316. Do Public Prayers Violate Christ's Injunction to Enter into the Closet When We Pray?

No. Christ referred to the ostentatious devotion of the Pharisees who chose a public place for their devotions, with the motive that men might see them and honor them as pious people (John 16:23). There are many intimations in the New Testament that God approves of his people meeting together for prayer.