Dear Jordan:

I am not sure what you mean by "praying in public". If you mean offering a prayer in a prayer group, that is one thing. If you mean saying grace at a meal, even in a restaurant, that is something else.

Leading a Rosary or other prayer in a group is something that not all people feel comfortable doing. It is something that is a matter of personal preference.

Avoiding making the sign of the Cross and saying a grace before eating in a restaurant, however, is an issue of pride. It is an act that suggests being ashamed to be Christian.

Making the sign of the Cross and saying grace in a restaurant is a great opportunity to witness for our Lord. I have had strangers come up to me to thank me for doing this. They thought it was refreshing to see someone praying before their meal.

Doing this also reminds other Christians to not be ashamed to show their Christianity.

Bottomline: I see no problem if you do not wish to lead a Rosary or offer a verbal prayer in a prayer group and such, but I would suggest that it is an inappropriate pride, and failing in our responsibility to be God's "light of the world", and example of faith to the world,  to avoid offering grace at a meal with the sign of the Cross in a restaurant. Do not be ashamed to show your Christianity.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16:

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary