The Underrated Power of Quiet, Consistent Prayer
There’s something truly captivating about the grandeur of space exploration—the drama, the excitement, the awe-inspiring spectacle of a shuttle launch. Yet, behind that dazzling moment lies countless hours of quiet, focused preparation and solitude. This contrast between the visible and invisible, the public and private, provides a powerful analogy for understanding our prayer lives. Drawing from reflections inspired by space shuttle launches and the teachings of Jesus, this article explores how private prayer shapes our spiritual journey and why solitude is the furnace of transformation.
From Space Shuttle Launches to Spiritual Lessons
As a child, watching space shuttle launches was one of the most thrilling experiences imaginable. The anticipation built as a large TV cart was wheeled into classrooms, signaling something extraordinary was about to happen. The launches were loud, dramatic, and awe-inspiring, capturing the imagination of many young minds fascinated by space travel.
Yet, the reality behind these spectacular moments was quite different from what appeared on screen. During a visit to Space Camp in Hutchison, Kansas, I learned firsthand that most of the work behind spaceflight happens quietly, in solitude, and away from the public eye. As a Fido controller—a role involving reading procedures from a thick manual and pressing buttons quietly at mission control—I discovered that 99% of spaceflight is routine, boring, and done without fanfare.
This behind-the-scenes work, filled with hundreds of thousands of hours of engineering and astronaut training, powers the brief moments of glory we see on television. The launch, lasting just ten to fifteen minutes, is just the tip of the iceberg.
Prayer and Preparation: The Hidden Work of the Soul
Jesus offers a strikingly similar perspective on prayer. Often, we think of prayer as a last-minute plea in times of crisis—our “prayers from the trenches” when life feels overwhelming. But Jesus points to a deeper reality: the preparation and transformation through prayer happen mostly in private, long before those moments of desperation.
In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches about the nature and practice of prayer, emphasizing the importance of privacy and sincerity:
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you and pray to your Father in private, and then your Father who sees everything will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-6)
Jesus warns against praying for show or using repetitive, empty words. Instead, he encourages going to your “inner room”—a quiet, private place—to meet God intimately without distractions or the desire for public recognition.
This message challenges our culture’s love of public display and social media validation. We often ask, “If it’s not on social media, did it even happen?” But Jesus flips this idea on its head, inviting us to do the real, transformative work of prayer where no one else is watching.
The Mode of Prayer: Private, Honest, and Centered
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:5-8 focuses not just on the words of prayer, but on the mode—how and where we pray. The call is to retreat away from the public eye, to shut the door, and engage in private conversation with God. This is where the heart of spiritual growth happens.
Jesus himself modeled this practice. Scripture tells us that early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus would rise and go to a solitary place to pray (Mark 1:35). Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus withdrawing to quiet places repeatedly to connect with the Father.
His example illustrates the priority of private prayer in the life of faith. If the Son of God prioritized solitude and secret prayer, how much more should we?
Solitude: The Furnace of Transformation
One of the most profound insights into the power of solitude comes from the beloved author and spiritual guide Henry Nouwen. He describes solitude—not as loneliness or boredom—but as “the furnace of transformation.”
“Solitude is the furnace of transformation. Without solitude, we remain victims of our society and continue to be entangled in the illusions of the false self.”
In solitude, we face the struggle against the “false self”—the identity shaped by trauma, cultural pressures, and the lies of the enemy that tell us we are stuck, defined by our past, or incapable of change. It is in the quiet, away from distractions, that we encounter the loving God who offers us a new self, a true identity rooted in grace and freedom.
This transformative solitude is not always easy or exciting. It can be uncomfortable and challenging, much like a furnace’s heat. But those who persist find it energizing and life-giving. It reshapes our minds, renews our purpose, and guards us against the false narratives that seek to trap us.
Breaking Free from the Cages of Society
Our culture and society often impose “cages” that keep us stuck—expectations, norms, and systems that discourage transformation and encourage conformity. Algorithms on social media, cultural pressures, and even our own doubts reinforce these cages.
But Jesus came to break those chains and offer true freedom. His sacrifice on the cross was not to keep us trapped but to liberate us from man-made systems and false identities.
Yet, as humans, we often forget this freedom and settle into the cages others have built around us. Private prayer and solitude become essential practices that help us remember who we truly are and where our strength lies.
Practical Steps to Embrace Private Prayer
While the saints of faith may have spent hours daily in prayer, that can feel overwhelming if you’re just beginning. The key is to start small and build a habit. Here’s a simple, practical suggestion:
- Set your alarm five minutes earlier than usual. If you normally wake at 8:00 AM, try 7:55 AM.
- Dedicate the first five minutes of your day to God. Instead of immediately checking your phone, emails, or social media, spend this time in quiet prayer.
- Choose a quiet place. This could be your living room, the back porch with a cup of coffee, or a peaceful spot outside. Physically close the door or create a mental boundary to avoid distractions.
- Focus on God’s nearness. Use breath prayer—short, scripture-based phrases repeated in rhythm with your breathing. For example, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) can be shortened to “Be still… I am God.”
- Be patient and gentle with your wandering mind. It’s normal for thoughts to drift. Gently return your focus to your breath prayer or the presence of God.
Though it may seem small, this five-minute practice can lead to noticeable benefits quickly. After a week, you might feel drawn to extend your prayer time or explore deeper spiritual practices.
Why Private Prayer Makes Us More Alive
Some people seek adrenaline through roller coasters or extreme experiences to feel alive. But the deepest sense of aliveness comes from intimate time alone with Jesus. This connection is difficult to describe but profoundly real.
Private prayer isn’t about performance or recognition; it’s about relationship. It’s where we receive strength, clarity, and purpose that shapes every other part of our lives.
Imagine what could happen if many of us committed to this practice. What if our strength came not from external achievements or appearances but from the secret place with our Creator? The impact on our communities and beyond could be transformative.
Conclusion: Embracing the Secret Place
Prayer, much like space exploration, involves vast amounts of unseen preparation and quiet work. The moments we see—the launches or public prayers—are just the surface of a deeper reality. Jesus invites us to enter this hidden work of the soul, to go away by ourselves, shut the door, and pray to our Father in private.
In solitude and private prayer, we encounter God’s transforming presence, break free from false selves, and discover true freedom. By starting with small, intentional steps each day, we build a habit that deepens our spiritual life and empowers us to live fully alive in Christ.
Let’s take the challenge to embrace the secret place, knowing that our strength and power source come from time spent quietly with God, unseen by the world but life-changing in every way.
