What's Up with Public Prayer?

Evangelical Christian leaders and far-right religious folk are criticizing Barack Obama for not holding a formal White House event on the "National Day of Prayer." The President released a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as National Prayer Day, a proclamation that included these words:

It is in that spirit of unity and reflection that we once again designate the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer. Let us remember those who came before us, and let us each give thanks for the courage and compassion shown by so many in this country and around the world.

On this day of unity and prayer, let us also honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. We celebrate their commitment to uphold our highest ideals, and we recognize that it is because of them that we continue to live in a Nation where people of all faiths can worship or not worship according to the dictates of their conscience.

Let us also use this day to come together in a moment of peace and goodwill. Our world grows smaller by the day, and our varied beliefs can bring us together to feed the hungry and comfort the afflicted; to make peace where there is strife; and to lift up those who have fallen on hard times. As we observe this day of prayer, we remember the one law that binds all great religions together: the Golden Rule, and its call to love one another; to understand one another; and to treat with dignity and respect those with whom we share a brief moment on this Earth.

However, these gracious words are not enough for the Dobson crowd. Becky Armstrong, marketing and media manager of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, said that not holding a public event at the White House "would be belittling to those millions of people" who are meeting publicly around the country to pray out loud. Sometimes I wonder where the real Christians are. Do these far-right religious people even read their Bible? What did Jesus say about prayer? Would Jesus expect Barack Obama to have a fancy prayer meeting at the White House? Well, let's just see what he might say.

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Holy Bible, Matthew 6:5-8, New International Version)

I've never understood the hysterical whining about public prayer--because as a child in the Southern Baptist Church, I read these words and figured that's just what Jesus wanted his followers to do: shut their mouths, go to their rooms, and pray to God. So what's up with all this fuss about public prayer?