THE SHUT DOOR


A. "BUT, WHEN THOU PRAYEST, ENTER INTO THINE INNER CHAMBER, AND HAVING SHUT THY DOOR, PRAY TO THY FATHER WHICH IS IN SECRET, AND THY FATHER SEETH IN SECRET SHALL RECOMPENSE THEE" - MATT. 6:6 (R.V.)
  1. The world is always curious about the inner life of notable persons:
    1. Feeling that the have-nots are missing certain secrets
    2. They are curious about the secrets in the lives of those who succeed
  2. The admonition of our Lord is not based upon creating curiosity in men, but rather:
    1. For specific reasons of the prayer life
    2. It concerns the personal relations of the individual
B. THE SHUT DOOR
  1. Purpose of the shut door as indicated in our text:
    1. It gives seclusion or privacy for one thing - man's social life exposes him to his fellowmen to such an extent, that privacy seems a luxury at times
    2. Yet, there are things in life that we seek to keep to ourselves, things that do not concern others - particularly our personal relations to God
  2. The secret chamber or privacy in prayer was a part of the prayer life of a number of Bible characters:
    1. Our Lord spent much time alone with his heavenly Father - compare Mark 1:35 with Matt. 14:23; Luke 9:18
    2. Daniel had a place specially dedicated to private prayer - Dan. 6:10
    3. Peter used the upper room - Acts 10:9
  3. The high and holy motive of having privacy at times in our prayer life:
    1. When we pray behind the closed door of our prayer chamber - (i) we exclude the world for the time being - that frees our thoughts from the cares of life - Luke 21:34-35; (ii) and opens up our life to the love and affections of our heavenly Father - Jer. 29:13
    2. Too, when we are alone our mind is more able to concentrate upon the things of which we are in need of - that is the meditation that must precede our petition Ps. 63:6; 77:12; 19:44
  4. But, perhaps, the deeper reasons are:
    1. To save us from the notoriety that was common among the Pharisees - Matt. 6:5
    2. Also, there are things in our lives which only God understands; to expose them to our fellowmen would be more harmful than good; not even those who are near and dear to us, would understand the things between us and the Lord
C. "PRAY TO THY FATHER WHICH IS IN SECRET"
  1. Note well - the implied truth - "Thy Father"
    1. He is closest to you; He has begotten you with the word of truth - I Peter 1:3
    2. He loves you more than mortal tongue can utter; He understands you and has compassion on you; says the Psalmist, "Like as a Father pitieth has children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him, for He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust" - Ps. 103:13-14
    3. Also, He knows how to keep a secret; this is very difficult for humans and men are very prone to give away secrets and so much harm is done - Prov. 25:9; 20:19
  2. An open reward:
    1. How often have parents prayed secretly for the salvation of their children - and in due time they were permitted to witness the conversion of their children
    2. Daniel prayed most earnestly for more light about the captivity of his nation; the cleansing of the sanctuary - and the angel Gabriel was sent to give the servant of God the light - Dan. 9:10
  3. We may learn further - that the prayer life includes:
    1. Public prayer - Acts 4:24-31; 1:14; I Kings 8
    2. Family prayer - Job 1:1-3; Joshua 24:15
    3. Private prayer as indicated in our opening text - so we must do everything in its place
  4. Shut the door when thou hast entered the prayer chamber:
    1. Open up your heart wide unto the Father unburden yourself, do not hold back any longer; He knows your thoughts afar off - Ps. 139:1-9
    2. Then listen to the compassionate counsel your Father has for you - I Sam. 3:9


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