I agree, The world was made in 7 days by God speaking it into existence. Although I believe he could have thought it up or said it inside, it was an example to us. The Word says that life and death lies in the power of the tongue, not in the power of thoughts.

Perhaps I will get used to it one day, my denominations never required nor encouraged it. I will pray in God's time outloud or to myself. Great words Miss Michele

The text surrounding this scripture gives the basis for it. The bible clearly tells us that when you do a good deed, do it in secret and then Your Father who is in heaven will reward you openly. The scripture also says that those who boast of the great things they have done for others will receive their reward for their doings by their own mouth. However, the prayers you pray when trying to be noticed by others for your grand eloquence is what the bible is speaking of here. If you are simply trying to show off, then you have your reward already. This does not mean we don't have to pray out loud. There are times when God requires our words to be spoken. Nothing God did was only a thought and nothing God has done was done without speaking a word. Yes God knows our thoughts, but open prayer spoken without fear is simply making our request known unto God. (Philippians 4:6). In Luke 11:2 also gives us the manuscript for praying...say, Our Father, which art in heaven...To me, and we are all different, we are to pray out loud. It really isn't a choice. It just takes getting used to like anything else. Love you.