I feel the same as the op, I can't do it either for many of the same reasons. It just doesn't feel authentic. I just can't turn it on and off. It makes me feel like a fraud...like I'm just doing something for the benefit of other people; of what they'll think of me if I don't. That makes the prayer bogus, thus useless.
It doesn't feel natural to me and is not one of my gifts and I feel like people are judging me when I do or are appraising my spirituality based on how good of a speech I make to God on behalf of everyone. I have heard people say, wow you can tell this person is really in love with God by how they pray. I don't agree with that.
I just want to be me and them be them. I feel that I will have done God a good service by being a good quality friend to that person and trying to live my life according to my principles. I feel like God is the one who saves- not me.
Sometimes I feel like a spiritual faliure but deep down I feel like I am just different then most others and am misunderstood.
God is other people.I don't exactly understand it really myself, but I really don't like praying publically.
I feel very selfconscious I guess and I feel like all of a sudden I have to be "ON" for God. I just don't like it.
It doesn't feel natural to me and is not one of my gifts and I feel like people are judging me when I do or are appraising my spirituality based on how good of a speech I make to God on behalf of everyone. I have heard people say, wow you can tell this person is really in love with God by how they pray. I don't agree with that.
I don't think it bad to pray publically I just don't think it is for everyone. I admire those who have a gift for it but I just don't have it and don't feel that I fail some kind of litmus test because I don't.
I am not big about advertising for God so to speak, I am not out to save people- I don't befriend people as part of an outreach to save their souls- I befriend people because I simply like them and they don't have to share my personal spiritual or religious beliefs for me to be friends with them- they don't have to have any at all.
I just want to be me and them be them. I feel that I will have done God a good service by being a good quality friend to that person and trying to live my life according to my principles. I feel like God is the one who saves- not me.
I am not very evangelistic at all- it isn't a gift of mine either. I don't like preaching about God but I do enjoy asking questions about God-especially those which cannot be asnswered and asking others about their belief's.
Sometimes I feel like a spiritual faliure but deep down I feel like I am just different then most others and am misunderstood.
I wonder if anyone else can relate.
People should never bray in public. It's undignified.
I don't exactly understand it really myself, but I really don't like praying publically.
Thank you. Please continue to refrain.
It honestly bothers me when people do that. It seems a little presumptuous.
You have no idea how irritating those loud, obnoxious Christians can be. It's so bad that I actually associated Christianity with being loud and obnoxious. You're doing everyone a favor with your example.
Two things I've found shouldn't be discussed in polite company... religion and politics.
How is it presumptuous? I've never found it to be irritating at all.
And you associated Christianity with being loud and obnoxious? Are you 12?
I am agnostic.Maybe that's because you're not an atheist/agnostic type. To be honest, I'd really rather not know a person's politics and religion if I don't have to. It's not easy for me to be comfortable around Christians once I know their religion, especially not conservative ones.
It's kind of hard not to do when you have all these kids around that pray loudly and run around singing gospel music at the top of their lungs in school.
I am agnostic.
Where do you live that people do this?
Seriously, though, it can get annoying. The worst was when this guy was practically making out with his girlfriend at lunch while bashing how unnatural and against God gays are. Granted, that only happened once, but it leaves an impression on you.
This is a Christianity problem? Sounds like a people problem. I'm curious as to how you think ebullient celebration of faith [singing Gospel songs] or misguided personal sentiments justify your judgments about entire religions.
I think there would be less hate and more tolerance if everyone kept their religion like they do their sex in their bedrooms.
If someone sets a fine example then of course it may spark curiosity in some and if they feel comfortable enough to ask about their fine example and it's sources. Then by all means ask, that is what makes communication and conversation between two people excellent. The ability to learn, understand, and share.
Whereas a public shouting of everyone saying verses at the top of their voice on public transportation, well that just singles others out. If there is one thing, I cannot stand more than others it's having to listen to others religion being spewed in buses, businesses, and basically in public places. I am also agnostic. I will not say Tawheed with others, or after the mention of a name publicly say sayings to show I am a believer of their faith. It just segregates and separates.