“Many...believed in him. But...they would not confess their faith for fear...for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.” (John 12:42-43)

Three-year-old Tommy prayed before the meal when the family had company. Afterward, someone said, “I couldn’t hear you.”

Tommy replied, “I wasn’t talking to you.” This comment could have been taken as rude, but Tommy didn’t mean it that way. He simply hadn’t learned about agreement in prayer.

We must be conscious of others when we pray aloud with them, yet we should not try to impress them with our words (John 12:43).

Praying in public calls for less intimate prayers. It also calls for consideration for others, such as time constraints and being able to hear.

Jesus encouraged praying in agreement (Matthew 18:19). The person praying aloud voices the thoughts and desires of those present who are praying silently.

When someone is praying, what are our thoughts? Are we praying silently along with them? Are we more conscious of God’s presence, or of those around us? Prayer is still between you and God.