PRAYER #4: WHERE DO WE PRAY?

• In the Old Testament, the presence of God in most of the times took place in the Temple. People came to the Temple to worship God, to offer sacrifice, and to seek His face (i.e. praying). The holiest of the holy part of the Temple is approachable only by priests. Every religion normally has what we call a house of worship or a sacred place (Temple, Church, Mosque, etc.). Islamic prayers for example are directed toward Mecca. Off course people regardless of what their religious affiliation are are free to pray in any place. However, the presence of God is often understood in relation to sacred places of worship, where the shrine of God stays, governs and shines.

• In the New Testament, the temple is elaborately figured as our own body. Christians are the temple of God. Believers are the place of worship (cf. Rom 12.1-2). Believers therefore are (or should be) the place where God's presence is realized. Others should be able to see God in and through our lives. If God truly lives in us as our Lord, and we abide in Him, the glory of His shrine will be too bright to be covered.

• Since my most general definition of prayer is an intimacy conversation with God which absolutely requires His presence, a prayer is therefore not associated too much with certain sacred geographical places. A true prayer is rather an act of obedience toward the lordship of God in our very lives. Where should we pray is the question in this reflection. The very answer to that question is neither a church building nor a prayer mountain. A prayer finds its foundation in the presence of God. This glorious presence can be discovered only in the pure and obedient heart. Our obedience to the lordship of God is therefore the very right place where our prayer life should be built, practiced and nurtured.