Cal Thomas’ comments are incredibly shallow, both biblically and intellectually.
I can’t believe he’s using the “go into your closet” argument.
Jesus prayed in public.
Peter prayed in public.
Paul prayed in public.
Solomon prayed in public.
Worship throughout the bible includes public prayer.
The list goes on and on.
Therefore, Jesus’ words about private prayer have a different meaning than Thomas and other shallow commentators place on them.
Jesus was referring to a specific situation, the whole context being:
“Mt 6:5 “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. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6 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.”
Leading that section is this: “1 “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “
So, the prohibition is against prayer that has nothing to do with contacting God and everything to do with narcissism and personal gain....hypocrisy.
Here are 2 examples of Jesus engaging in public prayer:
Mt 19: 13 Then little children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Lk 3: 21 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.
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.