DRAWING NIGH TO GOD....series.."Secret Prayer Imperative"

In an old cathedral in Copenhagen is a giant figure of Christ with outstretched hands. When you come close, you read these words on the pedestal on which He stands: "COME UNTO ME." But as you look into His face you are disappointed, for the eyes are downcast, and you do not see in them the invitation suggested by the outstretched hands. Soon, however, you hear the low voice of the sexton behind you saying, "Get down on your knees, friend, and look up." It is then you see in Christ's face a love and compassion such as you had not seen before.
Just so it is with us. If we would see Christ in all His loveliness, we must kneel at the foot of the cross and look up. The secret of finding God is to spend time, much time, in prayer. Secret prayer is the "life of the soul."

"Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail of receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great haste. With hurried steps they press through the circle of Christ's loving presence, pausing perhaps a moment within the sacred precincts, but not waiting for counsel. They have no time to remain with the divine Teacher. With their burdens they return to their work."

Jesus says,  "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet," and closing the hearts door against all worldly thoughts, "pray to thy Father which is in secret." Although our "closet of prayer may not always be the same place, it should, however, always be a place of quiet where we can be alone with God. This quiet time does not prevent our lifting our thoughts to Him as we go a bout our daily work, wherever it may be. Rather, faithfulness in secret prayer is an incentive to pray at our everyday tasks, at public meetings, and "always."

Jonathan Edwards said, "If you live in the neglect of secret prayer, you neglect all the worship of God; for he that prays with others, would not pray at all were it not that the eyes of others were upon him."

Alone with God we see ourselves as we really are. We are made aware that no sin is hidden from Him. We confess our wrongdoing, and in less time than it takes our tears to fall, He has forgiven. He may wait to answer other prayers, but He does not wait a single second to answer prayer asking forgiveness of sin or deliverance from sin.

"Take time to be holy, 

The world rushes on; 

Spend much time in secret 

With Jesus alone." 

_W.D. Longstaff 

* from the book "Drawing Nigh to God" by Minnie E. Dauphinee