“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6
It’s interesting that Jesus would give us this command, because the one room houses in His day had no closets. Jesus must have been using a figure of speech, suggesting that we construct an imaginary room, a place for our soul’s sanctuary. It’s a place where we become completely exposed and honest before God.
He had just reprimanded the hypocritical Pharisees for performing their prayers in public. Our prayers should always be heartfelt and not a performance.
A Norwegian theologian named Ole Hallesby, used the word “helplessness;” as the best summary of the heart attitude, where God accepts our prayers. Asking for help lies at the root of prayer. The beginning of Psalm 121 comes to mind. “I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.
Philip Yancey in his book, PRAYER, Does It Make Any difference?” makes the statement:
“In the presence of the Great Physician, my most appropriate contribution may be my wounds.”
We must uncover our woundedness; in order to become intimate with our Lord Jesus. It is in our weakness that He is strong. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Closet prayers can be said privately or even publicly. You ask,”How is that possible? God’s Word tells us, “Man looks at the outward appearance. God looks at the heart.” “A humble and contrite heart God will not despise.” “God, be merciful to me a sinner;” is saying the truth to God, whether aloud or silent.
Admitting who you are before the Lord Jesus; a sinner standing in the need of help, is true closet praying. You are not performing but petitioning the One and Only Jesus, whose eyes are searching to and fro, looking for those whose hearts long to be completely His.
Prayer in Motion:
Lord Jesus, keep me humble before You. May I always have a broken and a contrite heart before You, my Lord and my God. Above all else; I long for that intimate, close relationship and fellowship with You Lord! In Jesus Name. Amen
