— DAY 1 —
Monday 29 January, 2024
THE SECRET PLACE - Part 1
Matthew 6:5-6 (NKJV)
And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
COMMENT
This passage contrasts public vs private communication with God. Some people talk the talk, they present well in public, their social media looks rosy, their prayers sound faith filled yet their hearts are far from God. Jesus says that people that are looking for human accolades have already received their reward. Let’s not be one of those people!
In contrast, here Jesus says that there are heavenly rewards awaiting those who will go to God in the secret place, by themselves without anyone else present. By definition, the “secret” place, being a secret, not everyone knows it exists and not everyone knows how to get there. Yet, this is the place that God resides. Seeking God in the secret place requires intentionality and perhaps refocussing our priorities, but the rewards are great.
The world can leave us feeling restless and unfulfilled but time spent with God in the secret place imparts things into us that we cannot get from anywhere else. It’s here that we are refreshed, that we truly hear his voice, where he addresses things that we need to change in our lives and where we find the strength to overcome what the world throws at us. There is no place like his presence! He openly rewards those who will spend time with him in the secret place.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How much time do you spend in the secret place?
2. Why do you think it’s important to spend time in the secret place?
3. What do you need to change in your life to spend more time with God in the secret place?4. What has changed in your life after spending alone time with God?
PERSONAL CHALLENGE
Today, spend 15-30min alone with God…no noise, no distractions, just you and Him in a quiet place.
MAIN QUESTION (SELF REFLECTION)
What is God speaking to you about through this passage?
Encourage others by sharing your revelation in the group chat on Planning Center!
This is a self-reflection about what God is speaking directly to you about in YOUR life.
Words like “I” and “Me” are encouraged, “we” and “us” less so.
PERSONAL PRAYER STARTER
Lord, my heart’s desire is build my life on you. If needed, help me to make changes in my life to spend more time with you in the secret place. Speak to me! In Jesus name.
14 DAYS OF PRAYER (Corporate Prayer)
FAMILY - Pray for strong families. Pray against division and spiritual attack and speak the favour of God over families.