But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the idolaters, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them because your Father knows the things you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:6-8
My words…
Praise
Father, You consider the orbit of the earth while surveying the orbit of an electron. There is no place where You are not. I could speak to You from the top of Everest or from the depths of the Pacific, and You will hear me. Jesus implores me to find You in a private place, a place where I can shut myself in with You. And so we meet in a place that is secret; no one may enter except the two of us. What happens in that secret place, the pleading, laughing, crying, questioning, cannot happen while waiting in line at the grocery, standing in the subway, or sitting in a restaurant. A voice of gentle silence – a sound of gentle stillness – that is what I find in secret. It doesn’t matter that millions of Your children are crying out to You at the exact time we meet. You are omnipotent. You hear each word of every appeal. I have Your full attention and so does everyone else – just part of Your boundless, fortifying, tender nature.
Prayer for me
Lord, I have never heard Your voice in my ears. I have not experienced a “burning bush” encounter with You. But I hear many of Your followers say they have heard Your voice. Then I wonder, Am I doing something wrong? I read Your word and meditate on it, and Your voice of gentle silence directs my thoughts. That is how You speak to me. I know it’s You because these reflections are outside of my intuition; I could not have derived them on my own. The moments of purest joy are those when Your Spirit is guiding my spirit. I only have to wait and listen.
Forgive me
When we are shut in together, forgive me when I do not act as if I am in the presence of the One who cradles the earth in His hands. Forgive me for giving in to the temptation to look at the clock or check my messages. How foolish of Your daughter to squander our precious minutes together.
Prayer for others
Father, there are so many friends and loved ones in my life who suffer from melancholy. Their spirits are shrouded in darkness, their thoughts cloaked in hopelessness. I am at a loss as to how to encourage them. Wave Your gentle hand over their souls and minds and waft away the gloom. Shine Your light into their dark world. You are Hope. Show Yourself to them.
Thank You
Thank You for hearing my praise, my intercessions, my confessions, and my petitions. I know You hear each word. You are hearing me now, and I am so grateful.
More praise
Pondering Your omniscience brings me such joy! You know what I need before I figure it out myself. You know what I need when I have no idea myself. All glory and praise to the provider of all my needs!
