But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6

I once lived in a very small house and finding a quiet place to pray when everyone was awake was complicated to say the least. Someone was always in need or want of my time and energy; I was a mom and wife after all. Like most moms and wives, I would pray when everyone was asleep.

I would also pray when I was cooking or cleaning since miraculously no one would bother me! But my marriage was falling apart and there were many moments when desperation would grip me and I had to get away to pray right now.

It never occurred to me that the bathroom could be my prayer closet. Another translation of the word “closet” in Matthew 6:6 is “room” with no specifics on what kind of room. Many times while living in that very small house I’d escape to the bathroom, kneel on the small rug and pour my heart out to God.

Was I interrupted? Yes indeed. Tiny fingers would slide under the door while begging to come in. Soft knocks on the door would invade my silent praying and falling tears asking “are you done yet?” But it was there in that tiny bathroom that I found refuge, strength and the courage to face reality.

My marriage was over but my relationship with God flourished because of His love, mercy and patience.

That’s what a prayer closet does – it brings you closer to the One who has all the answers you need. It is a safe place to bask in the presence of a loving God. This sacred place is also a place to worship Him, to give Him thanks and to give Him your whole heart.

It was there in that room that He gave me answers, guidance, direction and the courage I needed to make it through a difficult time.

I no longer live in that tiny house but that story is for another time. Our prayer closet may change locations within the home, but God is with us no matter the location. He’ll meet us anywhere.