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As a guideline, no.
I have felt profoundly uncomfortable during times of public prayer – even at events where I supported the cause. The discomfort stems from someone at the microphone “speaking over me,” or perhaps even “speaking for me,” or “speaking on my behalf.” Perhaps I have basic trust issues, but I want to either freely agree with what is said, or offer a differing viewpoint of my own.
I think prayer can have a public life, in spiritual and religious groups, at community memorial services and the like. I think people who are charged with praying in public need to be ever-more-inclusive, and work to make people feel that they are in a safe environment.
