"When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. I assure you, they have already been paid in full. But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you."

"When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that God will hear them because their prayers are long. Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him."

Matthew 6:5-8

When we draw aside to a quiet place to pray, we have to shut the door to block out our busy world. As we open our hearts to the Father, we receive the light of His wisdom. Our LORD often went to be alone with His heavenly Father for strength and guidance. Sometimes it was after a busy day of preaching and healing. At other times, it was before making a major decision. We can have the confidence that He will hear us, if we ask according to His will.

One secret of effective prayer is prayer in secret.

Our Daily Bread – June 2, 2002