Why Does God Want Us to Pray?
Prayer is one of the most powerful and personal ways we communicate with God. It is not just about presenting our requests; it is about building a deep, intimate relationship with our Creator. Through prayer, we worship, express gratitude, seek guidance, confess sins, and intercede for others.
Jesus emphasized the importance of prayer throughout His ministry, often retreating to quiet places to spend time with the Father (Luke 5:16). In Jeremiah 29:12, God assures us: “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” This verse reflects God’s desire for a two-way conversation—He listens, He responds, and He wants us to draw near to Him.
But how should we pray? Does posture matter? Should prayer be private or public? And what about the modern trend of filming and posting prayers on social media? Let’s explore biblical principles on how God expects us to pray.
Posture in Prayer: Does It Matter?
The Bible shows various prayer postures, but none is considered “mandatory.” Instead, the emphasis is on a humble heart before God.
- Standing – In Mark 11:25, Jesus says, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them.” Standing represents reverence and readiness.
- Kneeling – Many biblical figures knelt in prayer as an act of humility, including Jesus (Luke 22:41).
- Lifting hands – In 1 Timothy 2:8, Paul encourages believers to pray with holy hands lifted as a sign of surrender and worship.
- Face to the ground – In Matthew 26:39, Jesus fell face down when praying in Gethsemane, showing deep submission to the Father’s will.
The key takeaway? While posture can reflect reverence and sincerity, it is not about physical position but the posture of the heart (Psalm 51:17).
Speech & Tone in Prayer
How should we speak when we pray? Should our tone be loud, soft, or silent? Again, Scripture gives us insight:
- Simple & Sincere – Jesus warns against vain repetitions or using elaborate words just to sound spiritual (Matthew 6:7-8). Instead, He teaches us to pray authentically, like a child speaking to a loving Father.
- Bold & Confident – Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” Prayer is not about fear but about faith in God’s love and power.
- Silent Prayers – Hannah prayed silently in 1 Samuel 1:13, and God still heard her. Silent prayers can be just as powerful as spoken words.
- Loud & Passionate Prayers – Jesus prayed with loud cries and tears in Hebrews 5:7, showing that emotional, fervent prayers are valid when they come from a sincere heart.
The bottom line: Whether soft or loud, what matters is sincerity, faith, and a heart truly seeking God.
Private vs. Public Prayer
Should prayer be done privately or publicly? The Bible provides guidance for both settings:
Private Prayer
Jesus emphasized the importance of personal, private prayer:
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
Private prayer fosters intimacy with God. It’s where we pour out our deepest struggles, worship in solitude, and listen to His voice without distractions.
Public Prayer
Public prayer also has its place in worship gatherings, family settings, and intercessory prayer. The early church prayed together constantly (Acts 2:42), showing that corporate prayer strengthens faith and community.
However, Jesus warns against praying for show (Matthew 6:5). Public prayer should be genuine and not for self-glorification.
Modern Trends: Praying on Social Media – Right or Wrong?
Today, it’s common to see people filming themselves praying and posting it online. But is this biblical? Let’s explore both sides of the argument.
Public prayers on social media can inspire and uplift others, just like corporate prayers in church. Some people have also encountered God’s love through shared prayers online and this is seen as a form of evangelism. Also, faith communities have been built online through shared prayers which has strengthened many people’s faith.
On the other hand, praying online or posting yourself praying has a potential for performance. Jesus warned about praying to be seen by others rather than truly seeking God (Matthew 6:5). It may also give the impression that it is more about self-promotion, views and likes rather than genuine intercession. Also, the fact that some prayers are deeply personal and should remain between the individual and God raises a red flag.
So, should Christians post their prayers? The heart’s intent matters most. If the goal is to glorify God, uplift others, and lead people to Him, then it can be a powerful tool. But if it becomes about self-promotion or gaining attention, then it may contradict Jesus’ teachings.
The True Place of Prayer
Prayer is not about a perfect script, a certain posture, or an audience. It is about a sincere heart seeking God. Whether in private devotion or corporate worship, our prayers should be driven by faith, humility, and the desire to connect with God.
In a world where social media often blurs the line between authentic faith and performance, we must continually ask ourselves:
“Is my prayer about God, or is it about me?”
May we always strive to pray in a way that honors Him, whether in secret or in the presence of others.
What are your thoughts? Do you believe posting prayers online is helpful or harmful? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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