How Have I Missed This?: Jesus' Specific Instruction on How to Pray...

           I am not proud to say that one of my greatest weaknesses has been a commitment to still prayer time. I do pray a lot, but I have failed to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit to "go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret" (Matt 6:6). I walk and pray, fold laundry and pray. I do many things and pray, but this instruction from Jesus is very specific: to get alone, to be still, and to talk to God in detail. 

This is different than the direction given in other passages to pray without ceasing, which insinuates praying as you move through your day (1 Thess 5:16-18; Phil 4:4-7; Col 4:2-4). Jesus' words in Matthew 6 are not contradictory to that. They are a critical addition that will change the trajectory of a ministry. In his article Tips for a Strategic Ministry, Pastor Erik Raymond says, "A key aspect of an abiding ministry is a praying ministry; ministry is more than prayer, of course, but it will never be less than prayer. I am certain that I can do more good through prayer than I could ever realize."

Now, if you are not actively involved in a formal ministry, you might think that this advice is not for you. I mean, the technical definition of the word is "the work of vocation of a minister of religion." HOWEVER, for one second, let's think a little more about what ministry means according to God's Word....

Gotquestions.org notes, " 'Ministry' is from the Greek word diakoneo, meaning 'to serve' or douleuo, meaning 'to serve as a slave." In the New Testament, ministry is seen as service to God and to other people in His name. Jesus provided the pattern for Christian ministry—He came, not to receive service, but to give it (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; John 13:1-17).[Therefore], the Christian should minister by meeting people’s needs with love and humility on Christ’s behalf." (Matthew 20:26; Mark 10:43; John 2:5,9; Acts 6:3; Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:10; Colossians 4:12)

To put this in context...we must become slaves to prayer behind closed doors on behalf of the lost and dying and the broken and weary to align ourselves with God and raise them up in Jesus' name.

          Raymond goes on to point out that the apostles understood the gravity of prayer. He said, "They understood that the nature of the battle was not one of the flesh. It could not be won by the demonstration of wisdom, innovation, personal skill, or otherwise. The nature of the battle was spiritual." This wisdom is not merely a good tip. It is a fact. Thus, my interest has not simply been sparked. My heart has been deeply burdened to pursue a specific time on bended knee -- alone, still, with specific prayers -- each week.

          There are many great benefits to this discipline, but the sweetest is what Jesus promises at the end of verse 6. He said, "And your Father who sees in secret will reward you" (Matt 6:6). It is beyond exciting to think of what this means. Will He bring great blessings for those who are being prayed for? Possibly! Will He increase my ministry? Possibly! Will He offer Himself in abundance, giving peace that passes all understanding, and fortifying His people according to His purpose? Most certainly!

What a privilege to have a new understanding of Scripture

and a hunger for a deeper level of prayer in my belly!

What about you? Has this felt like an impossible thing...to slow down...to demand of yourself a prayer posture that includes a regularly bended knee. Praise God for clarification through His word that will help us all!

Here's a pro-tip that will help change your prayer life...Get out your calendar and write down at least one closed-door session with God per week for the next 40 days. In other words, pencil God in. It stings a little to say it that way, but this is how we tend to work best...so whatever it takes to get us to that alone, still, place of detailed prayer!!

Click this button for some special worship music while you are there!

SECRET PRAYER TIME SPOTIFY PLAYLIST