The question of whether a believer can pray with their eyes open has been a concern of many Christian thinkers. Some maintain that the eyes should be always closed when praying in order to focus on the Divine, while others take the position that one may also pray with their eyes open.
The main argument made by proponents of eyes-open prayer is that it is a powerful sign of true faith and a sincere heart. As Christians, we are called to trust in God at all times, and this trust should extend to when we kneel in prayer. To have one’s eyes open during prayer is to demonstrate openness to God and faith that God is with us during our prayers, which is a symbol of true faith. Furthermore, supporters of eyes-open prayer contend that having one’s eyes closed for long periods of time during prayer can be distracting, as it is difficult for people to maintain focus if their vision is not being used.
In contrast, opponents of eyes-open prayer suggest that closing one’s eyes when praying is an important spiritual practice. According to their view, when a believer’s eyes are open, they can be distracted by their environment, which takes away from the devotional aspect of the prayer. In addition, those who oppose eyes-open prayer argue that having one’s eyes closed is a gesture of humility and surrender to God, and one should not look directly at the Lord when praying.
The debate over open-eyed prayer in Christianity is a complex one, and ultimately it is up to each individual Christian to decide what is right for them when they pray. Some may prefer to close their eyes to eliminate distractions and focus on God, while others may find that their best prayer is done with their eyes open. It is not for believers to judge one another on the issue of prayer, rather Christians must be accepting of the different manners in which people worship.
Religious Scriptures and Prayer with Open Eyes
When it comes to Christian scriptures, there is not a clear consensus on the issue of open-eyed prayer. Certain Bible verses have been interpreted as discouraging open-eyed prayer, such as Proverbs 29:25 which states “If you turn away, you will be held guilty; if you turn back, you will be forgiven.” In contrast, other Bible passages such as Matthew 6:6, where Jesus is recorded as saying “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret,” has been interpreted in a manner favourable to open-eyed prayer.
The Reverend Dr. Andrew Murray, a Scottish theologian who had a significant influence on modern-day Christian prayer, wrote on the topic of prayer with open eyes. In his book, Suggestions to Christians for a Life of Prayer, Murray argues that praying with the eyes open is a way for the believer to keep their focus fixed on God and to remain mindful of the divinity of the Creator.
At the core, the issue of open-eyed prayer in Christianity is deeply personal, and each individual Christian must decide for themselves what works best for them within the context of their faith. While some believers may find that prayer with open eyes strengthens their faith, others may feel more connected to God when their eyes are closed. Both of these styles of prayer are valid and should be respected.
Communal Prayer and Open Eyes
The use of open-eyed prayer in a communal context is often a sign of respect and reverence for each other. In a group prayer setting, the eyes-open practice has several benefits in terms of signaling unity. By keeping one’s eyes open, one sends a message of solidarity to everyone in the group. In addition, having the eyes open increases one’s ability to pray with focus in an environment where distractions can easily take away from the experience.
Nonetheless, communal prayer is by nature a very personal experience, and it is important to respect the wishes of others when it comes to prayer style. For example, if some members of a group prefer to pray with eyes closed, then it is recommended that those who prefer to pray with eyes open respect those around them and refrain from opening their eyes in a group setting. Moreover, group prayer can be a powerful experience even with eyes closed, as everyone can learn to focus on their internal relationship with God rather than distractions from the environment.
Using Open Eyes in Private Prayer
Whether to pray with open eyes or closed eyes is a personal choice that varies from individual to individual. For many, the decision to use open-eyed prayer may depend on the particular prayer topic and the level of comfort when in private prayer. Some people may choose to keep their eyes closed for longer prayers such as intercessory prayer or confession. On the other hand, if one wishes to meditate deeply in a private setting, it may be more beneficial for them to keep their eyes open in order to invoke a deeper level of mindfulness.
When using eyes-open prayer in a private setting, it is important to be mindful of one’s environment in order to avoid distractions. For instance, if one is praying in a church, they may find that it is more beneficial to keep their eyes open to show reverence to the space. On the other hand, if one is praying in a home or in another noisy area, they may find that it is more helpful to keep their eyes closed in order to stay focused.
Conclusion
Praying with eyes open or closed is a personal choice, and it is up to each individual Christian to decide which is more meaningful for them. Some may find that open-eyed prayer allows them to be more mindful and present in their relationship with God, while others may prefer to keep their eyes closed to achieve deeper focus. Ultimately, Christian prayer should be an experience of depth and connection, regardless of whether eyes are open or closed.
