As a child, I was fascinated with the portrayal of heroes in movies and television series. Specifically, the scenes where they would enter a secret chamber to transform, don fancy outfits, equip themselves with remarkable weaponry, and activate their superpowers. I often dreamed about having a secret chamber of my own. Remarkably, this fantasy became a reality for me. While I may not possess superhuman abilities nor don a superhero outfit, I have come to know that I also have a secret chamber where I can tap into the ultimate superpower of all—Prayer or Praying to GOD. For us Christians, effective prayer is the most potent weapon at our disposal. Communing with GOD who is all the HERO we will ever need. But did you know that Jesus provided clear instructions or a blueprint for praying? Let’s check it out!
Matthew 6:6 KJV But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
First: When you pray, enter into thy closet
This command to go into one’s closet, or in some translations, “room,” raises questions about the necessity of a physical space for prayer. What about those instances when immediate prayers are essential, such as during roadside emergencies? Does this also mean that prayers offered in public spaces or outside a designated room are ineffective? Jesus prayed in several instances in the Bible without going to a room or closet. Additionally, the biblical exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing” seems incongruent with the idea of confining prayer to a specific physical location. It’s not like we can spend the rest of our lives confined in a closet so we can pray without ceasing. As much as going to a room and closing the door to pray is ideal, I am convinced that neither a room nor a closet is a prerequisite to an effective prayer.
Looking at the original Greek term used for “closet,” it is revealed that it translates to “tameion,” signifying a storage chamber, treasure room, or inner sanctum. In Hebrew, it denotes a storage chamber, storeroom, a chamber (especially an inner chamber), or a secret room. Considering these meanings of “tameion,” let us look at the following verses.
Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 12:34-35 34 Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
In these two verses, the Bible emphasizes the heart as a storehouse of treasures. Our hearts hold our deepest thoughts, true motives, and hidden desires. Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it?” This verse highlights the complexity and secrecy of the human heart, which only GOD can truly see through. Therefore, the “tameion” mentioned in Matthew 6:6 can symbolize the heart – the inner chamber where treasures, secrets, and desires reside. From a biological standpoint, the heart, indeed, has four chambers. It is then safe to say–the heart is the closet where we should pray. Our prayers should emanate from our hearts.
Second: Shut the door
Now, this can be the challenging part. Of course, if you can go to a closet or a room, then please shut the door behind you. However, this instruction goes beyond the physical act of closing a door as it symbolizes the enclosure within our hearts. This necessitates the elimination of distractions to focus on communicating with GOD. In today’s fast-paced world coupled with our busy schedules, it’s easy for our minds to wander during prayer. However, the quality of our prayer depends on our ability to set aside distractions and give undivided attention to GOD who rightfully deserves our full focus. While this may be perceived as challenging, I could now argue that it is instead a privilege. The GOD who created the heavens and the earth, to whom nothing is too difficult, who owns everything, possessing unlimited capabilities and dominion is interested in having a private conversation with us.
During my time at a bank, I often witnessed closed-door meetings exclusively attended by VIPs. Although our team was responsible for the financial statements, we were not invited to these exclusive gatherings. It seemed that only the most prestigious names made the cut. The question now is, whose name surpasses GOD’s? None! Yet, HE takes an interest in us, HE cares to listen to us, and HE even urges us to have a closed-door meeting with HIM. Which only means, you got a VIP Pass!
Matthew 6:8 states, “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.’’
Isn’t it amazing that even though GOD knows everything, He still makes time for us? Unlike us, humans, who might stop paying attention or become disinterested when we already know what someone is about to say. It’s heartwarming to know that GOD always wants to listen and spend time with us. So, if anyone ever tries to make you feel unworthy, remember they’re wrong. The all-knowing and all-powerful GOD says you are valuable! You have a VIP pass with GOD – no appointments or waiting in line needed. GOD is there for you 24/7. What an incredible privilege!
Third: Pray to thy Father which is in secret.
Feel encouraged to approach GOD with confidence and pour out your heart to Him in humility in the privacy of your heart. He knows all, so there is no need to hide anything. There is no requirement for elaborate or eloquent words. The assurance that GOD, who perceives our secret prayers, will openly reward our devotion should offer profound reassurance. No matter how embarrassing your story is, HE will listen in secret and reward you openly! Whatever difficulties, impurity, or disgrace you bring to HIM in confidence, HE can turn around and make good (Romans 8:28). Prayer is where you can exchange your shame for HIS glory.
