Book of Matthew - Chapter 6 - Verse 6

When Jesus spoke the words, "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," he emphasized the importance of private and intimate communication with God. This verse highlights the need for individuals to have a personal relationship with God that is not based on public displays or seeking recognition from others. By entering into a private space, such as a closet, and shutting out distractions, one can focus solely on their connection with God. This act of seeking God in secret demonstrates humility, sincerity, and a genuine desire for communion with the divine. The promise of reward from God indicates that He sees and acknowledges these private interactions, even if they are not seen by others. The verse ultimately encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, seeking His approval and blessings in the secret place of prayer.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse, '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.', we see that Jesus is teaching his disciples about the importance of private prayer. The act of entering into one's closet and shutting the door symbolizes a deliberate and intentional effort to create a sacred space for intimate communion with God. By praying in secret, believers are reminded of the personal and intimate nature of their relationship with their Heavenly Father. This verse underscores the idea that prayer is not a performance to be done in public for others to see, but rather a heartfelt conversation between an individual and God. The promise of being rewarded openly by God highlights His faithfulness to those who seek Him sincerely and earnestly in their private moments of prayer.