Definition and Context
Praying in public refers to the act of offering prayers aloud in the presence of others, whether in a communal setting such as a church service, a public event, or any other gathering. This practice is rooted in both Jewish and Christian traditions, where communal prayer has been a significant aspect of worship and religious life.

Biblical References
The Bible provides several instances and teachings regarding public prayer. One of the most notable teachings comes from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6:5-6 , Jesus instructs, "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. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward. But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

This passage highlights the importance of sincerity and humility in prayer, warning against the desire for public recognition. Jesus emphasizes the value of private prayer, suggesting that the true reward comes from a personal and intimate relationship with God rather than public acclaim.

However, public prayer is not condemned outright in Scripture. In Acts 2:42 , the early church is described as devoting themselves "to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This indicates that communal prayer was a vital part of early Christian worship and fellowship.

Examples of Public Prayer in Scripture
1. Solomon's Dedication of the Temple: In 1 Kings 8:22-53, Solomon stands before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and offers a lengthy prayer of dedication for the newly built temple. This public prayer is a model of intercession and dedication, seeking God's presence and blessing upon the nation.

2. Ezra's Public Confession: In Ezra 9:5-15, Ezra publicly confesses the sins of the people of Israel. His prayer is a heartfelt plea for mercy and forgiveness, demonstrating the role of public prayer in communal repentance and restoration.

3. Jesus' High Priestly Prayer: In John 17, Jesus prays aloud in the presence of His disciples, interceding for them and all future believers. This prayer reveals the depth of Jesus' relationship with the Father and His concern for His followers.

Theological Considerations
Public prayer serves several purposes within the Christian community. It is an expression of corporate worship, unity, and shared faith. It can also be a means of teaching and edification, as those who lead in prayer model a relationship with God and articulate the needs and praises of the community.

The key theological consideration in public prayer is the attitude of the heart. As Jesus taught, the focus should not be on the approval of others but on genuine communication with God. Public prayer should be an overflow of a vibrant personal prayer life, characterized by humility, sincerity, and a desire to glorify God.

Practical Implications
In practice, public prayer should be approached with reverence and thoughtfulness. Those leading in prayer should be mindful of their motives, ensuring that their prayers are directed to God rather than an audience. It is also important to be inclusive, considering the diverse needs and experiences of the congregation or group.

Public prayer can be a powerful witness to the faith and a source of encouragement and strength for believers. When conducted with the right heart and intention, it can draw individuals closer to God and foster a sense of community and shared purpose.Matthew 6:5
And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 6:6
But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 6:12
And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 5:16
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Topicalbible.org

Mark 1:35
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 6:1-34
Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Topicalbible.org

Of Place for Prayer.
... But how "in every place," since we are prohibited [8920] (from praying) in public? ...
Footnotes: [8920] Matthew 6:5, 6, which forbids praying in public. ...
/.../tertullian/on prayer/chapter xxiv of place for prayer.htm

"To what Purpose is the Multitude of Your Sacrifices unto Me? ...
... We have many external ordinances, preaching, hearing, baptism, communion, reading,
singing, praying in public, extraordinary solemnities of fasting and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix to what purpose.htm

Measures to Promote Revivals.
... Ministers and many others have very extensively objected against a layman's praying
in public, and especially in the presence of a minister. ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiv measures to promote.htm

This, However, Does not Prevent us from Praying Specially for ...
... This, however, does not prevent us from praying specially for ourselves, and certain ...
yet offer up particular prayers, in which, with a public mind, though in ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 39 this however does.htm

Paul and his Praying (Continued)
... When Paul was arraigned at Jerusalem, in making his public defense, he refers
to two instances of his praying. One was when he was ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiv paul and his praying.htm

The Praying that Glorifies God
... The Saviour was near the close of His public ministry with His disciples when He ...
The Master disclosed to them that praying in His Name was to be the channel ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 4 the praying that.htm

Whether Prayer Should Last a Long Time?
... be broken off too soon." And just as we must judge of this in private prayers by
considering the attention of the person praying, so too, in public prayers we ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether prayer should last a.htm

Private Prayer, and Public Worship.
... temptation in the wilderness, of the commencement of His public mission, and ... to the
provincial teacher, worshipping with the village labourer, praying with the ...
/.../percival/sermons at rugby/vii private prayer and public.htm

God's Need of Men who Pray
... How marked and strong is the injunction of Christ which sends men from the parade
of public giving and praying to the privacy of their closets, where with shut ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/iv gods need of men.htm

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... preparation, watchfulness, &c., the remarks already made in relation to public worship
apply with ... I would recommend to you always to attend a praying circle of ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm

Does praying Scripture have greater effectiveness than other prayers? | GotQuestions.org

Does the Bible promote or prohibit praying to angels? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any scriptural basis for praying on behalf of the unsaved? | GotQuestions.org

Praying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus