Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: The Secret Place, focuses on why it’s important to take time to pray alone.

Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: The Secret Place

The secret place. I love the scripture, Matthew 6:6, that mentions this phrase and the thought behind it. “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” NKJV

Our Father is in the secret place. Now technically, He is everywhere but this thought. As a child, I enjoyed building forts, houses, castles—anything I could make with large boxes, blankets, tree branches, etc. I wanted a place all my own; a hideaway where I could dream and plan and giggle.

I’ve carried this into my adulthood in my writing. I’ve written stories and a novel-in-progress with a secret place. My hideaway is my study, the recliner in our little living room, my car, and the back deck. Sometimes, under the covers late at night. Any place where I converse with God about my day, my life, and the future.

Think about this. God has a secret place. Maybe it’s the place we go and He meets us. We go, believing He hears us and that we don’t have to perform to gain his attention. My favorite way to dance with God is on the solitary dance floor called prayer.

Jesus often left his disciples and the crowds to go alone and meet with His Father. It says in Luke 5:16: “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” He is the perfect example of living life. What benefits are there to praying by yourself?

1. Strength to battle the enemy and avoid temptation. Luke 4:1-2
   
2. Rest during seasons of ministry. Mark 6:30-32
   
3. Space to grieve or mourn. Matthew 14
   
4. Freedom from distractions during decision-making. Luke 6
   
5. Dealing with personal agony. Luke 22
   
6. Focus during busy seasons. Luke 5:15
   

I need a secret place. Too often I get busy and tired and bored with the hurry-scurry of life and God is quietly calling me to meet with Him. Sometimes, I hear and go but other times I cringe and shake my head. I’m feeling unworthy or shamed or guilty or any number of things that attack my thought life each day. Why would the God of the universe want to meet with me? It’s not like I can do anything for Him.

God knows more about me than anyone and He still loves me more than anyone. Let that sink in for a moment. He desires to meet me in the secret place. Let’s go there now: Father God, I love You so much. I feel guilty and ashamed that I don’t pay enough attention at times to meet you in the secret place. The negative emotions snowball until I hide from You instead of meeting you in a hideaway. Thank You that I’m deeply loved and You are forever waiting for me. Drawing me by Your Spirit to time well-spent with You. Abba, You are more than I could ever deserve. I adore You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Remember, God knows more about you than anyone and He still loves you more than anyone.

Today’s featured author is Betty Thomason Owens, author of Still Water, Home Found Suspense, Book 1. When crime reporter, Jake Bradley, stumbles onto a suspicious accident, clues lead him to Lisa Oliver, the daughter of the victims. After the FBI warns Jake off the case, he is more determined than ever to find the truth and keep Lisa safe. Learn more at https://bettythomasonowens.com/

Next week, we’ll look at what Jesus says about thankfulness in prayer. Until then, stay determined to dance…

Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, #Praying Like Jesus:  The Secret Place, focuses on why it’s important to take time to pray alone. #TuesdayThoughts

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Remember: Praying Like Jesus: The Secret Place

I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together. (Best part starts at the 7-minute mark until the end)

https://youtu.be/lcSqRkpeQyM