AN INVITATION TO THE SECRET PLACE
But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
Luke 5:16 (NLT)
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,
Psalm 103:2 (ESV)
This week, we’re looking at God’s reward for private prayer (Matthew 6:6). It’s one of three examples Jesus gave of doing good deeds with right motives. All three examples Jesus taught (giving to the poor, prayer and fasting) are spoken in the negative, Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them… (Matthew 6:1a NIV). Pastor Rick Warren once said that when he teaches, he always tries to look at Biblical passages from a positive angle. I think that’s a good approach here. Rather than focus on what we are not supposed to do in prayer, let’s look at what we are invited to do in private prayer.
According to the early church father Origen (185–254 A.D.), Jesus was teaching metaphorically when He said, go into your room and close the door (Matthew 6:6 NIV). He believed Jesus was saying that we need to intentionally separate ourselves from the noise and clammer of everyday life and simply sit in the presence of God. According to Origen, the room is the heart (or mind), and closing the door means intentionally placing all of life’s distractions outside of that sacred time with God. This is certainly a discipline that’s well worth the effort. It is, according to Matthew 6:6, where God sees and rewards. It’s a call to intimacy, not performance. The felt presence of God is its own reward.
APPLICATION: In a world inundated with a cacophony of competing voices, we are invited to enjoy God's simple presence. Take time to turn off your phone and enjoy God’s company.
PRAYER: Lord, I give You my full and undivided attention. Teach me the value of unplugging from everything the world system says is important, and teach me to value hidden time with You more than public approval. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?