Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Tonight’s Study, Session 9: How can I stop being nervous about praying publicly?

Introduction: Many people find praying publicly in front of people or in a group to be a daunting prospect. Public speaking of any kind is one of the greatest fears experienced by people. Public prayer adds the extra pressure of the spiritual aspect and makes people even more nervous because of the potential impact public prayer may have on others. This study will unveil a few ways a believer in Christ can get past their fear of praying publicly.

It should be remembered, however, that although prayer is commanded by God, public prayer is not. In fact, Jesus said when we pray, we should go into a room, close the door and pray in secret (Matthew 6:6). So, the first thing to understand about public prayer is that it is not a necessity of the Christian life, but can be an added benefit.

For those who want to pray publicly, there are several ways to reduce the nervousness that often accompanies the experience. First, it’s important to pray with a group of people with whom we are comfortable with, those we are sure won’t judge us for our less-than -eloquent prayers. Praying with others can be a great comfort when we hear our needs being lifted up to the throne of grace by those who care enough about us to do so. Others who hear us pray for them are similarly encouraged. A group of people who love one another and accept one another in love and humility will usually ease the fears of those who are nervous about praying in public, whether it be praying with a group of people or praying in front of a group of people.

Another way to ease the burden of nervousness is to pray silently in advance of praying publicly, asking God to direct our minds and hearts to Him and away from ourselves. When we direct our thoughts toward the Creator of the universe and allow ourselves to become immersed in His immense nature, we will find our thoughts and concerns about our inadequacy in prayer diminishing. Our concerns will be more centered on what God thinks of us, not what others think. God loves us with an everlasting love, and if we belong to Him through Christ, He has put our sin as far from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12), and invites us to come boldly before His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Being mindful that He does not judge us for our lack of eloquence will go a long way toward easing nervousness. People look at the external, which includes the speech, but God sees the heart (1 Samuel 16:7b).

Psalm 103:12 – As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Hebrews 4:16 – Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Samuel 16:7b – For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

Finally, many people find that the sheer repetition of praying in public will ease the nervousness. Praying with others can be a very edifying experience, but ultimately prayer is the privilege of communicating with our heavenly Father who sees our hearts and knows what we need before we even ask.

Conclusion: Praying publicly with a group of people or praying in front of a group of people can be very intimidating and nerve wracking for some believers. Many do not want to pray with others or in front of others because they may feel that their prayers are not eloquent enough or don’t know what words to say. Our heavenly Father doesn’t need to hear eloquence in our prayers nor is He concerned about the words we say in order to bless us and draw near to us. What He desires is a contrite heart and lowly spirit, things He will never refuse (Psalm 51:17), no matter how eloquent our prayers. It matters more that we pray than the eloquence of the words we say.

Next Week, Session 10: Why pray specifically?