Question

As we consider the descriptions of people praying in the Bible, what may we conclude about where we may pray?

We may pray only in the wilderness.
We may pray only in private.
We may pray in any place we choose.
We may pray only in the church.
We may pray only in public.

Answer 1

Conclusion: the Bible shows we may pray anywhere. It gives examples of prayer in wilderness, on mountains, in private rooms, in the temple, in synagogues, in homes, in prison and in public gatherings—so Scripture does not limit prayer to one location.

Brief support from Scripture:
- Jesus sometimes withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35) and prayed in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36–44).
- Jesus taught private prayer (Matt. 6:5–6) but also affirmed corporate presence when “two or three” meet (Matt. 18:20).
- The early church prayed in the temple, in homes, and together as a congregation (Acts 2:46–47; Acts 3:1; Acts 12:5).
- Paul and Silas prayed in prison (Acts 16:25).
- Psalms and NT teaching emphasize God’s presence everywhere and continual prayer (Psalm 139:7–10; 1 Thess. 5:17).

Practical implication: pray privately and corporately, publicly or quietly, wherever you are—with the heart and motive that Jesus taught—because God hears wherever you go.