Should Prayer Always Be Private? To what degree should we pray in secret?

TitusTwoWife said:

@ScottA

To what degree should prayers be private? I'm asking because Im unclear on when it's appropriate to pray in front of others or let someone know you are praying for them. Im open to hearing different biblical answers on this.

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When two or three--or more--are gathered together, that's corporate prayer where more than one shares as if being of one mind, and the prayers can be anything anyone wants to bring before God. And if one wants to bear their soul to a friend or family or Christian brothers and sisters, as long as it does not bring disorder or potential for temptation, there is no problem and God will hear.

But for the finer understanding of what is and is not to remain private, try turning the matter around. Does God consider somethings private between you and God? Does God cover those in need of cover and protection? Certainly with great discretion. Therefore, it is wise to do likewise.

TitusTwoWife said:

Should we always pray in secret and pray for others in secret as Christians?

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No. Nowadays the more done in public, the better.

The only caveat, don’t publicly pray for your own glory.

Prayer should never be grandstanding or drawing attention to yourself.


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 who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.