Out of interest , why do Christians not obey Jesus' word in Matthew 6:5?

[pyjamatop]

It says not to pray in churches, but to pray alone to God the father alone.

 

[DMartin1]

Because, in general, Christians don't read the Bible.

 

[link955]

Perhaps it's because later on Jesus contradicts himself and tells his followers to go out and preach his word. Just a thought.

 

[link955]

Perhaps it's because later on Jesus contradicts himself and tells his followers to go out and preach his word. Just a thought.

 

[blue]

Because hypocrisy and general delusion go hand-in-hand.

 

[Cryssi]

Maybe because Jesus was Jewish and Christians hated it.

 

[ATS]

I think you will find these are the "self-righteous" the "do as I say not as I do". Christ is not saying do not be seen praying as he himself was often seen by his disciples. There are two types of prayer those that reach the ceiling (majority) and those that do reach the Throne.

 

[Ike]

Hmm, I do my praying unseen, unless I'm joining other Christians to pray.

Jesus doesn't forbid that, He forbids doing it in order to be seen praying.

 

[Morganie5]

You're making an awfully broad generalization...

 

[ernie]

I do, unless it is an open atmosphere for prayer with others.

 

[anti_anti_bumba36]

I believe Jesus is trying to say to the reader to have integrity. Don't just pary him or anything else just lip service. "Walk the Talk" or something like that.

 

[Kopczyk]

Hmmmm.....Good question,though most likely just egotistic Sarcasm of one who believes they are a intellectual for a disbelief in God,though for the off chance you're being sincere then let this humble soul try his best at answering.

What is this talking about is boastful prayer,those who love to look holy before man,those who "Look it,but don't act it".Boastful souls is a reproach to the God of Abraham,thus Jesus who is "One with the father" instructs those listening to be humble,to realize their place, and rather then mock God by appearing holy to man to just offer it as a sacrifice to God,for "Those who flaunt their holiness before man have already received their reward,but he who does it that the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing shall receive his reward in heaven".This is instructed against the Boastful Holier-then-thou Christians,those who criticize how others act yet get furious when another criticize them

you make a good point,though I will tell you their are many who do fallow as the christ instructed.Those who prayer earnestly and with a humble heart is always pleasing to God.This is the same explanation for the "Call no man teacher/father/master" scriptures.Hope this was a good explaination.

Love in Christ Jesus,
Mark the Catholic

 

[FosterDAD1]

real christians do.

 

[itsnotme4321]

Just because somebody prays in public doesn't mean they are doing it for attention or to be "holier than thou". God see's the heart and He knows the intentions. You shouldn't worry about it though. It's more of an issue for believers - not unbelievers.

 

[Gina]

Great one, but I doubt many people will get it without having to look it up. So here it is:

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men" Matthew 6:5

I've asked that same question myself and I am a Christian. I guess people just like to be heard. Narcissism is unfortunately a natural part of the human condition.