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 (Matthew 6:5-6).
It is said that Jewish traditions at that time set aside three times a day for prayer: nine in the morning, twelve noon, and three in the afternoon. For many devout Jews, this meant ceasing all other activity at the prescribed times, then turning towards Jerusalem and praying. That tradition lent itself easily to abuse. A person wanting to appear religious could just happen to be at the street corner at nine o’clock. People coming from four directions could see how very ‘devout’ and ‘prayerful’ he was. A person could enjoy the same effect by attending the synagogue at regular prayer times.
Jesus said that such a person “has received his reward.” In other words, that man wanted to look good, to be thought of as religious, and sure enough, he got what he wanted. People did think highly of him. But that is all the reward he gets. No other reward can be expected. He will have nothing from God. Why should he? His prayer was not really for God anyway. It was for himself as viewed by other people. That is precisely the danger of prayers done mainly where others can see.
If the main time you bow your head and close your eyes in prayer is in the church services or at meals, then the chances are that you are doing it mainly to appear Christian. You bow because it is expected of you. Your mind follows the prayer, not really because you have a close relationship with the Lord, but because that is the ritual.