hi nairalanders,

i was just wondering whether it is actually wrong(or right) to close one's eyes while praying. i grew up with the belief that it is right and i always feel guilty when my eyes are opened during prayers.

what's your take on this?

1st,
i think this should be in the religion thread.

2ndly
i dont think it is a must to pray closing your eyes. your situation should determine your prayer attitude.

3rdly
it is better for me to close my eyes when praying because it helps me concentrate on the prayer thus, removing distractions

dgreatrock:

1st,
i think this should be in the religion thread.

2ndly
i dont think it is a must to pray closing your eyes. your situation should determine your prayer attitude.

3rdly
it is better for me to close my eyes when praying because it helps me concentrate on the prayer thus, removing distractions

That's all. Well done.


@angelking,

You don't have to feel guilty, although it's great you asked to bear out your mind. Here are a few pointers that may be of help - read with discernment and see that the heart is more important than whether we close our eyes or not:

[list][li]John 17:1 - These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: [/li]
.
.

[li]Luke 18:13 - And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner[/li][/list]

Hope this helps somewhat?

Blessings.

Closing your eyes is mostly to eliminate distractions. But I don't think you should feel guilty if your eyes are open when you're praying, except you're being seriously distracted by what you see. For example, I might be walking along a road and feel like saying a few words of prayer. Should I close my eyes? Definitely not. Is my prayer reaching God? Definitely.

mactao:

Closing your eyes is mostly to eliminate distractions. But I don't think you should feel guilty if your eyes are open when you're praying, except you're being seriously distracted by what you see. For example, I might be walking along a road and feel like saying a few words of prayer. Should I close my eyes? Definitely not. Is my prayer reaching God? Definitely.

true.

errrr, i thought you closed your eyes because God's presence could be so blinding, you would go blind for opening your eyes, i used to peek though. caught the pastor with his eyes opened. . what they teach kids those days