Everyone wants to know the secret to something. Dieters want to know the secret to losing weight. Parents want to know the secret to raising responsible, loving children who will grow into productive members of society. And Christians want to know the secret to effective prayer. So, what’s the secret to real intimacy with our heavenly Father?
Let me start by saying, there is no magic formula for a productive prayer life. Having said that, the Bible gives us all the information we need to become prayer warriors—most of them we are familiar with. However, there are a few that don’t get the lip service they rightly deserve.
It’s no secret that Americans are busy. One Gallup poll indicates nearly half of us feel we don’t have enough time to do what we want to do. Books on time management find their way on the New York Times Best Sellers List on a regular basis. And yet, If Jesus is our example of proper time management, His bestseller—the Bible (the world’s best seller of all time) —will be ours.
A SECRET PLACE
The Bible tells us that Jesus often retreated to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:16).
Jesus made sure to: pray often, alone, and in a quiet and uninterrupted place. We ought to do the same.Â
Jesus made sure to: pray often, alone, & in a quiet place. So should we. Luke 5:16 https://t.co/GrNytKnxGZ pic.twitter.com/HTO3iovmep
— Beckie Lindsey (@BeckieLindsey_) July 18, 2016
But too often we bulldoze into our day without talking to God. Sure, we may take a moment to pray in the shower, or on our morning commute. There’s nothing wrong with praying during these times, but this is not the quality time necessary to deepen any relationship. We need to have a place where we can drown out the static of the world. A place where there is no motivation but to know our heavenly Father.
In the popular movie War Room, the lead actress (Priscilla Shirer) turned her closet into a place of prayer.
Do you have a place where you can go on a daily basis to be alone and uninterrupted with God?
MEDITATION
Unfortunately, the word meditation has been associated with the New Age movement, or even carries a certain mystical connotation. But there is no hocus pocus involved in Christian meditation—it is rooted in the Bible. In fact, we are commanded to meditate.
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8
What is mediation?
“Biblical meditation is not about emptying your mind but filling it with truth. It simply means to read a passage of Scripture, think about it, and repeat it to yourself. It’s the first and most important step to memorizing Bible verses.” Rick Warren
Meditation should be solely on the Bible, characteristics of God, and what is revealed about Him.
It takes serious effort and concentration. But the payoff is priceless. “No other habit can do more to transform your life and make you more like Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture…” Rick Warren
We have many thoughts raging within our minds, even in our sleep. And yet, we don’t like to sit alone with nothing but our thoughts. Researchers at the University of Virginia and Harvard University found that many people would rather inflict pain on themselves than spend 15 minutes with nothing to do but think. Two-thirds of the men and a quarter of the women in the study decided to shock themselves rather than just sit and think. (study)
Our heavenly Father knows the benefits of making the time to remove ourselves from the busyness and constant stimulation of the world. We need to be alone with our thoughts in order to ascertain what is influencing and driving us. Christian meditation is not about emptying the mind as in other forms of meditation. God calls us to bring our thoughts to Him and allow Him to transform our thinking (Romans 12:2)
Our thoughts are transformed through meditation when we: “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” Philippians 4:8
FASTING
In many Christian churches today, fasting has become a lost discipline, rarely discussed or practiced. Chances are you are among the majority of Christians who rarely or never fast.
WHAT FASTING IS: Fasting is defined as voluntarily going without food and/or drink for a period of time in order to focus on deeper prayer and fellowship with God.
We can look at fasting as an exchange of physical needs for spiritual needs. (tweet this)
WHAT FASTING IS NOT: Fasting is not a special tool or method in which we manipulate God to respond like a genie in a bottle and grant our every wish.
Fasting is not just denying yourself of food. As stated above, it’s an exchange of physical needs for spiritual ones. Fasting is not a diet.
Scripture does not command Christians to fast. However, the Bible mentions fasting numerous times as something that is good, beneficial and rewarding. I think it’s worth noting that although Jesus didn’t speak too much on fasting during His ministry, the one time that He gave specific instructions on fasting, in Matthew 6:5-18, He started by saying: “when you fast,” not “if you fast.”
