Are there inappropriate times to sing or pray?
Question:
Are there times it would be inappropriate to pray or sing hymns? I’ve
often wondered if you should pray or sing while taking a shower, for
example, when you’re quite literally wholly exposed. Is it wrong to
approach God in prayer like that or to worship Him in a song like that?
Or even praying while you’re doing something else, like driving. Should prayer be something you stop everything else to do to make sure you’re completely focused and can give God your undivided attention?
I have done both of these examples myself, but sometimes, I don’t know if I should because when you’re at church with the saints in public or by yourself in private, you’re worshipping God. And I wonder if you should worship God while naked or distracted.
Answer:
"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance" (Psalms 139:14-16).
"For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He watches all his paths" (Proverbs 5:21).
God made you, and He is aware of everything you do; thus, your state of dress doesn't matter to God. In this, you are too focused on the physical.
There are inappropriate songs on certain occasions. Songs are usually expressions of joy, but such enthusiasm is not well received when a person is experiencing hardships. "Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart" (Proverbs 25:20). Joyful songs don't often come across well at a funeral.
Prayers should be offered in sincerity of heart. If you are not focused on what you are saying, then it would not be sincere. However, even while busy, there are often times when we offer up quick prayers. I saw a car on fire yesterday, and I prayed that no one was seriously injured or trapped.
