There are a lot of public prayers. “Oh, God,” cries a mother. Her child is badly hurt. Does that same mother pray in private? Look at what Jesus tells us, “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who is in secret will repay you” (Matthew 6:6).

Do you have a walk-in closet in your bedroom? Well, that’s the kind of room Jesus is talking about, a little room inside your room, a room to meet with God in private. Of course you must go to God as a child goes to his or her father. You must also expect God is ready and able to help you. This means you trust in Christ as your savior. You recognize you are God’s child. You then pour out your heart to God. Sure, you plead with Him. All children do that at one time or another. You also tell your heavenly Father you love Him. You never raise your fist in defiance against Him. Some children do that too. It doesn’t get them very far, does it?

Why not start the practice of private prayer? Go into your closet for a few minutes every day. Talk to God about the hurts and longings of your heart.