A Meeting Place
A Secret Place – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 6:5-15

Key Verse:  Matthew 6:6

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Yesterday we concluded that God was not impressed with the Pharisees’ prayer life.  It was true that many others of that Jewish community may have been impressed by the amount and way their spiritual “leaders” prayed.  I’m sure you agree, our goal is not to impress others with our prayers, but to please and be heard by God alone!

            We need a secret room for prayer.  That may not be a literal room, but a secret attitude while we pray.  I believe we all need a place, hopefully a room where you can seclude yourself for prayer.  Prayer is to be those intimate thoughts between you and your father in heaven.  Intimate talk can only truly happen when you are alone with Him.

            I have to do a lot of public praying because of my leadership role in the church.  I struggle to keep those public prayers authentic.  It is impossible not to be conscious of the fact that people are listening.  I am not trying to impress anybody with my prayers, but of course I don’t want to stumble around and not make sense in my public prayer.  Our only hope is that God sees our hearts.  He knows our motivations and what we want to accomplish as we pray.  I encourage you to find a secluded, quiet place you can relax and pray!

Father, guide my prayer life, making it effective and powerful in your eyes.  Thank you for hearing us and helping us.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.