Communal Prayer is Best

Avya felt ill and did not to Yosef's lecture.
The next day when Rav Avya came to the study hall,
Abaye wished to put Yosef's mind at ease.

Abaye	What is the reason master did not come to the lecture?
Avya	I felt faint from hunger and was unable.
Abaye	Why did you not taste something and come?
Avya	But what about the concept of eating first and praying second?
Abaye	But what about praying privately and then eating and coming?
Avya	But what about the concept of not praying before the congregation prays?
Abaye	But that only applies when one is with the congregation!

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Rabbeinu Yonah Adds:
Communal prayer is more readily accepted by God.