January 15
Posted by Chicago Tabernacle

“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. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”  – Matthew 6:6-7  (NIV) 

Prayer is an invitation from God to have a personal relationship with Him. In this passage, Jesus tells us the importance of finding a quiet, secluded place to pray. So many things require our attention–the demands of work, bills, family, relationships, and the general busyness of everyday life–that keep us from connecting with Him. This is why Jesus tells us to find a secluded place to meet with our Heavenly Father. It’s in these quiet, uninterrupted moments that we can pour out our hearts to the Lord and sit quietly so that we can hear from Him.  

Normally, when we pray, we tend to approach the Lord with a laundry list of things we need, and then hurry off with the rest of our day. Sometimes we can begin questioning God, asking why He hasn’t answered. 

When we seek out medical attention, we go to the doctor’s office, wait in the reception area until we are called, then go into a private room where the physician meets us, asks us how we are doing, and then addresses our needs.  It’s during that one-on-one time that our health needs are met. In the same way, when we come to God, we need to find a private place to speak to Him confidentially and to listen carefully for His instructions and assurances. It’s in that quiet, personal place that our needs are addressed. 

Prayer and Reflection:

How can you regularly make space for personal, private time with Jesus?  Remember that He is always available for us. Let’s pray for the discipline and hunger to carve out quiet spaces in our lives where we can seek God wholeheartedly.



Category: 21 Day Fast, News, Prayer, Pursue