Paul touched on another important principle when he wrote: “If I am praying in a tongue, it is my gift of the spirit that is praying, but my mind is unfruitful. . . . If you offer praise with a gift of the spirit, how will the man occupying the seat of the ordinary person say ‘Amen’ to your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying?” (1 Corinthians 14:14-16) In Paul’s day certain Christians received the miraculous gift of tongues, and evidently some among them prayed in these tongues before the congregation. But as Paul showed, the rest of the congregation did not understand them.

Today, we do not have such a miraculous gift. But Christians praying in behalf of others should pray in a way that will be understood. For example, at the beginning of a public talk, we invite members of the public to join with us in prayer. In such a prayer, surely it is reasonable to avoid vocabulary or subject matter that the visitors would have difficulty in understanding.

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Is it appropriate for listeners to say an audible “Amen” at the end of public prayer?

Yes, if they desire or feel impelled to do so. Paul spoke of the “Amen” said by those listening to a prayer, although he did not specifically say whether this was audible, or silent in their hearts. (1 Corinthians 14:16) However, under the Mosaic Law, there was an occasion when the Israelites were specifically instructed to say “Amen!” out loud. (Deuteronomy 27:14-26) Hence, when the person praying indicates the end of his prayer by saying “Amen,” it is appropriate for the listeners to say “Amen” in their hearts or audibly with a low voice. Parents should train their children to show proper appreciation in the way they express any subdued “Amen.”