Someone explain this?

[Quenton]

Why do we close our eyes during prayer? Is there scripture for this?

 

[dannibear]

I don't see anywhere in the Bible stating
'Thou shall close your eyes during prayer', (heehee)
so its really a matter of tuning out your surroundings and
keeping your focus on God. It's also a sign of respect for
most people.

I wouldn't suggest doing so in the car while your driving though....

 

[jiggyfly]

Why do we close our eyes during prayer? Is there scripture for this?

I don't think there is any scripture to support closing our eyes, but there is some scripture for praying with your eyes open.

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" Matt. 26:41

Some of the religious liturgical services I have been to I witnessed the pastor close "with every eye closed, how many want to be saved, please raise your hands" "OK there hands up everywhere" but I looked and didn't see any hands up in the air, none. So I think praying with eyes closed in some cases is a ploy to decieve.

On the other hand it be helpful for some to shut out distractions and help them focus more by closing their eyes.

 

[agua]

It is usual for the pastor to invite people to raise their hand to receive prayer or if they would like to accept Jesus. This is done while eyes are closed so that these people are less intimidated.

I focus better with my eyes closed during prayer.

 

[Brother Mike]

close eyes..

I keep mine open so I don't fall asleep...... but what a better way to fall asleep than to pray to God... I just question what God actually hears as you doze off...

Jesus Is Lord.

 

[Fraction]

I don't think it is a ploy to deceive. What would they be deceiving people of? Eyes closed and raise your hands is more about speaking out to yourself, knowing and admitting with an action that you need a hand. Which is the first step. Admit to God of course, but you can't admit something that you're not convinced of because it would mean nothing. You have to first admit to yourself, and then ask for aid.

You can pray anytime and in any manner that you want. Closing your eyes, putting your hands together, or doing it at a certain time makes no difference. God will hear and see you at anytime. He is always listening and with us. The closing of eyes is just something picked up over time, it is a way of people showing respect and it just caught on. It's not important, but if it helps you focus do it. If you're praying and wondering why you're closing your eyes, might wanna try something else lol.

 

[jiggyfly]

I don't think it is a ploy to deceive. What would they be deceiving people of? Eyes closed and raise your hands is more about speaking out to yourself, knowing and admitting with an action that you need a hand. Which is the first step. Admit to God of course, but you can't admit something that you're not convinced of because it would mean nothing. You have to first admit to yourself, and then ask for aid.

You can pray anytime and in any manner that you want. Closing your eyes, putting your hands together, or doing it at a certain time makes no difference. God will hear and see you at anytime. He is always listening and with us. The closing of eyes is just something picked up over time, it is a way of people showing respect and it just caught on. It's not important, but if it helps you focus do it. If you're praying and wondering why you're closing your eyes, might wanna try something else lol.

The deception was the pastor said he saw hands raised all over the place but there was not one hand raised.

 

[Quenton]

so far the only thing is...to help keep focused...hmmm

 

[Fraction]

The deception was the pastor said he saw hands raised all over the place but there was not one hand raised.

Oh! Lol, yeah I see what you're saying now. Sneaky!

 

[Maureen]

I don't think there is any scripture to support closing our eyes, but there is some scripture for praying with your eyes open.

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!" Matt. 26:41

Some of the religious liturgical services I have been to I witnessed the pastor close "with every eye closed, how many want to be saved, please raise your hands" "OK there hands up everywhere" but I looked and didn't see any hands up in the air, none. So I think praying with eyes closed in some cases is a ploy to decieve.

On the other hand it be helpful for some to shut out distractions and help them focus more by closing their eyes.

Hi, Jiggfly, I havent been around for quite some time here, but thats dreadful, that is decietful indeed, I must make a point to come back again, and I dont think that's one bit right of that Pastor doing that.

 

[Miss Elly]

Why do we close our eyes during prayer? Is there scripture for this?

Well, think about it, people close their eyes (usually) when they kiss. Why do they do that????????

 

[David777]

Hey Fraction.

JiggyFly is very tricky, glad you fell for it and not me.

 

[Kit Carson]

It is the way of life. To submit to the leader. To show respect and to bow your head to the master.

It is only when you become ornery like myself that you pray with both eyes wide open, if around other people. I generally do not pray around other people anyway, unless a person is really down and needs help one on one....all that public nonsense I call just that......nonsense. Empty words to suit a generic situation....fall on deaf ears.

Prayer is a personal thing for us before God. With respect and honor and a will to learn and to know you can talk to God just like your best friend, as that is what he is. You can praise him, and you can gripe at him. It does not have to be always praise and always prim and proper with head bowed and eyes closed.

The psalms are some good examples of prayer, talks, thoughts and how God speaks to us. Results of actions and thoughts on them, and so on.

Mine eyes are open...........Praise to God and honor to Jesus for the way to see the world.

Kit

 

[gdemoss]

There are various reasons for praying in certain ways or positions as body language says a lot. Jesus lift his eyes up to heaven and prayed while the publican wouldn't so much as raise his eyes up to heaven. Paul speaks of lifting up holy hands in prayer without wrath and doubting. I most generally pray with my eyes closed and my head bowed. It is just what I am moved to do.

Gary