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Deep Dive into Habits of Grace by David Mathis - Pray in Secret

"Closet prayer" refers to private prayer, a concept derived from Jesus's instructions in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus taught his followers to pray in their rooms, in secret, rather than in public spaces to be seen by others. This practice is considered an infallible test of spiritual integrity, serving as a crucial indicator of the authenticity of one's relationship with God. It helps discern whether prayer is a genuine expression of devotion or merely a performance to impress others, revealing if God is truly one's "treasure."

Private prayer is exceptionally important not only as a test of authenticity but also as an ongoing remedy for spiritual inadequacies and a lack of desire for God. It helps in healing inner brokenness and fosters a genuinely lived relationship with God as Father. The essence of this prayer is "not getting things from God, but getting God" Himself, creating a context for intimate communion. Jesus consistently demonstrated the importance of private prayer, withdrawing to solitary places driven by a deep desire for fellowship with His Father.

To enrich one's private prayer life, five suggestions are provided:

• Create Your Closet: Establish a regular, dedicated place for prayer to build consistency.
• Begin with Bible: Start with a brief prayer for help, then read and meditate on Scripture, allowing prayer to be a response to God's word, making it richer and more focused.
• Adore, Confess, Thank, Ask (ACTS): Use this structured form—Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication—after Scripture meditation to guide prayer.
• Divulge Your Desires—and Develop Them: Honestly express your heart, burdens, and anxieties in "free prayer," also allowing biblical prayers to shape and align your desires with God's will.
• Keep It Fresh: Regularly change up your prayer routines for new seasons, perhaps by writing prayers, fasting, or taking retreats for silence and solitude, to maintain engagement and prevent staleness.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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