Twenty-first Day
Prayer, and the presence of God in secret. — Matt, vi. 5-8.
ENTER into thy chamber’ — that is, into the very innermost part of your house; but also into the innermost part of your heart. Be perfectly collected. ' Shut the door upon you ’ — that is, close up the avenues of sense, and give access to no irrelevant thought. i Pray in secret ’ — that is, pour out your soul before God alone; make Him only the depositary of your hidden griefs.
‘Speak not much.’ This pouring forth does not imply telling God your secret needs by means of long speeches. ' He knows all before you ask Him.’ Say inwardly whatever may be of use by helping to move you and to fix your thoughts on God. The prayers of the Pagans, who knew not God, were nothing but a superfluity of unmeaning words. Speak little with the lips and much with the heart. Neither should you
