Dear Church,

In Matthew 6:5-6, Jesus contrasts genuine, heartfelt prayer with false, wordy prayer. One is heard and rewarded by God, while the other may be seen and appreciated by people but is a sham before God. There is NO SUBSTITUTE for private, intimate, and heartfelt conversation (prayer) with God. What really counts for a believer, more than the Christian missions we are involved in, more than the Bible studies we attend, and more than the sermons we preach, is the practice of “shut-door conversation” with God. It is the “shut doors” in our life that will usher in God’s peace and the conscious joy of His presence in our lives.

Only “shut doors” will result in an outflow of our Christian lives, where the fruit of the Spirit will be visible, and revival happens.  In order for the real value and power of our Christian life to be realized externally it has to be sourced from our “shut door conversations”.  Our “shut doors” define the strength and durability of our “open doors.”  Notice what Matthew 6:6 says, A believer who prays alone has his reward now and in eternity.

At Immanuel, I believe the Holy Spirit is igniting a passion for prayer.  This is a challenge for all of us, including myself.  How much time do I/we spend behind shut doors?

Be Encouraged,

Mathews