Public prayer is different. When one prays in public he or she prays not as an individual, but on behalf of the entire church. More than that, though we are praying to God, we are to be mindful of those listening to us. Our prayers are to edify and build up those that hear us. In public, we are to be wise in our conduct and winsome in our words so that we might be effective witnesses of Christ.
{1 Cor 14:13-19: Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: }
Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. . In private, devote yourself to prayer; you can make a prayer closet. Kneel in a quiet room. Find your quiet and time with God. You will see the big difference and you will receive answers. In private, we are to be persistent in watchful, thankful prayer. I know it seems I am repeating myself. But if someone really explained prayer to me growing up instead of just doing it. I would of understood more of how it is personal. Instead I was made to understand that it was hypocritical and I just had to pray in public when others was doing the praying. I believe that prayer by the pastor should be one of the highest moments in public worship services. This moment of public intercession can be absolutely powerful. When the Pastor Is Praying in Public. As the spiritual leader of the church, when you pray, you are standing the gap for God’s family. So when we pray for each other no matter what we are going through, God is blessing all in this unity. I have many of times in my life that it was just me and God speaking to each other. But when others came along and prayed for me or helped me in my distress of healing. God worked blessings and miracles. Even if I pray for someone or a situation from afar. God is working everything out in His timing. God is so good.
The Bible tells us in “1 Thessalonians 5:16-22: Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesying’s. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
This “pray without ceasing.” Jesus stayed close to God. Continually talking with God who sent Jesus in His image, He is shown to pray: alone. Being still and in peace mode.
{Matthew 14:23: And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.} Staying close to God!
{Mark 1:35: And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.} Jesus believed in being alone and spending time with God in the morning.
{Luke 9:18-24: And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am? They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again. He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straightly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day. And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
“Lk 22:39-41: And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. In public Jesus prayed! “
“John 11:39-46: Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.
“John 12:27-30: If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
{Lets Pray}
Father God, I thank You and praise You for the power of prayer and unity. I thank You, I praise You and glorify Your Awesome name for the life and witness of the Dear Blessed Lord Jesus Who came to earth to fulfil Your redemptive purpose and plan for the fallen race of mankind. Proved Your promises to us. Father God, if it were not for His miraculous birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious Resurrection, I would still be dead in my trespasses and sin and at conflict with You. I thank You and praise You that through Your goodness and grace, You purposed and planned to redeem mankind through faith in His finished work. I thank You and praise You for saving me. I thank You, praise You and give You all the glory for sending Jesus to be the sacrifice for my sin. I thank You and praise You that You loved me before I knew You and have brought me into Your heavenly family. May I live and be Your light of Your praise and glory, from this day forward. I thank You and praise You for all those who love You and are a light in all lives. Bless them today. “Father God, glorify thy name. I thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.
{Power Verse}
The Lord loves those who hate evil, He protects the lives of His people and rescues them from the wicked. Psalm 97:10
"Only Life Changes" 