p. 725 | Secret Prayer by L. A. C.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 2, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 46.

Secret Prayer.

By L. A. C.

WE may always meet our Saviour in his house, and in the prayer-meeting, but he would have us pray in secret. And if it be true that "declension begins in the closet," we need to be faithful in the observance of secret prayer. It is quite interesting to note the different places to which Christians repair for private devotions. I well remember seeing my father take a light immediately after tea, and retire to the parlor for a season of secret prayer. And richly did the Father who seeth in secret reward him openly.

I knew of a deacon who always prayed by himself at his barn, early in the morning, before commencing any of his daily labor. One mother used to take her baby and retire to a closet under the stairs to pray. Another mother, who found it difficult to pray long at a time without hearing the call for "mamma," used often to steal a few minutes for prayer at a certain place in her pantry. These were truly helpful minutes, and she was grateful that in the press of duties and cares she could come to the Master and touch but the hem of his garment. I have read of a converted heathen girl, who was so much persecuted by her family when trying to pray that she would be a long time in wiping her face in the morning, that she might pray in the towel.

Some one has aptly said that in order to obtain the most good from our private devotions we should choose such times and places as will best keep us from interruptions and the fear of them. All persons are not situated alike, and each must choose the time and place best for himself.

Jesus, where'er thy people meet, There they behold the mercy-seat; Where'er they seek thee thou art found, And every place is hallowed ground. —L. A. C., in Congregationalist.