Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1897-05-08
PRAYING IN PUBLIC.


one OF the eastern churches, evidently
being anxious to please his congregs'
tien, confljentlally Inquired OF one oil
the leading members OF his flock II he
could suggest any improvement in the
weekly religious service. The gentle.
man addressed frankly replied; "Yes,
cir; II you could give more attention to
your prayers and lesa to your ser-
monr." In view OF the fact that lhY
sermons were not long but thst tbs
ministers prayers often were insuiIer.
ably SO, the force Of the suggestion
could not be avoided.
In noting the incident there will be
people In this part Of the country who
will feel that some who are called to
fficiate In public religious ceremonies
might profit by the advice given to the
eastern divine, ind their conformity
thereto would be appreciated ty thrif
fellow-worehipers The sermon oil 3
upon 1t all the care necessary to maze
its statements accurate, clear, earnest
and foIcible, and be accompanied
ny the Spirit that beaIs witness TO
true religious instruction; and the
bes,owsl OF this care does not involve
the preparation OF "Iehdy.made" dis-
courses, to be delivered to the
exclusion OF the Inspiration Of
Inc moment, which should he
given free rein with one who DC.
clares religious truths aud speaks SO
moved upon by the Holy Ghost."
But 1t does involve the acquisition OF
knowledge and understanding OF priu.
ciple, the systematic and intelligent
pTeseniaiion OF the same, anu iulI
consideration for the Iroprlelies OF the
occasion, rom the standpoint OF one
Who seeks to prOmuigale the divine
word and uauguI eise; ana the same
general rules apply In the matter Of
praying.
The Savior gave to His disciples
poiated illustration OF the rule to be
observed in prayer, In conlradistinc.
lion 10 the custom Of many 10 that day
who loved to be seen praying in tn.
synagogues and ON the street corners
and thought they would be- heard bl-
cause OF thsir much speaking; certain
Iy they secured praise from men for
the "elcquence" OF their prayefa, Tor
in that they had "thelr reward" and
not in the Blessings called ir-m
heaven. But the Lord told His
Disciples In what manner they should
pray; and this was that they should
avoid vain repetitions, make their
prayers suited to the occasion, ana
put into them the sincere desire OF
their hearts. This lesson is fully COL
vsyed In the text given OF the Lotd'.
prayer.
1t 10 not an uncommon Idea
among some that when IL falls
to their lot. for instance, to
offer the opening prayer in re.
ligious meeting, they must make it
impressive at least by its length and
the range OF subjects covered, many
OF which have special fitness ior
ether occasions. But such an idea
carries with 1t the implication that II
lie the speaker who is praying, and moi
the congregation; for no ass, mblage Of
people exhibits the patience to follow
dcvOutly through such long pray
eTs as are sometimes offered
The truth lie, that in an
assemblsge for religious worship the
entire congregation should unite IL
The devotional exercise; they may MOI
pronounce the words auliUly to each
other, but IN order 10 unite In tn,
prayer az IL their religious obligation
under such circumstances, they should
follow mentally every sentiment, sen
fence and word, and give the sincere
support Of cir desire in behalf Of The
praise and thank ulness expressed AM
tue bletklugs asked Tor. To enable hen
to dothis, the prayer must be Interest
ing,it must he ofthe Spirit, suited to To,
OCCASION, clear to The ear anu TO tht
mind, aud not tireslme by its multi
Jude OF words or intrOiuc.iou OF un
necessary dstail'. II shunld be
prayer iOr the time, anu Tor all, tina
the congregation may unite In II they
viii, whether II lasls a minute or lhrer
minutes.
1t may be said OF many prayeu
offered IN puoiio that II the!
we're cut in halt or Guurler, the!
would be " portlUualely more Ell
iec.lve, both at the opening ant
cloelrg Of meetings. in givlag NOR
attention In THIS direction Than som
have ne, the god effect that won !,
follow ia apparent. Such affection i
MOTTO be applied to feduoiug to tn
smallest campass a prayer 40 matte