THE BENEFITS OF FASTING
Fasting helps us draw closer to God. We acknowledge through fasting that we need God to live more than food. It should help us break away from the desire to satisfy our own lusts and materialism, thereby desiring God in a new, fresh way. Fasting can help us understand what the Psalmist meant when he wrote, “Like the deer that pants after water, my soul longs for You.” (Psalm 42:1)
Fasting fosters self-discipline in an undisciplined age. Have you noticed the age in which we live seem to despise discipline? We live in a very materialistic society where we are used to getting what we want rather quickly. It seems whether you live in an affluent country or poor one, the world today is becoming more and more interested in what their neighbor has. Even as far back as the 10 Commandments given to Moses, God talked about materialism and being satisfied with what you have.
Fasting provides a way to impose self-discipline in your life. Physical self-discipline “rubs off” into spiritual self-discipline.
Fasting provides guidance. “Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” (Acts 14:23)
The Israelites sought the Lord through fasting when they had been defeated in battle by the tribe of Benjamin in Judges 20:26-28.
Fasting shows humility and dependence upon God. King David was known as a man after God’s own heart. David shows us in Psalm 35:13 an example of humbling oneself before God. “Yet when they were ill, I grieved for them.  I denied myself by fasting for them, but my prayers returned unanswered.”
Fasting Empowers. I look at prayer combined with fasting as the TNT of a Christian’s weaponry arsenal.
The apostle Paul, in Ephesians 6:10-18, tells us that WE ARE AT WAR, not with flesh-and-blood enemies, but evil spiritual forces. He then describes heavenly spiritual armor that God provides for believers. A powerful part of our arsenal includes prayer, as well as prayer coupled with fasting.
When Jesus faced the temptation of Satan, he fasted (Luke 4:1-11). In Mark 9:29, we read that the disciples needed a power from God that comes only through fasting. Matthew 17:20Â 21 say that prayer with fasting can work spiritual miracles.
While there isn’t a magic formula for prayer, three unlikely secrets to incorporate into our lives are: establishing a secret place for prayer, meditation, and fasting.
What are your thoughts on these unlikely secrets to prayer?
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16
This post is linked to:Â http://www.foreverjoyful.net/?p=1189
http://www.create-with-joy.com/2016/07/inspire-me-monday-week-237.html
http://mostlyblogging.com/inspire-monday-linky-party-90/#more-12182
http://www.leahadams.org/the-loft-link-up-pot-luck-7/
You most certainly touched on numerous topics in this write, Beckie. I took the time to read and re-read and in doing so, I received
much inspiration, enlightenment and motivation. God bless you, my sister. Thanks for sharing!
Shira, Thanks for taking so much time in reading. I’m delighted you were inspired.
May God bless you too!
Always a pleasure. You’re such a prolific writer!
Thanks Beckie, this is quite beautiful. I especially liked and was blessed by the truths on meditation. More grace.
William, Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you were blessed by the truths of meditation. Question: have you tried meditation or either of these truths mentioned in the post?
Blessings to you and yours!
Two areas I neglect–prolonged prayer time and fasting. I’ve never fasted, less out of fear and more out of concern how it would impact my professional career (can’t afford to malpractice because my mind isn’t sharp), but I suspect that is just something I tell myself to justify not fasting. And I do pray daily and multiple times throughout the day, but almost never in a block of quiet and uninterrupted time. I’ve been of the mindset that worship is constant, not carved-out time, which has led me to focus on God and prayer throughout the day, even if in snippets. So, again, I’ve justified neglecting something the Bible says is important (as you note above). I’m thankful for writers like you who remind me of neglected Biblical truth. Now I have a couple of practices to work on/improve.
James (TheDaddyBlitz),
First of all, thank you for your courageous and transparent response. It’s not easy to admit even to ourselves, much less in writing when we’ve been justifying behaviors that prevent deeper growth. Your reasons are legitimate. We are supposed to be in the mindset of constant worship and communication with the Father. And as far as fasting goes, it takes time to develop. At least that’s what I find. It’s like a muscle that needs strenghtening and I’m still very much growing in this area! There are other forms of fasting which I wrote about last fall. You may want to check it out when you have time. https://beckielindsey16.com/2015/11/17/fasting-and-prayer-101/ You will notice a repeat in some of the information.
Thanks again for commenting! Blessings to you and yours.
This reminded me of what God has already been dropping in my spirit to do. Spend alone time with him away from the distractions of life. Thank you for posting this blog.
