How To Pray In Public

“When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, ‘Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you …’” John 17:1

They say the two great fears of people are speaking in public and praying in public. Jesus prayed privately and also publicly, such as his prayer in John 17. What is the secret to being a good “public” pray-er?

Public prayer is important. On occasion, it is appropriate for someone to lead a group in prayer. This helps the group focus their thoughts and attention toward God. But it takes some courage and comfort to do so.

We sometimes make praying in public scarier than it is. We consider that everyone will be judging the beauty and sophistication of our prayers. This is not typically the case. People are grateful when someone leads in prayer. There is no standard that says that all prayers have to be as if they were prayed by Jesus himself. When we pray honestly and authentically, people sense this and appreciate it.

Here is a pattern for public prayer. If you are called upon to pray in public, think about doing four things. First, have a plan for opening your prayer. “Dear God” is acceptable. So is “Our heavenly Father,” or something like that. Second, have a plan for closing. “Amen” is acceptable. “In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen” is better.

In the middle, do two things. Thank God for something appropriate to the situation. Then pray for something the group considers important. These two things are all you need to do, and doing them covers most of what needs to be said.

Here is an example. Pretend that you have gone home for the homecoming celebration in your childhood church. The pastor normally says the blessing before the meal. A toilet in the office has sprung a leak unexpectedly, however, and the pastor is nowhere to be found. Because it is time to eat, someone calls on you—a long-lost, beloved former member who has come home for the celebration—to return thanks. The group gets quiet, and all eyes turn to you. What do you do?

After a moment of perspiration and panic, you gather your wits and follow the simple outline. You open by saying, “Dear God.” Then you thank God for appropriate blessings of the day. “Dear God, thank you for this great homecoming celebration. We are grateful to renew old friendships. Thank you for all these great cooks who have made special dishes for this celebration.”

Having thanked God for his blessings, you now bring him several petitions. “Now, O Lord, we ask that you will be among us in our fellowship together. Bless all the families gathered here, and nurture our love for another. Keep us safe in our travels home, and bring us back here again next year.” Finally, close with “In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.”

Then you can go into a back room and have a nervous breakdown. Actually, hold your head up high. You did a great job. You have honored God and blessed the people. It is a privilege and honor to be able to do so.

So don’t be afraid to pray in public when given the opportunity. Remember these four simple rules, and you will be able to pray with the best.