And when thou prayest... — Matthew 6:5

Jesus is talking to His disciples about prayer, or communicating with the Father.  He did not say “if” you pray, He said “when” you pray.  Jesus believed that every day we are to spend time in fellowship with the Father, so He was explaining to His disciples how to do it.  Prayer is a privilege given to you so you can have fellowship, relationship, and partnership with Almighty God.  It is the most important daily activity you can do, because that’s how you can receive direction and recharge your spiritual battery.  Start to put aside a period of time each day to talk and listen to God.  Little by little, it will grow into a conscious awareness of God throughout your day.  You will find yourself in direct, constant communication with God at home, at school, on the job, in the store, in the car–-wherever you are.  Soon the decisions you make will be good ones, the daily choices you make will be the right ones.  The Spirit’s voice and the Word of God will become your answer in every situation, and victorious living will be the result.

They love to pray...that they may be seen of men. — Matthew 6:5

Having the right reason, the right motive, to pray, is important.  Many pray in a religious manner just so they can say that they prayed.  This makes them feel better about themselves and gives them a sense of satisfaction because they did their duty.  You may even think that you are impressing God and others with your prayer life.  “Look at me!  I prayed two hours today!”  But prayer is communication with a real Person.  God is real, and He desires fellowship and an intimate relationship with you.  He created you on His spiritual level so you could relate to Him and love Him, and true love of and for God should be your motive for anything done in the Kingdom.  He loves you and desires to spend time with you.  Give God a chance!  Come to Him, expecting to hear and receive from Him.  Prayer is not a ritual or a duty, it is the privilege of fellowship with the Father.  It is a necessity!  He is waiting for you.

When thou prayest, enter into thy closet. — Matthew 6:6

Find a special place where you consistently meet with God--a spare room, a back porch, even a closet.  Set aside a specific place that you designate as a meeting place.  Jesus had a mountain, Moses had a mountain, you need “that place.”  Soon the presence of God will start to come quickly and strongly as your faith grows in your secret place.  Others will be able to feel the presence of God when they enter that place.  You will develop a habit of meeting with Him at a special time, in a special place, with an expectation to hear and receive from Him.  After you discipline yourself to pray for a couple of weeks, it will no longer be a struggle to pray, but something you look forward to doing.  Consistency in your prayer life will cause it to become a desire in your daily life, and a sense of missing something important when you do not partake.  God is calling His people into closer fellowship with Him.  Take the time!  Find a place!  Be consistent!  Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

Shut the door. — Matthew 6:6

Atmosphere is a major key to a strong prayer life.  You cannot get intimate with God or anyone else if there are constant interruptions during your fellowship time.  Phones ringing, neighbors talking, or TV’s blaring will not allow you to get alone with Him.  Shut the door!  Pick a time and a place when and where all is quiet.  Early in the morning is a time of little distractions.  Quiet your mind from worldly thoughts by reading the Word, quoting scriptures, or meditating on the Word while praying in tongues.  Fervent prayer needs to involve your spirit, soul, and body.  If you are tired and falling asleep, walk while you pray.  Lazy?  Kneel down and pray!  Do whatever it takes to condition your body to come in line with prayer.  Let others in your household know, “I pray from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m.-–do not disturb!”  Shut the door on distractions and give God and His Word your undivided attention.  Keep your time and place open to God and closed to the world.