We have been talking about prayer the last few weeks. In the first week, we discovered God is our good Father, and He is the very heart of prayer. We went on to find we must learn to pray, and it begins with the simple request, “Teach us to pray, O Lord.” Last week, we discussed the privacy of prayer and what it develops in us. This week we will look at the battle which occurs for privacy in prayer.
“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6, NASB)
There is no escaping the constant lure of distraction. Our attention is being demanded by people, technology, and the wandering of our own minds. For us to meet alone with God in prayer, we are going to need to be intentional.
“The wireless has made us familiar with the fact that neither bolted doors nor shuttered windows can secure privacy.” (Samuel Chadwick, page 16)
We must find a way and this will only occur if we make it an act of our will. We cannot tolerate distraction during the time we have set aside to pray.
“The secret place of prayer should be part of the daily life, a part of the daily dwelling place.” (Samuel Chadwick, page 17)
Secondly, we must remember Who it is we are praying. Jesus, when teaching on prayer, began with these simple words: “Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:13, NASB). In remembering the One who is hearing our prayer, our minds are focused.
“Musing kindles the fire, and the flame becomes “a wall of fire round about” which keeps beasts and intruders at a safe distance.” (Samuel Chadwick, page 19)
We should have our Bible alongside us in prayer. Often the Lord will bring a verse to mind. Turn to it. Think upon it. We need to let His Word feed and nourish our souls and prayers.
“The Word is more to me than my necessary food. It thrills and moves me with tremendous power.” (Samuel Chadwick, page 19)
Job found God’s Word to sustain him through tremendous loss, grief, and pain. It will do the same for us as we rely and come to read His Word daily.
“I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12, NASB)
It is the secret place of prayer that we can tell God all of our secrets. It is there we can freely share about other people. He will hold every detail in confidence.
“It is not necessary to tell anyone else the things you tell to God. The Father is in secret, He sees in secret, He hears in secret; leave it to Him to make it known.” (Samuel Chadwick, page 20)
It is as we seek privacy to spend time in prayer and in God’s Word
that we will discover we are not only heard,
but we can hear from God.
Photo by Raka Diraka on Unsplash
That verse from Job has always been inspirational to me. Finding a private place to pry speaks to me of intentionality. We talk to God casually throughout the day, but we need that time alone without distractions,too. And I love combining the Word and prayer.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, you are right. We tend to talk to God casually throughout the day, but it is in those times of intentionally meeting with Him that He does a deeper work in our lives. Thank you for sharing!
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