The Lord Jesus enjoined, “When you pray, enter into your closet” (Matt. 6:6), and by His oft-repeated example enforced the admonition. Often were His footsteps traced to some secluded spot for the purpose of private prayer. So Isaac was apt to retire to meditate in the field at eventide (Gen. 24:63). The psalmist communed with his own heart and his spirit made diligent search (Psa. 77:6; 119:164). Daniel knelt three times a day in his private chamber (Dan. 6:10). Peter retired to the housetop to be alone with God, about the sixth hour (Acts 10:9). Mark the lives of men of God and you will find them often on their knees before their Maker in their closets.

        The object of these seasons of retirement is communion with the Lord, reading His Word, and engagement in self-judgment. Secluded from the world and its cares, the secret sins of our heart and the presumptuous faults of our life are brought to our view. We unburden our souls with supplications and tears, seeking forgiveness and grace through the merits of our glorified Redeemer, saying, “Search me, O God” (Psa. 139:23,24).

        Secret prayer should be attended to at regular seasons. Regularity in this activity is as necessary to the health of our soul as regularity in meals to that of our body. Let the habit become so fixed by custom that the consecrated hour cannot pass without awakening our conscience.

        Let us take care that we do not become so absorbed in any of the exciting enterprises of the day, however important they may be in themselves, as to neglect our own heart and our communion with God. Be assured that such enterprises will, under the blessing of God, succeed only as we seek for wisdom and grace daily in secret places.

        (From Help and Food, Vol. 26.)