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Developing Prayer Habits - Part 2

"And when you pray..."
Matthew 6:5

The Americas Cup team from New Zealand practiced for two years, six days a week, eight hours a day, and brought sailing to a new level. People who are serious about something always make room for it in their schedule. When the disciples asked Jesus about prayer, He began by saying, "When you pray" He assumed they would have a regular time for prayer. Could He assume that about you? He also said, "When you pray, go into your room, close the door" (Matthew 6:6). Why the emphasis on privacy? Because voices, noise, music, phones, computers, TV, kids, dogs, birds - even a ticking clock- can cause you to lose your concentration. So He counseled, "Do not bother fighting distractions because you will lose. Just find a quiet place where you can pray without interruption." But there is another reason: once you identify your 'secret place' and begin to use it regularly, a kind of aura surrounds it. Married couples often have a favorite restaurant where they go for important nights out; they love its atmosphere; its memories draw them back like a magnet. It is easy to be open and intimate there. And when you create such a meeting place with God, you will look forward to going there too. You will grow to love it and eventually it will become the most important place in your life. "When should I go there" you ask. In the morning if you are a lark; at night if you are an owl! In other words, when you can really get into it.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I long to talk with you in our special place! In Jesus' Name, Amen