Considering Matthew 6:5-8, why are churches full of public praying

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Question:

Considering that Matthew 6:5-8 tells us specifically to not pray in public or make our prayers known to others, but instead to pray to God at home, why are there so many churches full of public praying?

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Answer:

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In the first half of Matthew 6 there seems to be a theme, which is "Don't be like the hypocrites".

In verse 2 Do not sound a trumpet as the hypocrites ( before they give money) that they may have glory of men
In verse 5 Do not be as the hypocrite (for they love to pray standing in the synagogues) that they may be seen of men.
In verse 16 Be not as the hypocrite when you fast (for they disfigure their faces) that they may appear unto men to fast.

It seems that the real issue here is that there were some people who did things hoping to get recognition from other people. If they got that recognition, then that was the reward they were seeking. They were being admonished to seek to be rewarded by God, no men. Even though the example of the hypocrite praying in public was used, I don't believe the Lord intended to ban prayers in a meeting of believers.

-- Tim Plear

Reference:

Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Asked by: DavidS.

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