The Secret Place

Opening Verse

“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.” (Matthew 6:6 KJV)

Introduction

What does it mean to pray in secret? Many picture a hidden room or a quiet space. Yet, Jesus spoke deeper. He showed us that prayer is not for public display or human applause but for honest communion with God. In a world that rewards attention-seeking, Jesus calls us back to hidden, faithful moments with the Father.

Devotional Story

A woman named Ruth worked long hours as a nurse in a small rural clinic. Her days were filled with the sounds of coughing children, worried mothers, and the hum of medical equipment. Life rarely gave her peace.

One afternoon during her short lunch break, Ruth didn’t eat. Instead, she went to the supply closet, the only room in the clinic with a lock. She sat on an overturned mop bucket and simply closed her eyes.

She whispered, “Father, I’m so tired.”

That was it. No long words. No dramatic speech. Just the truth.

What Ruth didn’t know was that in those few minutes of quiet, heaven was listening. While she returned to work unnoticed, God began strengthening her from within. Her patience grew. Her kindness became steady. Over the following weeks, people noticed a difference.

A co-worker once asked, “Ruth, where do you find the strength to keep caring like this?”

She answered, “In the closet.”

She wasn’t joking.

What This Means

Praying in secret isn’t about a literal closet. It’s about sincerity before God. He doesn’t need your performance. He wants your heart. When we withdraw from the noise and speak plainly to our Father, He answers not with applause, but with transformation. The reward Jesus promised is not riches or fame: it’s the quiet, powerful change that happens within.

Think About This

Are your prayers real or rehearsed? Do you seek the attention of people or the approval of God? Find your quiet place whether it’s a bedroom, a car, or a supply closet and meet the Father there. Speak honestly. Heaven is listening.

Prayer

Father, teach me to pray in secret. Help me step away from the noise and come honestly before You. Change me not for the praise of others but for the glory of Your Name. Quiet my spirit. Strengthen my heart. And draw me nearer to You each time I seek You in hidden prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Psalm 62:8 KJV)