When You Pray
Welcome to our "Finding Fullness" devotional series, a transformative two-week journey where we'll delve into the heart of the abundant life that Christ offers us. During our time together, we'll explore a collection of scriptures illuminating the path to embracing Christ's love, grace, and purpose. As Christ's followers, it's essential we not only understand these foundational truths intellectually but also trust them in our hearts and live them out in our daily lives.
Today, we begin by reflecting on the importance of stillness and nurturing daily conversations with God through prayer. Amid life's busyness, finding moments of silence is crucial for cultivating a deeper connection with our Creator.
With this in mind, we invite you to read Matthew 6:5-7. As you do, pay attention and note any words, phrases, or themes that stand out to you.
"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.” Matthew 6:5-7 (NIV)
The point of stillness goes deeper than an opportunity to catch our breath and reset; when we carve out moments to get quiet and pray, we invest in the one relationship that matters more than any else. In today’s passage, Jesus speaks to the relational nature of prayer by directing us to enter a private room, shut the door, and pray. The Greek word used for “room” describes a secret hiding place – a secluded spot free from distractions.
In our world of constant disturbance and demands, finding a place like that can be challenging, requiring intention and planning on our part. So, going forward on our journey, pick a place where you can draw near to God and symbolically close the door on distractions. If possible, detach digitally by turning off your phone, letting this physical act represent your intention to focus solely on encountering God.
It’s here where you’re often encouraged to close your eyes, take a deep breath, quiet your thoughts, and release any worries and tension as you embrace the silence. And we will do the same, but with a note of encouragement and honesty. For many of us, it’s going to be awkward and feel unnatural; and that is to be expected. You’re not failing; you’re being human.
Finding a secluded place is often the easiest part of the equation; the challenge comes when we’re tasked with quieting the noise that constantly runs through our mind, heart, and soul. It’s a daunting task, a vulnerable posture, and a discipline we need to practice. And that’s why we need to be reminded of the comforting invitation God extends to us in Psalm 46:10:
"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
Knowing that He is a God of grace, love, and forgiveness doesn’t happen overnight. Understanding that He is a God that is for you doesn’t occur in a single conversation. Trusting that He will be safe with your deepest thoughts and feelings occurs with each declaration of dependency. As you embrace stillness and converse with God, remember Jesus' promise in Matthew 6:6 that your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. This reward might include a deep sense of peace, renewed perspective, or a strengthened relationship with Him. When we let go of control, we allow him to work on our hearts. In the silence, distractions begin to fade, making room for us to hear God's whispers of guidance and comfort.
So, begin your conversation with God. Share your thoughts, feelings, and desires as you would with a close friend. Engage in honest and open dialogue. Share your joys, worries, and hopes. Your heavenly Father wants to hear from you. Also be open to receiving His gentle whispers, guidance, and peace. Allow the stillness to create a space for His voice to be heard.
Spend a few moments and consider:
Where do you find yourself distracted? What parts of your heart, mind, and soul do you struggle to quiet and what would it look like to bring those concerns to God?
What emotions and feelings rise to the surface when you hear Jesus’ invitation to “be still and know that He is God”?
As you conclude your quiet time, carry the stillness with you. Let it linger in your heart as a reminder that you can have ongoing conversations with God throughout your day. Make it a practice to find moments of stillness and connection, even amid life's demands.
Close your time with this prayer:
Heavenly Father, in the stillness, we find You. In the quiet, we hear Your voice. Thank you for the gift of secret communion and the power of daily conversations with You. Help us embrace stillness, surrender control, and find peace in Your presence. May our lives exalt Your name and reflect Your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.