A Sanctuary of the Soul: Finding God in Our Secret Place

Matthew 6:6
Psalm 61:1
Psalm 119:130
Mark 1:35
1 Samuel 1:10-11
Isaiah 41:10

A Sanctuary of the Soul: Finding God in Our Secret Place

With Bishop Ronald K, Powell

Have you ever longed for a space where the noise of the world fades away, where distractions cease, and where you can pour out your heart freely? In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6, verse 6, Jesus offers us a profound invitation and a gentle instruction:

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6, NIV)

These words, nestled within Jesus’ teachings on prayer, speak volumes about the intimate connection God desires with each of us. He isn’t just interested in grand public displays of piety; He yearns for the quiet whispers of our hearts in the solitude of our own “room,” our own secret place.

What is this “room” that Jesus speaks of?

It’s not necessarily a physical space, though it can certainly be a quiet corner of our home, a peaceful spot in nature, or even the stillness we cultivate within our own hearts amidst the busyness of life. Rather, this “room” represents a deliberate setting aside of ourselves, a conscious turning away from the clamor of the world to focus solely on our Heavenly Father.

Why this emphasis on secrecy?

Jesus understood the human tendency towards performative faith, the desire to be seen and acknowledged for our spiritual practices. But true prayer, the kind that truly connects us with God, is not about outward show. It’s about the genuine communion of our souls with the Divine. It’s in the hiddenness, the vulnerability of our secret place, that pretense falls away, and we can be truly authentic before God.

Consider the powerful examples throughout scripture of individuals finding solace and strength in their private encounters with God.

David, the shepherd king, often retreated to quiet places to pour out his joys, sorrows, and confessions to the Lord.

• His psalms are a testament to the raw and honest conversations he had with God in his secret moments. “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.” (Psalm 61:1)

Jesus himself, even amidst his demanding ministry, frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray.

• Mark 1:35 tells us, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”
• If the Son of God, in his perfect communion with the Father, found it necessary to seek these moments of solitude, how much more do we, in our human frailty, need them?

Hannah, barren and heartbroken, found her secret place in the temple, where she poured out her soul to the Lord in fervent prayer.

1 Samuel 1:10-11 recounts, “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly. And she made a vow, saying, ‘O Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life…’

• ” God heard her secret plea, and her life was forever changed.

What does God promise to those who faithfully seek Him in their secret place?

• Jesus assures us, “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” This reward isn’t always a tangible gift or a dramatic miracle, although God is certainly capable of those. Often, the reward is far more profound and transformative:

Closeness with God: In the quiet intimacy of prayer, we draw near to the heart of God, and He draws near to us.

• James 4:8 encourages us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
• This nearness brings a deep sense of peace, comfort, and belonging.

Deeper Understanding: As we spend time in prayer, meditating on God’s Word and listening for His still, small voice, He reveals His will and His wisdom to us.

• Psalm 119:130 tells us, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

Strength and Guidance: Life inevitably brings challenges and uncertainties. Our secret place of prayer becomes our sanctuary, a source of strength to face trials and a place to receive divine guidance for the path ahead.

• Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Transformation of the Heart: Consistent prayer shapes us from the inside out. It cultivates humility, compassion, forgiveness, and a greater likeness to Christ. As we spend time in God’s presence, His love begins to permeate our hearts, changing our desires and our perspectives.

My brothers and sisters, I urge you today to cultivate your own secret place of prayer.

It doesn’t need to be elaborate or ornate. It simply needs to be a space, physical or internal, where you can intentionally connect with your Heavenly Father, free from distraction and pretense.

Perhaps it’s the corner of your bedroom before the day begins, the quiet of your car during your commute, a walk in nature where you can lift your eyes to the heavens, or simply a conscious turning inward in the midst of a busy day. The location is less important than the intention, the sincerity of your heart reaching out to God.

Close the door on the noise of the world, and open the door to the presence of your loving Father.

In the secret place of prayer, you will discover a depth of intimacy with God that will transform your life, strengthen your faith, and fill you with a peace that surpasses all understanding. May we all find our sanctuary in His presence, and may His abundant blessings be upon you as you seek Him in your secret place. Amen.