Do I Really Have to Pray Out Loud

We have a lot of qualms about praying out loud. It often feels showy or insincere. Jesus thinks so too.

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. - Matthew 6:5-8

You aren’t crazy if you have issues with praying out loud. Sit with that for a moment.

You don’t need to force yourself to be more spiritual by praying out loud. You don’t need others to think more highly of you. You don’t have anything to prove before God (who knows your heart already).

There may be reasons to pray out loud - we can look at that later. But today, see if you can get a little private time to be with your heavenly parent to share your heart in quiet.