Closet Praying Matthew 6:6 Matthew 6:6  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. Introduction: A. By closet praying is meant getting alone with God. Intimacy. One preacher of a by-gone era called it, "Getting into close quarters with God." It's those times when we do business in a one on one basis with the Almighty. B. It is a very necessary practice. Saints of other times practiced it: Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Jesus and Paul. C. It should not be an option with us, but an absolute requisite. Why is this so vitally important? I. For Stimulation A. It is just like a husband and wife relationship; if they don't have time alone ere long the marriage will begin to erode. Illustration:  A wife complained to her husband that she was being neglected by him. He responded that he could not understand what she meant since he gave her clothes, jewelry, trinkets, and all material needs she could wish for. Her answer to him was that she didn't want those things. She wanted him. B. If we don't take time for God it won't be long until we'll begin to wonder why we are not happy like we once were. Serving Him will become a drudgery. There will be no excitement in the Christian life. II. For Correction A. After twenty long wasted years of being away from God, Jacob was left alone with God in the valley of Jabok. It was that memorable night that Jacob was transformed into a prince with God. B. It was on the backside of the desert that Moses met God. From there he emerged as the one who would lead a whole nation out of bondage, and go down in history as the greatest emancipator the world has ever known. III. For Direction A. We do not know what decision to make in so many situations of life. But God knows what is best for us. Illustration:  It is said of C. H. Spurgeon that a young woman, who was a member of his church, who lost her husband prematurely, came to him with the question we all ask at times, "Why did God take my husband from me?"  Spurgeon replied, "Dear, I have learned that when we cannot trace our Father's hand we can always trust His heart." B. We are to trust Him. (Prov. 3:5-6) C. We are to ask for wisdom and leave the choice with Him. (Jas. 1:5) IV. For Protection A. Hear a distressed soul praying for protection. (Psa. 40:12-13) B. The Bible is full of examples of when God protected His people who cried unto Him. V. For Consolation A. Our hearts grow weary at times, but we have a "God of all comfort." (2 Cor. 1:3-4) B. Joseph Scriven's song, What A Friend We Have In Jesus says it best. VI. For Satisfaction A. There is a longing in our hearts that no one but God can fill and satisfy. (Psa. 42:1-2) B. Like a baby crying for its mother.