We continue with the reasons people give for closing their eyes while praying…
Some believe closing oneâ€
s eyes is conducive to prayer as a spiritual communion of the soul with God.
Again, this is mere speculation although borne out of a sincere/well-meaning sentiment. The question for those who hold this view is: what connection does closing the eyes have with the ‘soulâ€, which is in communion with God in prayer? Or better still, what effect does the closing of oneâ€s eyes have on the soul while in communion with God? If it can be scripturally proved that closing the eyes makes ‘the soul†more vibrant in prayer, we all should never open our eyes while praying henceforth.    Â
Whatâ€s more, according to some others, they close their eyes to show respect and honour God. While this isnâ€t a bad sentiment, its application is relative. Honouring God is an action that stems from oneâ€s heart and not subjective to the handling of the sense organs.Â
By the way, the mark or sign of respect/honour varies from persons to persons and from a culture to another. Itâ€s okay to close your eyes if you feel it makes you more respectful. Itâ€s okay to close your eyes if, in the course of praying, you feel the urge to do so. However, itâ€s manipulative to compel others to do so on the basis of your sentiment.
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From Jesus†teaching on prayer in Matt 6, we understand that prayer is not for showmanship. Rather, itâ€s a private business between the supplicant and God. Unless in a public gathering, itâ€s conducted discretely. Except for 1Tim2:8 where Paul instructs that “men pray everywhere lifting up holy handsâ€�, there is no other instruction given concerning the posture/mood to assume in prayer, let alone an instruction to close oneâ€s eyes.
Whatever state one assumes while praying will be reflective of the intensity of the prayer and oneâ€s expression/extent of emotion and desire. Many times, at some point in the period of prayer, the experience gets intense that the shutting of the eyelids happens unconsciously.Â
THE ONLY RATIONAL EXPLANATION
So far, the only rational explanation folks have given for shutting the eyes while praying is that it helps to shot out physical distractions and keep oneâ€s mind focused on the prayer. Experts tell us that the eyes and the ears are two sense organs easily prone to distractions.
For instance, what the eyes feed on has the capacity to alter oneâ€s thought process or state of mind. This is because the brain registers whatever the eyes see. Furthermore, experts tell us that closing oneâ€s eyes shut down some stimulus, allowing us to focus better. Thank God for science and its logical explanation of phenomena. However, not all explanations advanced by science are across-the-board.
Although a logical explanation, its application is not always generally attainable. For instance, psychologists tend to agree on the idea that not everyone is able to keep their minds focused and disallow distractions when they close their eyes. I happen to be one of those people. For some, closing their eyes while praying actually make them think about everything mundane. Our minds/ neural systems donâ€t get to operate the same way in particular situations and settings.
BEYOND THE REASONS
There is no doubt that many times, in the place of prayer, God communicates things to us via mental images/pictures. However, having those images is not necessarily dependent on closing the eyes. The things God communicate are spiritual things. They are beyond the scope of the physical eyes, whether opened or closed. While itâ€s true that we need to concentrate and turn our mind inwards while praying, many times, keeping oneâ€s mind focused on prayer takes more than closing the eyes.
Take the scenario of a man driving on the highway as a case in point. In order not to end up having an accident (ghastly or fatal), he needs to focus and avoid distractions. However, in focusing, he doesnâ€t get to close his eyes. Instead, what he requires is a great deal of mental alertness and presence of mind.
Most times, we find solutions to audio distractions: We go to some quite place to pray; shut ourselves up in our closets; gather in a soundproofed building; silence every device that produces sounds… However, no matter how well we address the matter of audio distraction, we always have the visual aspect to contend with.
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No matter how isolated/secluded our location is, there is always something to see. Are you on the mountain? Thatâ€s a vantage position that offers you a perfect view of the beauty of nature. What about a well-equipped church facility? The eye canâ€t do without feasting on the state-of-the-art sound/musical equipment, the tasteful interior décor, the movement of others…and the list is endless. Although you can block out the sounds, unless you put conscious effort into it, you canâ€t shut your eyes for a prolonged period of time.        Â
KNOW THIS…
So far, we have not tried to downplay or discourage the act of praying with eyes closed. Rather, we have simply tried to situate the practice within the scriptures to see if itâ€s ordained for believers. Although there is no biblical prescription for it, it doesnâ€t necessarily make the tradition unsuitable. Whatever mood we assume in prayer should be to the ends that our minds donâ€t wander and we donâ€t pray thoughtlessly.
If praying with your eyes closed helps you to focus and pray more effectively, be sure to keep it closed while you pray. Whether your eyes are closed or opened while praying, ensure that your mind is opened to and before God. Also, take care to pray with the right mind-set and in line with Godâ€s will. Meanwhile, while in a gathering of believers, you will be unruly or disorderly to keep your eyes opened when you are required to close it and vice-versa. Wisdom is profitable to direct.    Â
Written by Ayansola Ibukun Ademola.
Ayansola Ibukun Ademola is a graduate of English. Among other things, he is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader. You may reach him via ayansolaibukun18@gmail.com
Pulse Blogger: Why do we close our eyes when we pray? [Part ii]
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