Fourth: Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly
Imagine this: You enter your prayer closet (the inner chamber of your heart) and you open up to GOD, sharing everything – even your most shameful thoughts. You ask for forgiveness, lay down all your burdens at His feet and ask for what you need. HE listens to you, delighting in the time spent with HIS child. But here’s the thing: GOD, in HIS infinite wisdom, already knew what you wanted to say before you even spoke a word. So, HE’s already been working on your behalf, making everything unfold for your benefit. You may have entered feeling feeble, desperate, defeated, ashamed, or tired, but after spending time with HIM, you come out refreshed. And there you will find HIM – GOD! Waiting with HIS blessings for you, out in the open to witness what great and mighty things HE has done. Out in the open, HE will reward you. You will bear witness to HIS glory! What an amazing GOD we serve!
Fifth: A grateful heart drives away anxiety
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to GOD. 7 And the peace of GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Let go of your anxieties and present your requests to GOD with gratitude. You might be questioning the logic of expressing gratitude before receiving what you asked for. However, if you truly know and trust the one you’re asking, this order of events makes perfect sense. For instance, my daughter loves gooey sunny-side-up eggs. She immediately says thanks when she asks for them, without even waiting for my response. Why? Because she knows I can and I will. She doesn’t dwell on it, she only waits and expects. Once asked, she already considers it done. Yet I am but a limited mother. Imagine asking your unlimited FATHER GOD!
Suppose you believe that you are praying to an all-powerful GOD, sovereign over all. Suppose you believe in His goodness and love for you. If you know that what you are asking for is not against His will. And if you know that GOD knew before you asked and has already taken care of it, wouldn’t it make sense to express gratitude in advance? Wouldn’t going to the secret chamber alone, and knowing that GOD is waiting, be reason enough to enter with thanksgiving in your heart?
So, if you are already grateful, would it still make sense to remain worried or anxious? When you bring something broken to a specialist who you know can fix the problem, don’t you feel thankful and stop worrying? This is how having unexplainable peace is possible. It’s because of who GOD is! And it is because of realizing who GOD is. At first glance, no longer worrying and being thankful even before getting your answers seems to defy the right order of events. However, we have a GOD who defies human logic. After all, He is GOD! Makes perfect sense to me.
I would like to draw your attention to the two photos above. The first photo depicts a joyful family, a testament to the faithfulness of GOD. This couple had longed for a child, and after 13 years and 3 miscarriages, the LORD blessed them not just with a child, but with twin daughters! The second photo features the children of the Payatas Children’s Ministry fervently praying. These children, along with their teachers, were the devoted prayer warriors who tirelessly prayed for this couple. You can only expect extraordinary things to happen when you pray to an Amazing GOD!
Sixth: Remember that you have two INTERCESSORS
When you feel uncertain about what to say or lack the right words. During moments of weakness when fear overwhelms and paralyzes you. When the intensity of pain makes it difficult to articulate your thoughts, and the future seems so uncertain that you are unsure of what to even ask for. It’s worth remembering that we have two wonderful INTERCESSORS.
We have our merciful ROYAL HIGH PRIEST in Heaven (JESUS)
Heb. 7:25 Therefore he is able to save completely who come to GOD through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Heb. 4:14 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of GOD, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
The HOLY SPIRIT – our INTERCESSOR here on earth
Rom 8: 26-27 For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of GOD.
Seventh: Don’t forget to ask in JESUS’ name when you pray!
Instead of flashing your Visa or MasterCard to get what you are asking for, you only need to mention one name when you pray! Which is, of course, the name above all names — JESUS!
John 14:13-17 NKJV And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
In summary, praying in secret carries profound significance, symbolizing the heart as a sanctum for prayer and underscoring the importance of undistracted communion with GOD. It also reassures us that He responds to our heartfelt supplications. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to bear in mind that GOD’s answers can be “a yes,” “a no,” or “wait,” necessitating our faith, obedience, and serene resolve to trust in His divine timing and will.
I have been amazed over and over again by the testimonies of people around me. I feel so blessed to have witnessed many miracles in response to my humble prayers to God throughout my life. I am excited to share these touching experiences with you during our sessions and on my upcoming blogs. The two beautiful girls you see are the twins. They have grown into such extraordinary, talented teens! As your life coach, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go to your secret chamber, connect with God in your private moments and make the most of your unlimited VIP pass. He truly is an awe-inspiring and amazing God! My dear brothers and sisters, be blessed and be more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.