Tuesday Contradictions: Matthew 6:5-6 - ”Public Prayer: Performance or Piety?”

Welcome to the latest episode of the Bible Difficulties and Answers podcast with your host, Lance Smith. In today's episode, we dive into a compelling dilemma: should Christians engage in public prayer, or is it merely spiritual showboating? We explore Matthew 6, 5-6, and compare it to insights from John 11 and 1 Timothy 2 as we unravel the biblical guidance on prayer.

Join us as we discuss the heart and motive behind prayer, whether whispered in solitude or spoken aloud. Discover how the Bible offers both cautions and encouragements for public prayer, focusing on glorifying God rather than seeking personal attention. Real-world scenarios and scholarly perspectives provide depth, offering clarity and inspiration for faithful practice.

Perfect for anyone seeking to understand the intricate balance between sincere devotion and public expression, this episode promises to enrich your spiritual journey. Listen in and become part of the conversation on what it means to pray in a way that honors God and strengthens faith.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/first/contra2_list.html (The Skeptics Annotated Bible)
2. https://churchleaders.com/christianity/473754-praying-in-public-guidance.html 
3. https://www.gotquestions.org/public-prayer.html 
4. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/2153599X.2024.2349778#d1e256 
5. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/scottish-journal-of-theology/article/when-prayer-goes-wrong-a-negative-theology-of-prayer/93F8976E2C227D343B9E55A456DCD00C 
6. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/modern-american-history/article/see-you-at-the-pole-evangelicals-public-schools-and-studentinitiated-school-prayer-in-1990s-america/DC03AAAFE8A22FF775915CEA15E39A82 
7. https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-do-you-pray-in-public-without-performing 
8. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1074&context=ctamj