Pray is a church word. . .

Pray is a church word. It means what you want it to mean. The word is even used to define itself.

 

Mark 6:46 (KJV) 

    And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray (To pray to God fervently; to pour one's whole heart and total being out to God; to share with God both thanksgiving and petitions).

 

2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) 

    Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray (To implore; to pray; to beg; to urge; to intreat; to cry; to ask; and to plead with.) you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

 

How often do you hear a public prayer you would define as "fervent"?

 

How often do you hear a public prayer and you pour your heart and total being out to God?

 

How often do you hear a public prayer and you implore, you beg, your urge, you intreat, you cry, you plead with God?

 

Our public prayers are to fill the space allocated for prayer. Jesus says "Matthew 6:6   

    But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." We change that to stand before a group of people and a public address system.