There Is No Private Prayer
The single most widespread American misunderstanding of prayer is that it is private. Strictly and biblically speaking, there is no private prayer. Private in its root meaning refers to theft. It is stealing. When we privatize prayer we embezzle the common currency that belongs to all. When we engage in prayer without any desire for or awareness of the comprehensive, inclusive life of the kingdom that is "at hand" in both space and time, we impoverish the social reality that God is bring to completion.
Solitude in prayers in not privacy. The differences between privacy and solitude are profound. Privacy is our attempt to insulate the self from interference solitude leaves the company of others for a time in order to listen to them more deeply, be aware of them, serve them. Privacy is getting away form others so that I don't have to be bothered with them; solitude is getting away form the crowd so that I can be instructed by the still, small voice of God, who is enthroned on the praises of the multitudes. Private prayers are selfish and thin; prayer in solitude enrolls in a multivalued, century-layered community; with angels and archangels in all the company of heaven we sing, "Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty."
While it was still night, way before dawn, he got up and went out to a secluded spot and prayer. Simon and those with him went looking for him. They found him and siad, "Everybody's looking for you."
Jesus said, "Let's go to the rest of the villages so I can preach there also. This is why I've come."
MARK 1:35-38
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