer. Verses 22-53 records the actual prayer that was given by Solomon:

1 Kings 8:22 Solomon stood before the altar of [Yehovah’] in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven”. WEB

The common assumption is that from this point on he began “leading” them in a lengthy public prayer. There are however some comments included in the wording that do not support this view. I believe that after Solomon’s speech, and before he again addressed the audience “with a loud voice”, that he did stop and offer a prayer to God. He did indicate to the people, by raising his hands, that he has going to pray at this time but I see no evidence that he engaged in any “leading”, rather, he got down on his knees and faced the altar, which we would never do in a “public prayer”, especially if we wanted to be heard by many in a great assembly with no PA system! The public was not vicariously participating in this prayer. In fact Solomon said that the Israelites did their own praying:

1 Kings 8:30 And when You hear the supplication of Your servant AND Your people Israel, WHEN THEY PRAY TOWARD THIS PLACE.... WEB

This historic occasion is evidence that we too should be doing our own praying as well! In a “public prayer” the speaker continuously says “WE ask such and such”, YET Solomon said “And now I pray” (v.26). Solomon sincerely hoped that “all Your people Israel” would repent of their sins BUT HE EMPHASIZED IN HIS OWN PRAYER THE NECESSITY FOR ONE ON ONE PRAYER TO GOD!

1 Kings 8:38 ... whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when EACH ONE knows the plague of HIS OWN HEART, and spreads out HIS hands toward this temple.... NKJV

Solomon’s prayer liberally uses the words “they” and “them” as did Yeshua’ recorded prayer. Inclusive wording such as “we” and “us” would have been expected if he were truly performing a “collective prayer”. Solomon set a proper example in being seen praying in this new temple. Because he was a writer, he may very well have even been inspired to record the thoughts of his prayer in the third person as an example of sincere praying—for posterity.

1 Kings 8:54 And so it was, when Solomon had FINISHED PRAYING ALL THIS PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, that he arose from the altar of the Lord, from KNEELING ON HIS KNEES with his hands spread up to heaven. THEN he stood and blessed* [not a prayer] all the Assembly of Israel WITH A LOUD VOICE. NKJV

After “Solomon had finished praying” which was by contrast not done in a “loud voice”, he then addressed the audience—all of Israel “with a loud voice” and told them that he wanted God to bless them. This loud audible message was directed toward the people rather than to God and the altar. It is interesting to note that the word “supplication” was used twelve times in association with Solomon’s words. The term is derived from the act of bending to a superior to petition for something. “And may these words of mine, [not ours] “with which I” [not we] have made supplication before the Lord.... v.59.

The reforms made by Hezekiah were another historically significant event, so much so that it was even compared to the time of Solomon.

2 Chronicles 30:26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem. WEB

Then the priests and the Levites, arose and “blessed”* the people:

On another occasion:

V.27 ... their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy habitation, even to heaven.

What does “blessed” mean? The way that blessed is used in these examples simply means to state that one desires for good things to happen to God’s people. Look up the many references to blessing in a concordance; it is no more associated with prayer than “Amen” is. The Hebrew term can be translated as blessed but the other way to translate the word is “cause to kneel”! The priests stood and caused the congregation to kneel and the collective “voice” (also translated “noise”, “sound” or “thunder”) of thousands of people praying at the same time reached God’s throne in heaven! Yes they did pray at this time in the temple but there is no record of one individual saying “Listen up everyone, I am going to pray to God now and I want for all of you to listen.” The phrase “their prayer” might appear to be a reference to a collective prayer “led” by an individual in the NKJV, but the Moffatt translation captures the profound vision much more accurately by stating:

2 Chronicles 30:27 ... so loudly that their VOICES resounded to heaven, God’s sacred dwelling.

Psalm 80 is a recorded prayer of Asaph that was set to music to the tune of “The Lilies”. This prayer/psalm was recorded for educational and inspirational purposes. However it was obviously not used as an example of someone “leading” in a public prayer.

