Prayer: the secret key to heaven

The Secret Key to Heaven

It is such a good book that even the contents page would be worth the price.  But then again perhaps for a book still printed after 350 years I should have expected that.  First published in 1665 by Thomas Brooks it is full of fabulous encouragement and inspiration.  “The Secret Key to Heaven: the vital importance of private prayer” is its snappy title!  In it Brooks suggests twenty reasons we should plan and strive to pray in private – i.e. secretly when no one sees.  Here’s the twenty headings as they appear in the contents.  The language may be a little old (especially number 4!) but don’t you think they are full of pearls of wisdom?

1.    The most eminent saints engaged in private prayer.

2.    Christ engaged in secret prayer.

3.    Secret prayer distinguishes sincerity from hypocrisy.

4.    Secret prayer lets us unbosom ourselves before God.

5.    Secret duties shall have open rewards.

6.    God most manifests himself in secret.

7.    This life is the only time for private prayer.

8.    Private prayer (has) prevailing power.

9.    Private prayer is the most soul-enriching of duties.

10. Secret prayer (combats) secret sins.

11. Secret prayer delights Christ.

12. Only believers share God’s secrets.

13. Private prayer is the Christian’s refuge in trouble.

14. God is omnipresent (i.e: he is there with us in secret prayer).

15. If we neglect private prayer, God will not hear our public prayers.

16. The times call for private prayer.

17. Those near to the Lord should engage in secret prayer.

18. Special marks of God’s favour (are experienced in private prayer).

19. Satan’s enmity to secret prayer (because of its power)

20. The Lord’s secret ones should engage in secret prayer.  (Meaning ‘the Lord’s special/ chosen ones…)

Do you pray secretly?  How could you start?  Or continue onward better?