“He that dwells in the SECRET PLACE of the most High SHALL ABIDE [be present with] UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY.” (Psa. 91:1) [Our Father’s presence in our secret place (where we can meet with Him on a regular basis) is what casts that shadow over us.]
“…Samuel went and lay down in his place. And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for your servant hears.” (1 Sam. 3:9-10) [Notice how that when we call on the Lord HE ANSWERS!] “…the high and lofty One says…whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, WITH HIM ALSO that is of a contrite [regretful] and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” (Isa. 57:15)
[Jesus first taught us what our “attitude” should be when we meet him in prayer.]
“Blessed are…the POOR IN SPIRIT…they THAT MOURN…THE MEEK…they which do HUNGER AND THIRST AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS…THE MERCIFUL…the PURE IN HEART, FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD.” (Matt. 5:3-8) [David prayed this way…] “Bow down your ear [cup your hand over your ear], O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy.” (Psa. 86:1)
[So we should always…] “…be clothed with humility: for God RESISTS THE PROUD, and gives grace to the humble.” (1 Pet. 5:5). [RESISTS: (antitassomai) oppose, against order, confused – We can choose grace or confusion by our attitude!] “…when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to thy Father WHICH IS IN SECRET; and your FATHER WHICH SEES IN SECRET SHALL REWARD YOU OPENLY.“ (Matt. 6:6)
[Our Father is in our secret place WAITING FOR US – HE IS ALREADY THERE! We don’t have to pray Him down to us we just go in where He is waiting. When you pray: ENTER your “closet” – have a regular place set aside for prayer. SHUT the door – keep out all distractions – KNOW that your Father is THERE waiting – oh how He loves for us to know He is there to communicate with us. KNOWING that He will HEAR and ANSWER our prayers – ASK and you shall receive, SEEK and you shall FIND, KNOCK and it shall be opened to you.] “If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I WILL DO IT.” (Joh. 14:14)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that:
OUR FATHER IS IN OUR SECRET PLACE WAITING FOR US!
–Bill Stockham