When I was about six years old, my Sunday School teacher told us to bow our heads and close our eyes while she prayed. I noticed that another little boy in the class was not doing what he was supposed to be doing. Being a person who was interested in other people following the rules, I informed the teacher of this after she had finished praying. She thanked me and went on teaching. Hypocrisy and a judgmental spirit are manifested early in the life of some of us.

Since that time, I have learned that you don’t really have to close your eyes when you pray. However, many people still practice this and encourage others to do so as well.

For example, my “3-Minute Retreat” from Loyola Publishing this morning started as follows: “As you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments to turn your focus inward. Close your eyes for a moment and recognize the presence of God.” (Introduction to the “3-Minute Retreat” from Loyola press, for August 31, 2020.)

A website (“How Stuff Works,” https://people.howstuffworks.com/why-do-people-close-eyes-to-pray.htm#:~:text=For%20many%2C%20prayer%20is%20a,and%20turn%20your%20thoughts%20inward) had some helpful observations about praying with eyes closed. The author wrote,

“Why do so many people close their eyes to pray? In the Bible, there are descriptions of prayers made standing, sitting, kneeling or with arms raised, yet there aren’t any verses that insist the eyelids shut during prayer. There are, however, a number of verses that describe people praying in private, which may offer a clue. For many, prayer is a private matter, an intercession between a person and God or another higher power. Closing your eyes as you do it is a way to block out distractions and focus on the conversation. Instead of using your eyes to communicate with others, you shut them and turn your thoughts inward.”

This website goes on to point out a very important piece of background information:

“By closing your eyes during prayer, you may be continuing a ritual whose roots are steeped in history. Long ago, looking directly at a king or any ruler was considered insolent. The proper response when appearing before a ruler was to close your eyes or, if you were feeling really daring, look downward. Failing to do so could launch an unfortunate chain of events that might end with a sleepover in the dungeon or a date with the guillotine.

Adopting a deferential pose — in other words, closing your eyes — during prayer became an appropriate way to show humility, something that was especially important when asking for mercy. Today, it’s a common posture for prayers of all kinds.”

We are encouraged to “come boldly to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) Perhaps that suggests that we don’t have to close our eyes. On the other hand, humility is always in order when we approach the holy and all-consuming fire of God’s love.

Still, there is a great deal to be said for praying and living with eyes wide open. This is certainly true if I am praying as I’m driving, but it may be a good idea in general. To pray and to live with eyes wide open, watching for God’s guidance and God’s presence is a good idea. Then too, it is good to keep my eyes open for chances to serve others.

Perhaps the best way to express our humble dependence upon God and our love for God and people is to keep our eyes peeled.

My affirmation for yesterday was as follows: “Today, by God’s grace, I will love God, people, and nature with my eyes wide open.” I hope that I have lived my affirmation well today.