#373 Praying With Atheists

I'm extremely uncomfortable praying when there are other Christians listening.  There is a certain grammar and rhythm to it that I either can't produce or that integrity won't allow me to produce were I able to.  There is appropriate language and there is inappropriate language.  There are formulas despite lip-service paid against them.  Around atheists though, I think I could be myself, because the words would flow freely.  The awkwardness, questions, stunned silences, confusion, and long pauses would be appropriate, as they truly are when speaking with God.  I sense that, in the words of Brad Johnson,

"In the end, if one doesn’t share the grammar — prayers, etc. — whether one is saying the same thing by way of that grammar or not, the risk of alienation is high."