devotional

Reflection: Alone With God

Scripture

  • “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
  • “We know that we have the requests we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:15)
  • “He who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Teaching

Prayer is not about trying to convince God with many words or urgent pleading. He already knows what you need before you ask. Instead, prayer is about childlike trust in a Father who loves, sees, and cares.

When you pray, shut out distractions and enter the secret place with God. There the Father is waiting for you. Jesus Himself will teach you to pray in that quiet space. Being alone with God should be your greatest joy and strength.

God is not concerned with how little you bring Him, but with how much He longs to give to you. His heart is full of tender, caring love. Even when your heart feels cold, sinful, or dark, His presence brings light and warmth.

Encouragement

  • Prayer in secret cannot be wasted. God promises to reward it openly.
  • The blessing of prayer doesn’t depend on strong feelings, but on God’s power and love.
  • Faith grows as we trust that our Father sees, hears, and knows our needs.
  • Prayer is not forcing an unwilling God, but resting in a willing and faithful Father.

Application

  • Go often into your “inner chamber” — a place where you can be still with God.
  • Close the door, silence distractions, and simply look to the Father.
  • Trust Him to answer in His way and His time.
  • Let your prayer be less about many words and more about faith, quietness, and confidence.

Prayer

Father, You see me, You hear me, and You know what I need even before I ask. Teach me to treasure time with You in the secret place. Give me faith to trust that You will answer and reward what is done in secret. Let my greatest joy be to be alone with You and to know that You supply every need according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Attribution

Excerpt adapted from Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer (1885).

Waiting on the Lord: The Strength of Stillness

Psalm 27:14 – Wait for the Lord

“Wait for the LORD.” — Psalm 27:14

Waiting might seem simple, but it’s one of the hardest things for a Christian to learn. It’s easier to charge ahead than to stand still. Sometimes, even when you really want to do what’s right, you just don’t know what to do next. What then? Give in to fear or frustration? Back down, panic, or make impulsive decisions? No—just wait.

Wait by praying. Talk to God about your situation. Be honest about your confusion and ask Him to help you. In moments when you’re torn between two paths, come to God like a child, humbly and simply, and let Him guide you. It’s a good place to be when you recognize you don’t have all the answers and are ready to follow His lead.

Wait with faith. Don’t just wait and worry. Trust that God is working, even if you don’t see it yet. Even if He seems slow, He’s always right on time. His promises never fail.

Wait with quiet patience. Don’t complain about what’s happening. Instead, thank God, even in the struggle. Don’t blame others or wish for the past. Accept your current situation as part of His plan, and hand it all over to Him—your thoughts, your fears, your decisions—saying:

“Lord, not my will, but Yours.
I don’t know what to do, and I’m at the end of my rope, but I’ll wait.
I’ll wait for You to calm the storm or clear the way.
I’ll wait as long as You want, because my heart is fixed on You alone.
I trust You, God. You are my hope, my rescue, my shelter, and my strength.”

Citation:
Inspired by Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening: Daily Readings, August 30 entry. Public domain.

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