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Question
In the church I attend, perhaps in a bible study class for example, the leader of the class will ask a student or lay person to lead the class in (public) prayer.
My question is: can you point to an example of this practice in the scriptures? or does this fall into the "traditions of men" category?
It really bothers me and I'm reminded of the admonition in Matthew Ch. 6 to pray in secret.
Thank you so much for your consideration
..................................Elliot
Hi Elliot,
There are many examples in the New Testament where people prayed togther for various reasons. For example the early believers prayed together about appointing an replacement for Judas who had betrayed the Lord. Acts 1:24.
They met and were praying when the Lord instituted in local church and those gathered on the day of Pentecost were indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Acts 2 In Acts 4:31 these believers were assembled together and were praying. In Acts 6:6 when the elected the first deacons. Acts 13:3 when the sent Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. Acts 16:25 Paul and Silas in jail. Acts 20:36 when Paul left Ephesus. All these were public prayer. There are many other examples of private prayer as well.
There are many reasons to pray....some are private, some are public. It is normal and proper for a group to pray and ask God's blessings and guidance in any situation.
Cooper Abrams
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Answers by Expert:
Cooper P. Abrams III
Expertise
Independent Fundamental Baptist missionary and pastor, ThB, MBS. I began pastoring in 1981, and have taught in churches, a Bible college, and a Bible Institute. I have written numerous articles on various subjects from a biblical perspective and many are posted on my web site Bible Truth ( http://www.bible-truth.org ). Bible Truth receives over sixty thousand visits per month. Since 1998 I have answered Bible related questions via e-mail. My answers are straight forward and biblical. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE -----DO NOT ASK A QUESTION AND THEN NOT READ THE ANSWER! ABOUT FOUR IN TEN QUESTIONS ASKED ARE NEVER READ. I FREELY GIVE MY TIME TO GIVE HELPFUL ANSWERS. OFTEN THE ANSWER WILL REQUIRE AS MUCH AS A HOUR OR MORE TO RESEARCH AND THEN TO FORMULATE THE REPLY. IF YOU SEND A QUESTION PLEASE BE THOUGHTFUL ENOUGH TAKE THE TIME TO READ IT. MOST PEOPLE DO...BUT ALL SHOULD. THANKS
Experience
I have been a pastor since 1981 and a Independent Baptist missionary church planter since 1986. I have seen the Lord establish four Bible believing churches in Utah. My web site Bible Truth ( http:\\bible-truth.org ) continues to grow presently over 60,000 visits per month. The materials on the web site are mostly written by myself and contain sermons, Bible commentaries, articles on various biblical subjects.
Publications
- Appeared on Grizzly Adams DVD documentary "End Times: How Close Are We?" (http://www.grizzlyadams.com/Public/ChristianDVDs/index.cfm?productID=49).
- Article "Are Mormons Christians" "O Timothy Magazine" Way of Life Literature (http://www.wayoflife.org/files/9959c77e05b303248173195e72476459-60.html)
Education/Credentials
ThB and MBS from Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC
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