[SAI_Peregrinus]

> 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 others.

It's interesting to me that Christians never seem to consider praying standing in churches where they can be seen by others as a violation. They invented a new word (at least in English) for their places of worship, to allow public prayer on a technicality.

[hprotagonist]

the advice here, i think, has more to do with intent and focus, not a checklist of things to do and not do.

eugene peterson’s translation of Matthew 6:6 is

“ Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.”

and that’s at least within the realm of possible for the patterns of communal worship that have come after. I’m inclined to say most of “a church service” isn’t exactly prayer, either.

[SAI_Peregrinus]

With many churches, being seen as pious is clearly part of the point. Someone missing Sunday service will be gossiped about. Not wearing your "Sunday Best" clothing will be gossiped about. Many churches I've encountered are very much social signalling between the members, and I've never seen one that restricts itself to a sermon and doesn't include any prayer. They also all have some sort of ritualized action to show that you're praying. Everyone bows their head, or (for Catholics) kneels, or puts their hands together, or some similar "see how I pray" signal.