Prayer, as a fundamental aspect of Christian life, is both a communal and private practice. The concept of private prayer is deeply rooted in Scripture, where believers are encouraged to seek personal communion with God away from the distractions and influences of the public sphere. This entry explores the biblical basis for private prayer, its significance, and the instructions given to believers regarding this practice.

Biblical Basis for Private Prayer

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of private prayer. One of the most direct instructions comes from Jesus Himself in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:6 , Jesus instructs His followers: "But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." This passage highlights the value of withdrawing from public view to engage in sincere and intimate communication with God.

Private prayer is also exemplified in the life of Jesus. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as frequently withdrawing to solitary places to pray. In Mark 1:35 , it is recorded: "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." This practice underscores the importance of solitude in fostering a deep and personal relationship with the Father.

Significance of Private Prayer

Private prayer serves several vital purposes in the life of a believer. It is a time for personal reflection, confession, and supplication, allowing individuals to express their deepest thoughts and desires to God without the influence or judgment of others. This form of prayer fosters spiritual growth and maturity, as it encourages believers to rely solely on their relationship with God.

Moreover, private prayer is an opportunity for believers to listen to God's voice. In the quietness of solitude, away from the noise of daily life, individuals can discern God's guidance and will for their lives. This aligns with the biblical principle found in Psalm 46:10 : "Be still and know that I am God."

Instructions for Private Prayer

The Bible provides guidance on how believers should approach private prayer. In addition to the instruction in Matthew 6:6, believers are encouraged to pray with sincerity and humility. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:10-14 illustrates the importance of approaching God with a humble heart. The tax collector's prayer, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner," is commended by Jesus as an example of genuine repentance and humility.

Furthermore, private prayer should be consistent and persistent. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 , Paul exhorts believers to "pray without ceasing," indicating that prayer should be a continual and integral part of a believer's life. This persistence in prayer is also encouraged in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 , where Jesus teaches the value of perseverance in seeking God's justice and intervention.

In summary, private prayer is a vital practice enjoined upon believers, providing a means for personal communion with God, spiritual growth, and discernment of His will. Through the teachings and examples found in Scripture, believers are encouraged to cultivate a life of private prayer marked by sincerity, humility, and persistence.Matthew 6:6
But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly.
Nave's Topical Index

That Internal Prayer was the Practice of Ancient Hermits...
... devotions, either in public or private, was only ... the psalter, to which they sometimes
enjoined a little ... mentioned conventual mental exercise of prayer, it was ...
/.../chapter vi that internal prayer.htm

Epistle vii. To the Clergy, Concerning Prayer to God.
... not for himself only, but for all the brethren, even as the Lord has taught us to
pray, when He bids to each one, not private prayer, but enjoined them, when ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle vii to the clergy.htm

The Third Kind of General Mortification is Silence; the which is ...
... mortification is silence; the which is strictly enjoined in St. ... all to use his tongue
but only for prayer in the ... be given by any of the private religious, they ...
/.../chapter vii the third kind.htm

Mental Prayer.
... these is what is commonly called prayer, whether it be public or private. ... of the
latter of the two, habitual or inward prayer, which is enjoined in the ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xv mental prayer.htm

Self-Denial
... thing puts it beyond dispute, that the duty which is here enjoined is not ... He does
not "continue instant in prayer," private as well as public; in communicating ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 48 self-denial.htm

Whether Religious are Bound to Manual Labor?
... But the precept of manual labor is enjoined upon all in common, as appears from
2 ... says of reading and prayer is to be referred to the private prayer and reading ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether religious are bound to.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... pray will be heard, so we are specially enjoined to pray ... yet to assign to them any
other prayer than that ... that each, under the influence of private feeling, is ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

The Several Parts of Worship.
... every important act of their public and private life with ... solemn occasions they joined
fasting with prayer, as a ... though it is nowhere directly enjoined in the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 53 the several parts.htm

Of Scrupulosities About External Duties, as the Office, Fasting...
... it is only a day's office is enjoined, and not ... of religious vows, fasts, austerities,
conventual prayer, aspiring to ... not in sacris to a private reciting of the ...
/.../chapter x of scrupulosities about.htm

The Catechisms of the Church of England. AD 1549 and 1662.
... English versions and expositions of the Lord's Prayer, the Creed ... as a well-known
book of private devotion ... his reign the curates were frequently enjoined to teach ...
/.../ 83 the catechisms of.htm

Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.org

What is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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