Isaiah 26:16-18 [Yehovah], in trouble they have visited you. They poured out a prayer when Your chastening was on them. 17 Like as a woman with child, who draws near the time of her delivery, is in pain and cries out in her pangs; so we have been before You, [Yehovah]. 18 We have been with child. We have been in pain. We gave birth, it seems, only to wind. We have not worked any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen. WEB

There is nothing loud and formal or otherwise implying a collective prayer in the NKJV “they poured out a prayer”. The Berkeley version says “they poured fourth a whispered prayer” while Moffatt simply says “we cried out”.

Nehemiah 4:8-9 But it happened that when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very angry; 8 and they conspired all of them together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to cause confusion therein. 9 But we made our prayer [Moffatt: “we offered prayer”] to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them. WEB

Certainly God’s people pray, no doubt about it!

Acts 1:14 All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women [no muzzles here], and Mary the mother of Yeshua, and with his brothers. WEB

The emphasis here is that these people were of “one accord” or “one mind”. Yet people of like mine each have separate voices!

James 5:13-15 Is any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. 14 Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let THEM pray [preferably not just one of them] over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, 15 and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. WEB

I believe this to have been done in privacy, in a “closet”. When several elders are praying over you simultaneously, none would likely be seeking to steal any limelight. There is no certainly no indication of this being done as a public spectacle.

Here is another example of when the Assembly needed to pray. Notice that the emphasis shifts from “Peter” to “they”!

Acts 1:15 ... 26 In these days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said, 16 “Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Yeshua. 17 For he was numbered with us, and received his portion in this ministry. 18 Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness, and falling headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines gushed out. 19 It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’ 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be made desolate ... 23 They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 They prayed, and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.” 26 They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. WEB

Again, “they prayed” not “Peter prayed”. The reference would understandably be the essence of what they prayed about.

Does including God in conversation always constitute a prayer? What about, in the book of Job, the conversation between God and Satan, was Satan praying? What about when some fool stands and curses God “in a loud voice”—is that a prayer? These are of course extreme examples. What about Nehemiah chapter 9, which immediately follows the account of the reinstitution of the Feast of Tabernacles? Some people believe that most of this chapter constitutes a public prayer. My Bible has a one half page insert, which describes the text as “The Levites Psalm”:

Nehemiah 9:4 Then stood up on the stairs of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani [#1], Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani [#2] [#2], and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice to [Yehovah] their God. WEB

Notice that this is not an example of one person performing a “public prayer”, rather it is a document being recited by eight to twelve named individuals in unison, so it was previously written out. Also rather than sounding like a petition to God, verses 5 thru 35 are primarily a summary of the history of God’s chosen people! The text then transitions from the people’s thoughts to their present day situation:

v.36 Behold, we are servants this day, and as for the land that you gave to our fathers to eat its fruit and its good, behold, we are servants in it. WEB

Here is what was really going on in verses 5 thru 38: These words are the introductory portion of a “sure covenant” or contract that the people were entering into with God!

v.38 Yet for all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal to it. WEB

Following this, the entirety of the first 27 verses of chapter 10 records the names of those people who had official seals to “sign” this contract:

Nehemiah 10:29 The rest of the people [those without seals] joined with their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s law. WEB

When was the last time someone signed a document attesting to the terms of a prayer, or following a prayer “entered into a curse and an oath”? I have never seen that happen anywhere I have fellowshipped!

Here is the kind of situation that it will take for prayer to be taken seriously. Solomon’s wishes are pretty close to what is about to happen except that two more temples will have been built before the diaspora is over:

1 Kings 8:33-36 When your people Israel are struck down before the enemy, because they have sinned against You; if they turn again to You, and ‘confess’ [or praise] Your name, and pray and make supplication to You in this ‘house’ [Solomon’s Temple]: 34 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to their fathers. 35 “When the sky is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against You; if they pray toward this place, [no longer “in this house”] and confess Your name, and turn from their sin, when you afflict them: 36 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants, and of Your people Israel, when You teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land, which You have given to your people for an inheritance. WEB

And then it gets even better:

1 Kings 8:41-43 Moreover concerning the foreigner, who is not of Your people Israel, when he shall come out of a far country for Your name’s sake 42 (for they shall hear of Your great name, and of Your mighty hand, and of Your outstretched arm); when he shall come and pray toward this house; 43 hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to You for; that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, to fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by [Your] name. WEB

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