Matthew
6: 5- 6
(I'll
be commenting in that whole section on prayer over several posts)
first
the word for word word translation from the UBS Greek text
and
when(ever) you pray, not will be (esesthe from esomai) like the
hypocrites,
that
love on the syngogues and in the corners of the streets ( plateia
wide broad main streets)
standing
(note perfect participle of histeemi) to pray (infinitive)
so
that they should be seen by all people (phavoosin Aorist Subjunctive
of phainoo)
Note
Phainoo not just be seen but be conspicious !
Truly
I say to you, they receive their reward.
You
and (note the de links this to the sentence with kai) whenever you
pray go into your room
(a
tameion is basically an enclosed space it could be a closet store
room bedroom or any room with a door that closes it off) and having
closed the door of yours pray to the father of you in secret. And the
father of you who is seeing in the secret gives to you.
There
are several forms of the verb προσεύχομαι
in this passage to note.
Another
aspect is the emphasis on privacy?
Is
public prayer a good idea? Is private prayer better?
Some
believe public prayer as a form of protest or to open a ceremony is
valid but perhaps the issue here is purpose? Again a reminder not to
vaunt righteousness?
Middle
week I continue my series on Iconography and the relationship of
pagan to Christian art.
Next
weekend repetition of prayers when is it a valid practice?
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