Prayer Closet

Closet – a small private room, especially one used for prayer and meditation.

When the presence of GOD’s anointing is upon us, we make all kinds of personal promises to Him. I have committed myself to reading my Bible every day at a particular time. I have committed to studying an in-depth reading plan every day at a certain time. All those books I purchased at the many conferences I have attended; I’m going to read at least one chapter a day. How about this? I’m going to play the Word of God every night while I sleep as my spirit never sleeps. The problem with me was inconsistency after the excitement of the Holy Spirit’s anointing lifted. I did all these things for a while and continue doing them today. However, staying on track and committing to a specific time is a challenge.

My personal and most interactive favorite was this one. I committed to getting up every morning at five o’clock to pray before I got ready for work. I set my alarm Monday through Friday and faithfully staggered to my closet to pray for an hour. I laid down on the floor to pray and before I knew it, the hour quickly sped by, and it was time to get ready for work. While starting off strong with my thanksgiving and praises unto GOD, I don’t remember when I drifted off to sleep, but I did this OFTEN. Yes, I had many dreams during that hour, but I wanted to stay awake and pray how other people said they prayed. And then to bring further condemnation upon myself, I thought about the scripture when Jesus said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?” My hour of prayer went on for several years at 5 AM and I always fell asleep. Upon awakening within the hour, I’d say, “Lord, please forgive me for drifting off again.”

One morning I beat myself up so badly for drifting off that while between the state of awake and asleep, I heard my Father say, “It’s okay. It’s the faithfulness I love.” The words sounded like an echo underwater if there was such a sound, and I felt as though I was going to melt into the carpet. I never condemned myself again after that. A few months later, we moved. I tried to establish my prayer closet in the new place, but it just wasn’t the same. I never felt the presence of the Spirit there. Even now, there are no closets large enough for me to pray inside. The Holy Spirit has taught me to find that special spot where I can meet Him.

I say to you, set a time to meet with God, but don’t be so rigid that condemnation sets in if you’re not consistent. I find He is always available anytime, anywhere, and whenever I take time to meet with Him.

Revelation 19:6, “And I heard a voice like that of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters…”