experience the quiet oneness with God for which we were created? It
makes you wonder: Is there still a quiet place where we can meet with
him?
Many Old Testament writings placed God in a physical setting.
The Book of Isaiah, for instance, speaks of the Almighty enthroned
between the cherubim in the temple (Isa. 37:16). The Books of Leviti-
cus and Numbers lay out very precise and complex rules for ap-
proaching God in his sanctuary. In the Psalms we discover that David
was one Old Testament believer who had a very personal prayer life.
He spoke of crying out to God all night long on his bed (Ps. 6:6).
And now because of what Jesus did on the cross, the veil of the
temple has been torn, releasing New Testament believers from the
limits of praying to God in specific physical settings. We can com-
municate with him anywhere!
In fact, Jesus recommended that we go into our own room and
close the door to pray. “Then the Father, who sees what is done in se-
cret, will reward you” (Matt. 6:6).
There is no showmanship in a prayer behind closed doors—no
playing to the crowds as the Pharisees often did. Behind closed doors
prayer becomes a totally private affair.
When we are willing to reserve the quiet center of ourselves for the
awesome presence of God, we will know the intimacy and power of
a private prayer life.
Dear Father, we know that we were born not for the doldrums of this
world’s daily-ness but for the richness of your Spirit adventure. For-
give us for selling out. Give us the courage to tear down the “For
Sale” signs on our hearts and freely open them to you. Teach us to go
into our private rooms, to close the door, and to pray. Please, Lord,
meet us there. In Jesus’ name, amen.101 MOST POWERFUL PRAYERS IN THE BI BLE 39