INTO THE CLOSET

 

October 25, 2024

Matthew 6:6

when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  NIV


when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret .... KJV

Jesus frequently sought solitude and silence for prayer, distancing himself from the constant activity around him. In stepping back from the busyness of life, he could concentrate on his prayers, likely finding rest, moments for reflection, and no doubt a deeper connection with God.

Growing up, Matthew 6:6 was a verse we would sing and memorize in Sunday School: "Enter into thy closet, and  shut thy door, to communicate with the Lord" While more recent translations use "room" in place of "closet," I find "closet" to be quite meaningful. It suggests a secret, private place, free from distractions, visible only to God.

Creating a personal space away from life's distractions can be beneficial to our moments of prayer. I know, finding a place of solitude can be difficult in our hectic lives, however perhaps quietness can be found in such places as our car, or at your favorite peaceful outdoor spot, or any place where you go to be alone where silence and focus can be attained. What the Bible is saying is that we need to find a space where we can eliminate or limit interruptions, so that we can experience a deeper connection with God. Matthew 6:6 ends with the promise that praying like this will yield rewards.

Prayer is a personal conversation with God and he wants, as we noted yesterday, to listen to the true honest feelings and desires of our heart. So let us not hold back in our prayer content, let us too find that "closet" to communicate with our creator. I know we will blessed if we do.