Calandra, I’m so happy that God used this post to confirm His desires to spend time alone with you. He’s amazing! I’m smiling from ear to ear right now 🙂 I’ll be praying for you to make daily alone time with God. Don’t give up if you miss a day. You know the enemy loves to mess with us. Just keep on keepin’ on. Blessings!
Beckie, I’ve been able to successfully accomplish the first two “secrets” to prayer, but fasting? Very difficult as I have borderline low blood sugar; not going without necessary food doesn’t draw me to God, it distracts me away from Him, disrupts my focus. I can certainly see how this practice would be beneficial to other Christians; more power to them!
Blessings, and thanks for a great post, as always!
Martha, Usually, fasting is going without food for a certain amount of time. However, there are other types of fasts, some which don’t involve food. If you’re interested, I go into more detail about fasting in a post from last fall. You will notice a repeat of some of the information, but I do outline a few other types of fast. Here’s the link: https://beckielindsey16.com/2015/11/17/fasting-and-prayer-101/
Thanks so much for commenting!
I have a prayer chair–a rocker in a corner of my bedroom I use for my prayer time and Bible study. I know you can pray anywhere, but there’s something about having a designated time and place that prepares your heart to meet with God.
Leigh, I too have a rocking chair for prayer in my closet. When the weather is nice, I also sit out on my front porch.
Beckie, this is a phenomenal piece!
I think fasting is important (it’s also quite good for the body). I’ve only done it a couple times, and only for part of the day, but I know I ought to do it more!
Elihu, fasting doesn’t come easy for me. I feel very much a novice, but willing to learn! My experience has been quiet slow, but very rewarding. Thanks for commenting.
“Jesus made sure to: pray often, alone, and in a quiet and uninterrupted place. We ought to do the same.” Yes, I would like to have times during the day where I pause and get alone to pray and read scripture. When I do take the time it is very meaningful and helps keep my focus on God throughout the day. Thanks for sharing your words at the #LMMLinkup!
Gayl, Thanks so much!
I’m glad you wrote about fasting. I struggle with fasting with the right motivation, so I’ve taken the easy route most of the time by just ignoring the discipline. This is a reminder for me to think about doing it again. Thank you.
Heather Bock
http://www.glimpsesofjesus.com
Heather, I hear you about fasting! There are other ways to fast. Check this out when you have time (some info. is repeated) https://beckielindsey16.com/2015/11/17/fasting-and-prayer-101/
Thanks for reading and commenting.
The place is helpful. I, also, enjoyed the War Room. I also think of how Daniel in the Old Testament was brave enough to pray visibly after the king’s edict. I like to pray on my sofa in the mornings so my kids can see when they come downstairs. This is not for my glory, but so they can benefit from seeing prayer in action. Thanks for sharing at the #LMMLinkup.
What a great idea to have a place where your children see that their mommy is a prayer warrior. May God bless you and your family. Thanks for commenting.
Great post, Beckie – I’ve lately been drawn to several blogposts about the secret place.
Also, loved this point, ” Physical self-discipline “rubs off” into spiritual self-discipline.” Discipline is something I struggle with but I do notice when I am able to do better physically I do better spiritually as well.
Thanks for sharing at The Loft.
Jerralea, I know what you mean about doing better physically connecting with doing better spiritually. Staying physically fit helps me fight depression. But so does staying close to Jesus!
Thanks for stopping by and for commenting.
Blessings!
Beckie, what a powerful post. So full of truth and encouragement. I know that I need to be more diligent in my prayer life and your post has reminded me of the importance of prayer. Thank you for sharing at The Loft today.
Leah, It’s an honor to link-up with so many other writers with the heart to shine the light of Jesus’ love through writing. I’m so pleased the post was an encouragement. Thanks for commenting.
I love that you included fasting with your post. In Matthew 6 it says, when you pray, when you fast and when you give. Fasting is hard but I believe it unleashes so much power and brings us closer to our Father. I have been being led to posts like this, to spend time, quality time, with my Father In the secret place. Thank you for sharing your heart and the word, it spoke to my heart! Many blessings to you!
Tammy, Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. Fasting is a difficult discipline that I’m still growing in (and will be for the rest of my life, I’m sure). If you want more information on different types of fasts that may “ease” you into the practice, I wrote another post strictly about the subject.
https://beckielindsey16.com/2015/11/17/fasting-and-prayer-101/
Blessings to you and yours as well!