This is the first of 3 short posts about how to practically develop a rhythm of prayer!

sharing = caring?

Our world is saturated with social media. It’s punctuated by public figures. It’s increasingly interconnected.

And it can be tempting to think that our faith is only valid if it’s shared and made known to others.

I feel this at times, often concerning prayer. If I don’t share a post with prayer points for the most recent crisis, am I neglecting that situation? Will people know I care, and that I’m praying? Should my prayers be voiced publicly as a witness to non-believers, and an encouragement to believers?

Maybe, or maybe not.

there’s a place for secrecy

Right before Jesus gives the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew’s gospel, he tells them;

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 

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 6:5-8

sometimes: secrecy > sharing

There’s a place for public prayer, but sometimes it’s okay to close your door behind you, pray to your Father, and not share that with anyone. In fact—it’s more than okay. God rewards it. The secret place is not lesser than the public place. It’s often greater.

Mixed motives which often rise in our hearts in the presence of others, but they’re diminished when it’s just us and God. Faithfulness in prayer is about what is unseen by the world, and only seen by an audience of one. 

In the kingdom of God, secrecy is often greater than sharing.

practice closing your door

Don’t be discouraged if your prayer life feels mundane. Don’t be worried if others pray out loud more eloquently than you. Don’t be deflated if you’re not sure how to share opinions about faith online.

The secret to a rich prayer life is this: Find a place to pray regularly. Close the door behind you (or look for space alone if you’re outside). And pray to your Father who sees, hears, loves and rewards you.