Jesus warned against performing
Jesus spoke strongly about people who chose highly visible places to pray because they wanted others to notice how religious they seemed. Their reward was the attention they wanted, rather than fellowship with God (Matthew 6:5). His warning reaches any of us who are tempted to use spiritual words to look wise, holy, or important.
That doesn't mean a prayer becomes wrong the moment another person hears it. Jesus himself prayed aloud with his disciples nearby, asking the Father to make clear that he had sent him (John 11:41-42). The issue is motive. Are you speaking to God, or playing to the room?
And when thou prayest, thou shalt 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. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Private prayer still matters
Jesus also told his followers to pray in private, away from the pressure to be seen (Matthew 6:6). A hidden prayer life helps keep public prayer honest. In a quiet room, on a walk, or in the middle of a difficult day, you can speak plainly to your Father without needing the right audience or polished words.
Private and public prayer are not rivals. Both have a place. Secret prayer reminds us that God sees the heart. Shared prayer reminds us that we belong to one another.
The early Christians prayed together
After Peter and John were threatened for speaking about Jesus, the believers gathered and raised their voices to God together. They asked for courage, and God strengthened them for the work ahead (Acts 4:29-31). This was not a display. It was a frightened but faithful community bringing a real need before God.
Paul also encouraged prayer among gathered believers, with a focus on holy lives rather than anger or quarrelling (1 Timothy 2:8). Public prayer can unite a church, comfort people in grief, give thanks at a meal, or ask God for wisdom in a hard moment.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
Pray simply and sincerely
If you are asked to pray in public, you don't need to sound impressive. Tell God what is true. Thank him, name the need, ask for his help, and trust him with the people present. Jesus taught his disciples a simple pattern of prayer that begins with honouring God and brings everyday needs to him (Matthew 6:9-13).
It is also okay to feel nervous. A brief, genuine prayer is better than many words chosen to make an impression. And if you would rather pray quietly in a public place, God hears that too. He knows what you need before you speak (Matthew 6:8).
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.