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Eating in public...

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Posted by: Frederik

When you eat at a restaurant or at Burger King do you pray before you eat ? I mean usually christians thank God for the food, but do you pray so that everybody can see it ? I cannot do that, I have an inhibition, does that mean I don't really love God ?


Posted by: pickone

Well, I am all for breaking "traditions of men". There is so much room here for a "religious spirit" that I think we would not be doing a bad thing if we changed the routine, somewhat.

My husband and I often look each other in the eye when we pray. The kingdom of God is within us! When we go to a buffet, we usually stand and pray before going to the serving line.

I used to fuss at my kids for keeping their eyes open during prayer (how would I know, unless I was looking myself?).

You are right on, Frederik. We can be thankful, openly, but it must come from the heart to God, only. We are not in this war to impress other people!




Posted by: Frederik

I don't know I feel like simply saying this prayer because I have to, I mean I have never felt hunger, I cannot really comprehend what it means to be starving, this is why I cannot be as thankful as somebody who is used to have nothing to eat.


Posted by: LQMay01

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
When you eat at a restaurant or at Burger King do you pray before you eat ? I mean usually christians thank God for the food, but do you pray so that everybody can see it ? I cannot do that, I have an inhibition, does that mean I don't really love God ?


No, it doesn't mean that you don't love God. But I would definitely pray for Him to heal you of this inhibition, because it is by our example that we show others Christ in us. If they see that we are ashamed to take a moment to thank our Heavenly Father for the food that He's so graciously blessed us with, how can we be proper witnesses to them? We are NOT to be ashamed of Him, whether in thanking Him for His goodness, or in bolding telling others of His love for them.

These verses comes to mind...

Psalm 31:1 - In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in thy righteousness.

Isaiah 45:17 - ... ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 9:33 - ... and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.

2 Timothy 1:8 - Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord...

Please note that I don't mean to "preach" here. I am simply trying to answer your question to the best of my ability, having been led by the Holy Spirit that is within me. I, too, used to have a problem praying in public... and sometimes, I admit, I still do, depending on the atmosphere and how many people are close-by, etc. But I pray that the Lord will help me not be ashamed to thank Him openly... because after all, the more who see it, the more who see Jesus in me.

I hope this helps.

God bless you!
Lois


Posted by: Frederik

But what if I just cannot do that ? I am simply so shy, I mean I cannot even sing in church cause I feel so "dumb".


Posted by: pickone

Mark 9:25 "When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting."

I do know that sincere praise to God in front of a lot of people will make demons flee! Demons hate praise! They'd rather go somewhere else. Sometimes they cause people to be offended and they ride them out of the room. The people think it is them, but it isn't, it is the demons behind the wheel of their hearts! If you do this, you may be surprised to see people smile and begin praising God with you. God puts the power in you to bring people out of the cages Satan has designed for them. If it turns out you are alone, and no one joins you, close your eyes - we walk by faith and not by sight. All of heaven rejoices with us.

A stronghold that won't let people praise God freely is pride. If you would like to tear that one down, "Shout to the Lord!" Don't worry about what other people think. If they stare at you, jump up and down while you praise Him! If they leave, don't even notice. This is between you and Him. If they have a problem, it is their problem. God is taking yours and He knows what to do with them. If they take you to the principal's office, or make you leave, you will see how God protects you. He might whisper funny thoughts into your mind and you might leave giggling.

I guess I went off after a rabbit a little bit here. I should tell you that sometimes evil likes to put his fingerprint on work that he is "proud" of.
When you quoted "dumb", the Holy Spirit reminded me of this scripture and then gave me these other thoughts. If it wasn't meant for you, maybe for someone else reading this.


Posted by: cgirl

What was that Jewish show I watched? I forget, but they said they thank God after they eat, I do that too


Posted by: Beth

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frederik
When you eat at a restaurant or at Burger King do you pray before you eat ? I mean usually christians thank God for the food, but do you pray so that everybody can see it ? I cannot do that, I have an inhibition, does that mean I don't really love God ?



I too do not feel comfortable praying in public. I will if the group does. I just pray silently and thank God for the food. I am not comfortable praying in public. There are other times I get caught up in the moment and forget all together. It doesn't mean I don't really love God. God knows are hearts and that what counts....

Besides there is no condemnation in Christ.

Beth