Replies

First of all, since you said you went to Ash Wednesday services...you know that these are not MY Scripture quotes, the Scripture belongs to all. Also, being a Christian, you should know the context in which the words were spoken. Why do you ask?!

Jesus Christ was obviously in a place where John heard what Jesus said, so that he could write it down. This indicates that he was not alone in a closet.

In the quotes which you stated were read on Ash Wednesday, interestingly, Jesus clearly stated that the motives of the "hypocrits" was self promotion; these who stood on street corners wished to gain public adoration...and when they did, that was their reward.

One who publically prays today, does not gain public adoration, he suffers from just the type of scorn which Mr. Ebert delivered in his column. The purpose of public prayer is to acknowledge our Creator...and to bring Him praise.

Christ looks at the motives, the heart of a person. Jesus Christ says to make sure that your heart is right with God, and acknowledge Him in all your ways.

The Bible is full of Public prayer of Thanksgiving and petitions of protection. So, by the way, is our history! The founding fathers of this country met for three hours of prayer, before they signed the Declaration of Independence. Every single signer was at the 3 hour prayer meeting. Our nation was built on a foundation of Prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ.

First of all, since you said you went to Ash Wednesday services...you know that these are not MY Scripture quotes, the Scripture belongs to all.

You are of course correct. I apologize for poor phrasing. What I should have asked is, "What readings did your denomination have at Ash Wednesday?" The gospel reading I quoted is the one used by the Episcopalian Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and a number of others for this last Ash Wednesday.

Also, being a Christian, you should know the context in which the words were spoken. Why do you ask?!

Because I don't have the Bible memorized, and while I've been going to church fairly regularly for the last year and a half, I admit that my attendance for some years prior to that was non-existent. I had hoped that you might shed some light on the matter.

I asked about the context because praying aloud in a group assembled for that purpose in a private facility is not equivalent to praying aloud amidst a group not assembled for that purpose in a public venue, and I was wondering which if either of these cases the Scripture readings you quoted fit.