I met a woman who as a youth, lived through a Nazi concentration camp in World War 2. Her family was forced to work at this camp and she had to stay in a small dark room all day. She was told not to be a disturbance to anyone or anything. She literally spent hours and hours, day after day alone in a dark room. Although she couldn’t read, in this dark room, she began to pray. The most amazing thing about her story and resiliency is that as a youth, alone in a dark room she began to meet with Jesus. Although she was a prisoner, she was free. Although she could not read, she learned His voice. Although she had little, she had the One who made all things. Still today, when she shares about her time alone in that dark room, she begins rubbing her arms which become covered in goosebumps. She explains that the goosebumps are not from the fear of that time, but the name of Jesus, whom she loves.

You see, God has given us more than we could ever think, ask or imagine. He has give us Himself.

Have you ever desired a verse to spur you on in your private prayer times? Ephesians 3:16-17 will help you,

 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…” – Ephesians 3:16-17

Like this amazing woman discovered, Jesus is found in secret prayer. His presence is found there because the triune God, in pure delight, chose to join you to Himself through the Son and by the Spirit. When you pray alone you will discover that you will always meet God. Where you are, God is, for His Gospel made you alive in Him! The Gospel has made it possible for Jesus to live in you!

Practically, when you pray in secret, you have access to the bread of life (John 6:33), the Word of God (John 1:1) and His rivers of living water (John 7:38). You have access to His wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). Why? Because when you pray with expectant faith, you will find that Christ is there, dwelling in your heart. Writing honestly, your prayer time should be the most exciting and dynamic space in your life – for in prayer, like my friend who met with Jesus in a dark room, you will meet and know God.

Like this woman, when you pray, come with faith, thankfulness and express praise. Like this woman, fall in love and adore Jesus. He is worthy.

For the sake of so much, do not neglect prayer.