One of the most beautiful, yet controversial sentiments of prayer is seen in the sixth chapter of Matthew.

And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

As a born-again believer, we know that unashamedly sharing our values, and being open about worship is part of the culture. Pentecostals have a reputation for being loud. We know how to have great church! The verse in Matthew six does not negate that, it just reminds the reader that their invocations do not have to be heard by others to be effective. Our communication with the Lord should be personal, however that might look. Sometimes the faintest cries unto Him are the most sincere and powerful.

This story in John 4:50 is a physical representation of that. The two men speak to God on behalf of their loved ones, but they do so in a way that does not draw attention to themselves. They were desperate, but their faith was high enough to know that Jesus could do the miraculous with just a whisper, and He did.

Please do not compare yourself to those around you. If you are the type who adds volume to your prayer and worships boisterously, that is great! If your style of communication with God is more reserved and peaceful, that is great too; as long as you are praying and worshipping with authenticity and allowing God to lead you. Your style of devotion does not have to look like that of those around you. He is close. Corporate worship is vital, but so is your alone time with your Creator. Your personal prayers are powerful, and they matter.