Africa
Just Because It’s Popular Doesn’t Mean It’s True -By Joe Dauda
In fact, if Biblical tradition is the yardstick, these people are more in tune with the Bible than you are because there is no where in the entire Bible where praying with eyes closed is modeled or commanded or even insinuated. Rather, we see cases like that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in John Chapter 17 and others, such as praying while standing, or kneeling, or with hands lifted, or even with the face to the ground, like Muslims do.
Some people are ready to descend on their children with scolding or with the whip if it’s prayer time and any of them does not bow their head or close their eyes.
But who told you that prayer requires you to close your eyes?
Are you aware that when Jesus Christ wanted to pray He not only prayed with open eyes but actually lifted His face towards heaven?
See the evidence In John chapter 17 verse 1. Don’t be lazy: just pause this video and check it out. But for lazy people like myself, here is what John chapter 17 verse 1 says:
“These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee.”
I’m not saying you should not pray with your head bowed or eyes closed. By all means, if it helps you to concentrate, please continue. Praying with eyes closed and heads bowed prevents distraction, shows reverence for God, and enables focus. I know that from personal experience and there is nothing wrong with that. But knowledge is power and you need to know that there is no fundamental advantage in praying with eyes closed or heads bowed. The most important aspect of this knowledge is also to prevent you from judging others. Out of ignorance of what the Bible teaches, you may feel holier than others and begin to look down on people who prefer to pray with their eyes open or with their face towards heaven.
Stop it!
In fact, if Biblical tradition is the yardstick, these people are more in tune with the Bible than you are because there is no where in the entire Bible where praying with eyes closed is modeled or commanded or even insinuated. Rather, we see cases like that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in John Chapter 17 and others, such as praying while standing, or kneeling, or with hands lifted, or even with the face to the ground, like Muslims do.
So let’s keep it real and know what the truth is. Just because something is popular does not mean it is based on the truth.
And that is The Verdict For Today According to Joe Dauda.
