So many people have been able to tap into the rainy day funds or other investment-savings since the start of the pandemic. And some have even admitted that that’s what has saved them/kept them going. But the monies in those accounts did not magically appear in those accounts. They were placed there sometime prior, perhaps even accruing interest. In today’s Holy Nougat, Jesus suggests that it’s the same with our prayers.
“When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private and will reward you.” Matthew 6:6 CEV
Public prayer is good. It has its purpose and can unite the community for a common goal. Praying in private however; has the potential to be life-changing. That’s because it is where we actually nourish our relationship with God. Private prayer can be challenging to us as we pour our hearts out to God, and we don’t often get an insta-response like Jesus did from time to time. But then, let’s remember, in those cases, Jesus was actually praying publicly.
In the recorded prayers of Jesus, we may have noticed that Jesus was Himself. And, while He wasn’t featured in a literal closet, we may recall Jesus went out into the wilderness and other private spaces in order to connect with God; whether to recharge or prepare for pressing issues or challenges, or just to connect. When described like this, I hope we see scope for our prayer lives.
It is often understood that when we speak behind closed doors, whatever is discussed is private. And, while this has and had negative implications, Jesus has redeemed the concept to suggest that some closed door meetings may have positive origins and impact. Although, He does indicate that our closeted conversations carry rewards. This is not the same as μισθὸν (misthan) in verse 5, which refers to wages or consequence; but is ἀποδώσει (apodidómi), which speaks to restoration or repayment .
We might find it odd, because our prayers aren’t always answered in the affirmative. But, if we consider prayer an act of building our relationship with Jesus, with God; then we can see the reward as the deepening friendship, the lasting companionship or even as God making good on the promise to be with us.
This is not a promise to be taken lightly, because God promises to reward us publicly. To me, that suggests that the payment could be at a time when I least expect; but is most essential. Ever had one of Those moments?
And so, at the right time, we are also able to turn to our prayer closet investment; knowing that the time we invested behind closed doors with Jesus was time well spent.
