Praying - eyes open or closed?

EphesiaNZ · Apr 20, 2011

I quickly searched the forum about this, it may have been covered already so forgive me but...

When I'm in church, I don't close my eyes during prayer and I feel the odd one out as it looks like most (if not all) do. I believe the Bible doesn't offer much on the subject either and most tend to pray eyes closed out of respect and/or to concentrate on the prayer.

I just want to look at the world around me and see the beauty of God, the cross in our church, the green fields and blue sky out the windows.

Do you feel the same as me?

oi_antz · Apr 20, 2011

EphesiaNZ said:
I quickly searched the forum about this, it may have been covered already so forgive me but...

When I'm in church, I don't close my eyes during prayer and I feel the odd one out as it looks like most (if not all) do. I believe the Bible doesn't offer much on the subject either and most tend to pray eyes closed out of respect and/or to concentrate on the prayer.

I just want to look at the world around me and see the beauty of God, the cross in our church, the green fields and blue sky out the windows.

Do you feel the same as me?

I used to do that, but these days I consider prayer so serious that I will close myself off from all distractions to give (to the best of my ability), my mind to hearing, thinking and agreeing with what the prayer leader is saying. I don't think anyone would be offended if you had your eyes open.

TheGuide · Apr 21, 2011

EphesiaNZ said:
I quickly searched the forum about this, it may have been covered already so forgive me but...

When I'm in church, I don't close my eyes during prayer and I feel the odd one out as it looks like most (if not all) do. I believe the Bible doesn't offer much on the subject either and most tend to pray eyes closed out of respect and/or to concentrate on the prayer.

I just want to look at the world around me and see the beauty of God, the cross in our church, the green fields and blue sky out the windows.

Do you feel the same as me?

Open or shut, whichever is fine. Sometimes, when there are destractions around, especially in church where people-watching or elaborate decor may come into play, closing your eyes may help you concentrate on the prayer. I do like to appreciate nature while thanking God for the same. Still, I'd be more inclined to close my eyes in a Catholic church where idols are on display. I wouldn't want to be staring at them while praying to God.

kennyjoseph__ · Apr 21, 2011

EphesiaNZ said:
I quickly searched the forum about this, it may have been covered already so forgive me but...

When I'm in church, I don't close my eyes during prayer and I feel the odd one out as it looks like most (if not all) do. I believe the Bible doesn't offer much on the subject either and most tend to pray eyes closed out of respect and/or to concentrate on the prayer.

I just want to look at the world around me and see the beauty of God, the cross in our church, the green fields and blue sky out the windows.

Do you feel the same as me?

I close my eyes when i am praying or worshipping to prevent distraction and focus my attention to Jesus totally. Anyway. you can always enjoy His creations anytime after praying. Seek Him with all your heart and all your soul and you will enjoy He Himself rather then the things He created. Isn't it much more wonderful to admire Jesus than to admire His creations?

HisHomeMaker · Apr 21, 2011

I close my eyes now, but when I was learning to pray I would sometimes write my words and so of course my eyes were open. I say you should do whatever is comfortable to you. The important thing is that you do pray as part of your relationship with God.

.Mikha'el. · Apr 21, 2011

EphesiaNZ said:
I quickly searched the forum about this, it may have been covered already so forgive me but...

When I'm in church, I don't close my eyes during prayer and I feel the odd one out as it looks like most (if not all) do. I believe the Bible doesn't offer much on the subject either and most tend to pray eyes closed out of respect and/or to concentrate on the prayer.

I just want to look at the world around me and see the beauty of God, the cross in our church, the green fields and blue sky out the windows.

Do you feel the same as me?

The pastor who leads the Christian ministry on campus says that there is no biblical requirement to pray with one's eyes closed. You can do what you want. As for me, I've tried praying with my eyes open, and I have a harder time focusing.

EphesiaNZ · Apr 23, 2011

Thank you for all your feedback

I've worked out that if I'm in church listening to a prayer I keep my eyes open and take in the wonder around me. As for praying myself, like some of you say, the eyes closed scenario does help you to concentrate on what your praying about - being new to it all, the words don't flow too freely but closing my eyes sure helps with it.

Again thank you all and, thank you God!

whatfor · Apr 24, 2011

I do both, sometimes there are advantages in having your eyes open.
You might miss Gods work happening, if God healed someone you prayed for wouldn't you like to see it happening.
My pastor told me he keeps his eyes open when praying for people, he has had close calls when the person strikes out at him, or at least the demon in them.

.Iona. · Apr 24, 2011

Unless I pray when walking, I keep my eyes closed.

Andrew B. · Apr 24, 2011

Whatever works for you. From what I understand, some people can focus on thought better if they are looking down, or looking up, depending on their preference. I noticed the last time I prayed I was looking straight ahead, but not really focused on what was in front of my. My focus was on the prayers. But usually I bow my head and either close my eyes or leave them open.

HisHomeMaker · Apr 24, 2011

EphesiaNZ said:
...being new to it all, the words don't flow too freely but closing my eyes sure helps with it.

Just talk as if He is your friend, because He is. Don't worry too much about the words because He already knows what is in your heart.

CRAZY_CAT_WOMAN · Apr 24, 2011

When I close my eyes,I keep opening them,so it would be better if I just left them open.

heymikey80 · Apr 24, 2011

Eyes open or closed -- yes, that's a good answer. Pray -- eyes open or closed.

Forealzchola · Apr 24, 2011

My dad used to tell me all the time, sometimes it is necessary to pray with your eyes open because of what might be happening around you. Sometimes you have got to be praying on your feet.

honeyny22 · May 5, 2011

For me, it depends on how I am feeling that day. Sometimes I close my eyes and sometimes I don't, my head is always bowed and I keep the mouth moving (saying the prayer)

Harmony118 · May 5, 2011

Whatever feels comfortable for you.

al_man · May 5, 2011

I usually keep my eye's open and my head bowed when in church and a prayer is being said, but on my own I usually close them to better focus on what i am prayer about.

Cassielaven · May 5, 2011

Most of the time I pray with my close.

JCFantasy23 · May 6, 2011

EphesiaNZ said:
I quickly searched the forum about this, it may have been covered already so forgive me but...

When I'm in church, I don't close my eyes during prayer and I feel the odd one out as it looks like most (if not all) do. I believe the Bible doesn't offer much on the subject either and most tend to pray eyes closed out of respect and/or to concentrate on the prayer.

I just want to look at the world around me and see the beauty of God, the cross in our church, the green fields and blue sky out the windows.

Do you feel the same as me?

I generally pray with my eyes closed but not always depending.

I don't think there's a strict guideline on this because we are all different individuals who will approach God in different ways which work stronger for us.

SoldierOfSoul · May 6, 2011

Usually closed, sometimes though, like when I'm driving definently open! God is just pleased that we are praying that is all that matters.

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