Fast Day 21: The Secret Place

By Jami Ecoff

Matthew 6:6 NKJV - “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

As we come out of this 21 Day Fast, take time to reflect on what you have learned and how you have grown. What did you hear from the Lord? How have you been changed? What happens next? May you not just go back to life as it was before, but instead have a deeper hunger and desire to spend time with the King. Spend some time with Him today, asking what that looks like for you. Maybe make a commitment to fast monthly or start a Bible reading plan or start serving in a new capacity. Take some time to consider what it looks like to prioritize time with Him in the secret place. Sometimes we are so accustomed to doing all the talking when we pray. Today, make a point of taking time to listen. If you struggle with this, try setting a timer for five minutes and close your eyes, giving Him room to speak. This isn’t time to praise or make requests, but just to clear your mind and rest in His presence. As intrusive thoughts come through, gently refocus your attention, reminding yourself that those thoughts can be addressed later, jot them on a note pad beside you if you need to. If it helps, you can picture yourself in the throne room or in an empty room. 

Action Steps: 

• Schedule time in your daily schedule to spend time in the secret place

• Consider choosing a time to fast regularly

• Set a timer for five minutes with Jesus and just listen

• Examine your priorities (Where do you spend your time and money?) Does something need to change?

Prayer Points: 

• Increased hunger for God’s Word that goes so deep that His voice is familiar and drowns out all the other voices

• Continued development of intentional habits being formed- spending time in the secret place, always giving first fruits, devoting talents and resources to Kingdom work, etc. (check out the Practices series from 2025). 

Prayer: 

Lord, thank you for this sweet season of fasting. Help me to see where you are calling me deeper with You. Please highlight the areas where I am spending time and energy that need to be set aside to focus on what you have for me right now.