Shut the Door

Matthew 6:5-6 “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.

Instructions from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus was contrasting the pride of the Pharisees with the humility desired by the Father.  He wanted us to learn the difference between the eternal rewards God gives as opposed to the earthly, temporary rewards of the approval and admiration of men.  

Jesus calls us into the secret place, behind the door.  The quiet place.  A place of aloneness with our Father.  It's not a place for others to join.  Not a place of accolades and "way to goes."  In this place we leave the world behind.  The to do list, the phone calls and text messages.  We leave the needs of the physical and temporary to come before the throne of God.  This is where we find our treasure and our hope.  Alone in the company of Jesus.  

Psalm 144:2 My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.  We don't find protection, safety, our needs met or strength standing next to the high tower.  We find these when we go inside and shut the door.  God Himself is our high tower

It is here, in our prayer closets that we find the Lord who answers us, we find our Father who desires to reward our sweet, quiet time with Him.  

So shut your door.  Go in to the quiet place.  Leave the world outside for a while and fellowship with our loving Father.  Song of Solomon 2:10 My beloved spoke, and said to me: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, And come away.  The Father calls to our hearts.  "Come away."  

Lord, let us come away with You.  Let us leave our busy schedules, our worldly focus behind and come into Your Presence.  Help us to not bring the interruptions with us.  We need this alone time with You.  It's not for the praise of men, not for the show of piety, but because our hearts greatest need is You.  It is You who meets our needs, listens to our desires, hears or prayers for those in our lives...and it is You that will provide the perfect answers.  And as we wait on You, You give us strength, peace and joy.  Help us to make this "our" time.  You and us.  In Jesus' Name, amen.  

Shut the door.