Pray to God in secret and he will reward you handsomely

 ### **"Pray to God in Secret, and He Will Reward You" – Matthew 6:6 Explained**  

Jesus teaches in **Matthew 6:6 (NIV)**:  

> *"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."*  

This powerful instruction contrasts **hypocritical public prayers** (Matthew 6:5) with **intimate, private prayer**. Let’s break it down:  

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### 🔍 **What Does It Mean to "Pray in Secret"?**  

1. **A Heart of Humility, Not Showmanship**  

   - Jesus condemns those who pray loudly in public *just to be seen* (Matthew 6:5).  

   - **True prayer** is about connecting with God, not impressing people.  

2. **A Private Place for Personal Prayer**  

   - "Go into your room" (Greek: *tameion* = inner chamber, storage room) symbolizes **withdrawing from distractions**.  

   - It doesn’t have to be a literal closet—just a place where you can be **alone with God**.  

3. **God Sees in Secret**  

   - Unlike people, God **knows your heart** (1 Samuel 16:7).  

   - He doesn’t need grand gestures—just **authentic conversation**.  

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### 💎 **What Are the "Rewards" of Secret Prayer?**  

Jesus promises **God Himself will reward you**—but not necessarily in material ways. The rewards include:  

1. **Deeper Relationship with God**  

   - *"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."* (James 4:8)  

   - The more you pray in secret, the more you **recognize His voice**.  

2. **Inner Peace & Strength**  

   - *"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in You."* (Isaiah 26:3)  

   - Private prayer **calms anxiety** and renews your spirit.  

3. **Divine Guidance**  

   - *"Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him."* (Matthew 6:8)  

   - God often speaks clearest in **quiet moments**.  

4. **Eternal Treasures**  

   - *"Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven."* (Matthew 6:20)  

   - The greatest reward is **knowing God more**.  

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### ⚠️ **Misunderstandings to Avoid**  

❌ **"This means never praying in public."**  

   → Jesus prayed publicly (John 11:41-42) and with others (Matthew 18:20). The issue is **motive**—are you praying to be seen or to seek God?  

❌ **"God owes me blessings because I prayed."**  

   → The "reward" is **God Himself**, not a transactional payout.  

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### 🙏 **How to Practice Secret Prayer Today**  

1. **Find Your "Secret Place"**  

   - A quiet corner, a walk in nature, or even your car.  

2. **Be Real with God**  

   - Talk to Him like a loving Father (no religious performance needed).  

3. **Listen More Than You Speak**  

   - Prayer is a **two-way conversation** (John 10:27).  

4. **Make It a Daily Habit**  

   - *"Pray without ceasing."* (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  

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### 🔥 **A Simple Prayer to Start**  

*"Father, I come to You now in secret.  

You see my heart, my fears, my hopes.  

Speak to me. Fill me. Reward me with **more of You**.  

Help me seek Your face, not the approval of people.  

In Jesus’ name, Amen."*  

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### **Final Thought**  

The greatest reward of secret prayer isn’t what God gives you—**it’s God Himself**. When you withdraw to meet Him, you step into **heaven’s intimacy**.  

*"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."*  

**—Psalm 91:1 (NKJV)**