Matthew 6:6 But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father which is in secret… I. The DUTY of secret prayer. All the force of a command. It is more by example than by precept that this duty is enforced in Scripture. Is essential, because we have wants which can be presented before God in no other way. .No times are specified for the performance of this duty. II. The proper MODE AND SEASON'S of secret prayer. If possible, a place to which we may retire and be alone with God. Set times. The appropriate seasons — early morning, evening, times of perplexity, etc. III. The REWARDS AND ADVANTAGES of secret prayer. Furnishes the best test of piety. What is the "open reward"? Are you obeying the command? (Dr. A. Barnes.) Parallel Verses KJV: But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. |