One of the most pleasant commands Jesus gave us was to enter into our closet to pray (see Matthew 6:6). Obviously, he wasn’t saying we shouldn’t pray unless we’re in a closet. Rather, he was telling us to pray in secret, alone with God. We can do that within our own hearts anywhere, in the middle of a crowd if we have to.
Many find it helpful to do something to isolate themselves when praying and lessen outside distractions. Perhaps they take a hike or a bike ride to be by themselves. Some claim this private worship is all the church service they’ll ever need.
But is it? Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes, “Jesus prayed; he withdrew from the material senses to refresh his heart with brighter, with spiritual views” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 32). The very nature of true prayer is that it reveals the ever-present goodness, health, and holiness of not only our real, spiritual selfhood, but everyone else’s as well. The brighter, spiritual views with which Jesus refreshed his heart filled him with a love so strong and pure that it overflowed in a desire to serve his fellow man.
