This morning I am continuing my study of the word “sing”. I was reminded in my reading that I am to remember to direct both my prayer and singing to God. Not for the world to see specifically, but for God to witness.
“13Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” — James 5:13 (ESV)
I see in the verse above that I am to pray when suffering and sing when cheerful. There is not a mention of public or private matters here, although in verse 14 it is mentioned that we should call on others to pray for us in times of need. Our communication with God is a private matter and should be kept so, but whether praying or singing, it should be to God not to others.
My relationship with God is one that is between He and I. I am to be intimate with Him. I am to be private with Him. I am to be alone with Him. I am to find my place and spend time with Him. And just as the Lord’s Prayer indicates, I should be praising and asking during those times. Even Jesus spent time in solitude with God. If the Garden of Gethsemane He went ahead alone to pray. On the cross He was alone with God. Jesus is the example of my relationship with God and that is to be a private one with He and I.
I know what you might be thinking, what about when we are in public, should I sing and pray for all to see if this relationship is indeed private. Well, yes. I have to remember that even when I am in public, I still have a personal relationship with God. When speaking with Him I am always just speaking with Him. It is not about who else hears, it is that God hears me. I may be in public and others can see and/or hear me, but the conversation is a private one and meant for God and me. I have to remember that I am not here to make myself look good, it is about doing the work of God and doing it to impact others. Even in the corporate worship service, it is not for others to necessarily see, it is about the intimate relationship with God that I should be concerned. In public others will certainly be there, but the prayer and singing is between God and me.
When you are praying and singing, where is your communication directed? Are you working to ensure that others are able to see and hear you? What if you directed your prayer and singing to God and Him alone, regardless of where you might be?
Trevor's Thoughts 