"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
I’ve enjoyed watching Desk Set, starring
Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. This classic film shows the trouble that
goes with upgrading technology. It’s a romantic comedy which is funnier today
than it was when it was first released in 1957. Although it’s kind of about
making improvements in the workplace, it’s really about relationships.
Technology helps us communicate more
effectively today than ever before. We learned in 2020 that technology isn’t
all you need.
We need relationships.
Our relationship with God is a
protective influence as we deal with today’s problems. God gives us guidance and
wisdom if we will seek Him before making decisions.
Sometimes our goal should be to cut back
on computers and phones so we can communicate more
effectively without distractions. God isn’t against technology, but He
expects us to use the wisdom He makes available.
Matthew 6:6 mentions praying in a room,
in secret. The Old Testament shows a picture of a prayer room when we read
about Daniel (chapter six) in an upstairs room where he prayed. However, he
didn’t pray in secret. The windows were open. (Probably no air conditioning.)
You and I can go into a bedroom, closet,
or bathroom and pray without distractions. Years ago, my husband took an
upstairs room of our house and turned it into our prayer room. When we needed
uninterrupted time with God, we could go there to pray and listen for God’s
answers.
God wants us to communicate with
Him in prayer without distractions.
Praying by yourself in a room or on a park
bench or some other specific place will help you focus on what God wants to say
to you. Take your Bible, a notepad, and a pen to write what God is guiding you
to do. Some people have a prayer journal where they record their prayer
requests, answers, and ideas they get from God.
I’ve used a few different journals to
write my prayers and God’s answers. Here’s one to use for your next 31 days. I’ve
just published The Prayer That Works Journal. It was designed as
a companion journal for my new short nonfiction book. You can
find the Prayer That Works eBook at Amazon or in other bookstores.
You can subscribe to my emails and get
this free prayer journal prompt eBook.