The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe
(Thanks to Mrs. Plash for inspiration on this one)
"In Secret"
Several years ago, the obituary of a dear friend's mother included this statement:
"Many never knew of her prayers for them."
I can think of few better ways to characterize a sincere believer's life of "effectual, fervent," but largely hidden prayer (James 5:16).
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly" (Matthew 6:6).
Prayer is personal, a matter of "in secret." The genuinely praying believer speaks little of his or her communion with God. Certainly, we may testify of prayer's blessedness, as did the Psalmist: "In Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:11). We may also bear witness at times of answers to prayer as a testimony to God's faithfulness. However, we find ourselves guarded in such expression as the Holy Spirit places a necessary restraint, based on the intensely personal nature of communion with the Heavenly Father who loves and views His children in ways unique to each. "The very hairs of your head are all numbered" declared the Lord Jesus Christ " (Matthew 10:30). Even more, the chambers of our hearts all bear a singular place of grace and faith to be known only by God and ourselves "in secret." "O my dove, that art in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice; for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely" (Song of Solomon 2:14).
I am quite sure my friend's mother mentioned my name in prayer on occasion. She well knew how great was my need for our Father's working! I cannot express the gratitude I feel for those intercessions, or for God's answers that continue to be fulfilled. I think of many others who have done the same, including those of you who receive and read these messages. Some have mentioned their prayers for myself and my family, and that is appreciated and encouraging. Mostly, however, I am sure I will never begin to know how many intercessions have been offered on our behalf. The same is true for every believer. Brothers and sisters approach the throne of grace for each other unto a Father who beckons and welcomes our desire to seek His working. Even now, He hears the voices of countless believers for one another, and even now, He gladly arises to answer. Little wonder Scripture declares "the prayer of the upright is His delight" as we approach our Father "in secret," and as He openly rewards by answers to requests we did not even know had been offered (Proverbs 15:8).
"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
(Psalm 91:1)
Weekly Memory Verse
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
(I Timothy 2:1-2).
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