What Jesus taught about prayer

One of the readers of my site sent me the following comments in an -e-mail:





"I did check out the “Jesus Prayer” website as you suggested but, I’m not talking about the “Jesus Prayer.” I’m talking about the specific instructions Jesus gave his disciples as to “what,” “where” and “how” to pray.



Jesus said: “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.” Matthew 6:5.



For they love to pray standing in the synagogues (Churches) and in the corners of the streets (restaurants, sporting events etc., etc.), that they may be seen and heard by men.



Jesus went on to say, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:6.



But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door (total and completely alone), pray to thy Father which is in secret (so that NO man does, or can, KNOW what we pray); and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.



This is what I’m talking about. And I know of no denomination in Christianity that teaches its followers to pray the way Jesus says to pray.



Thoughts?"

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As a matter of fact and truth, this reader is absolutely correct and I was remiss in not referencing the above scriptures. If it is true as he says there is no denomination that teaches its followers to pray the way Jesus says to pray, then they are all wrong.



Prayer should be done in secret. It shouldnt be done in Church or on the street corners. It should be done secretly as the Christ taught. I would also add that it should not be done with vain repition which Christ also taught.



I would like to give an example of what not to do. Years ago I did "sidewalk counseling" at an abortion clinic. At one point a group of Catholic Ladies came down to the clinic and stood outside praying the Rosary. That is exactly what Jesus taught against: vain repitition, and standing on the corner.



All that being said, my advice about the Jesus Prayer s contained in the article on this site called "How to Pray" , and my advice on the prayer of inward silence contained in the article "Be Still and Know" is still valid. But I would like to add both should be done alone and in secret. I think we have all the bases covered now.



God Bless



Ted