"Finding Your Secret Place"

Kingdom Corner PodcastThe Kingdom Corner Reading RoomEpisode: Finding Your Secret PlaceIn this episode of The Kingdom Corner Reading Room, Matt continues reading and reflecting on Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer.As the section “Be With Jesus” comes to a close, the focus turns to one of the most essential practices of the Christian life: cultivating a secret place with God.Drawing from the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, this episode explores why prayer is not merely a religious duty—but a friendship with Christ. In a hurried and distracted culture, learning to slow down, withdraw, and commune with God becomes one of the most transformative habits a believer can develop.Matt also highlights how Jesus Himself modeled a rhythm of retreat and return—stepping away into solitude to pray before returning to ministry and mission.The invitation is simple but profound:Find your secret place. Slow down. Be with Jesus.Key ScripturesMatthew 6:6 — “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door.”Mark 1:35 — Jesus withdrew to a solitary place to pray.Luke 5:16 — Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.John 15:15 — “I have called you friends.”Psalm 23 — The Good Shepherd invites us to rest in green pastures.Key Insights from This EpisodeThe Reward for Following Jesus is JesusPrayer becomes alive when we realize it is not merely about asking God for things—it is about cultivating friendship with Christ.Discovering the Secret PlaceJesus taught that prayer begins with where we pray. The “inner room” (Greek tamion) was a quiet, hidden place where distractions were removed.Every believer needs a personal environment where they can meet with God regularly.The Rhythm of JesusThe Gospels reveal a consistent pattern in Jesus’ life:Retreat → Prayer → Return → MinistryHe withdrew to solitary places before returning to preach, heal, and serve.The Discipline of SolitudeSpiritual writers like Henri Nouwen emphasized that without solitude, a deep spiritual life is nearly impossible.Solitude allows our hearts to be re-centered on God.Eliminating HurryPhilosopher and theologian Dallas Willard famously said:“Hurry is the great enemy of spiritual life in our day.”To truly follow Jesus requires intentionally slowing down and simplifying life.Start SmallYou don’t need an hour a day to begin.Start with 10 minutes in the secret place and let the habit grow.Reflection QuestionsDo you currently have a “secret place” where you regularly meet with God?What distractions most often pull you away from prayer?What small step could you take this week to create space for solitude with God?What might you need to remove from your schedule to make room for time with Jesus?Coming NextIn the next Reading Room episode, Matt begins the next section of Practicing the Way:“Become Like Him.”If the first step is being with Jesus, the next step is allowing His presence to transform who we become.