A prayer closet is a private, quiet place where someone goes to pray and commune with God. The concept comes from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:6, where He says, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” The actual Greek word translated “room” here refers to a storeroom or secret chamber. So Jesus was describing setting apart a private space for prayer.
Throughout Christian history, many believers have followed Jesus’ example by designating a certain room or area in their homes as a “prayer closet.” This space is specifically set aside for meeting with God through prayer, praise, meditation on Scripture, and other spiritual disciplines. It’s a quiet retreat from the busyness and distractions of everyday life. Some of the purposes and benefits of having a prayer closet include:
- Having a designated prayer space helps create the habit of regular, focused prayer time. When it’s an established part of our daily routine to visit our prayer closet, we’re less likely to let other priorities crowd out time with God.
- Praying in a private, enclosed area shuts out visual and auditory distractions and allows us to concentrate on God’s presence. Jesus emphasized going into an inner room and closing the door.
- Being in the same space consistently can help our minds associate that spot with meeting God, making it easier to focus. The familiarity of the prayer closet makes it a spiritually welcoming haven.
- Physically withdrawing to a private location signifies the intimacy we have with the Lord. Just as we desire to be alone with a close loved one, time in the prayer closet nurtures our personal relationship with Jesus.
- Having an assigned spot for prayer can make it feel more purposeful and structured. It’s a tangible way to honor prayer’s importance amid our busy days.
- Some people find certain postures, like kneeling or lying prostrate, more conducive to humility and reverence during prayer. A private prayer space allows room for these prayer positions.
Of course, we can pray to God anywhere at any time. Jesus also taught about praying on the move and lifting quick prayers multiple times daily (Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer closet isn’t about restricting prayer to only one location. Rather, it provides a consistent, distraction-free space to supplement our ongoing conversation with God throughout each day. While the concept of a designated prayer space can be very meaningful, we always want to avoid legalism or thinking certain physical actions earn God’s favor. He desires our focus on Him more than the location.
What makes a good prayer closet space? Recommendations include:
- A quiet, private room or corner of a room with a door that closes.
- Minimal clutter and comfortable seating if desired.
- Low lighting can be helpful for focusing without distraction.
- Some include religious items like a cross or candle, pictures of loved ones to pray for, worship music, journal, etc. But keep it simple.
- Decor that prompts worship – bible verses, art depicting Christ, etc.
- Free from technological distractions like TV, phone, computer.
- A small table or shelving unit can hold meaningful prayer tools and supplies.
While most prayer closets are stationary spaces in a home, some creative options include:
- A spot within a large closet or wardrobe.
- Outdoors – a garden corner, gazebo, or lakeside retreat.
- At church – a prayer chapel or private pew.
- Workplace – unused office, conference room, or lobby corner.
- Vehicles – designating the back seat as a mobile prayer closet during commutes.
- Hospitality – hotels providing prayer closets in guest rooms.
Prayer closet experiences are unique to each individual. Some may decorate elaborately while others prefer stark simplicity. Some sit for an hour of unhurried peace while others kneel briefly to offer a heartfelt cry. There is no “right way” – just each person customizing their prayer space to facilitate intimacy with God.
While anyone can benefit from a prayer closet, they can be especially meaningful for certain groups such as:
- New believers – Having a designated prayer space helps establish and grow the habit of regular conversation with God.
- Families – A closet big enough for multiple people allows couples, parents, and kids to unite in prayer.
- Intercessors – Prayer warriors fighting spiritual battles on others’ behalf need a private sanctuary for focusing on heavenly petitions.
- Fasters – Paired with fasting, the prayer closet provides an ideal atmosphere to seek God’s face unhindered.
- Missionaries – Being stationed on the field, a portable and private space aids vital communication with God.
In many ways, visiting the prayer closet helps us follow Christ’s example of withdrawing to desolate places for private communion with His Father amid busy days of public ministry (Luke 5:16). Times of prayer preceded and empowered His service.
While prayer closets can enhance our devotional lives, we must remember their spiritual value comes not from any inherent sacredness in a location, but from meeting with the One who indwells all believers. Sanctity springs from His presence, not a particular space. Some biblical figures modeled portable prayer closets, communing intimately with God in caves, thickets of trees, mountain ravines, and desert wilderness. Meeting God has always been about the heart’s focus, not the body’s location. Still, for many, a designated prayer closet removes distractions and helps us regularly practice Jesus’ example of private prayer.
Here are some verses that shed light on aspects of the prayer closet concept:
- Matthew 6:5-6 – Pray in secret, not to impress others
- Matthew 14:23 – Jesus withdrew to pray alone
- Mark 1:35 – Rising early, Jesus prayed alone in desolate places
- Luke 22:39-46 – Jesus urgently prayed alone on the Mount of Olives
- Acts 9:40 – Peter withdrew to pray before raising Tabitha
- Acts 10:9 – Peter prayed alone on a rooftop before his vision
In summary, a prayer closet is a private, distraction-free space we can use to follow Christ’s example of secret prayer. Whether an actual room, spot in nature, or corner of our heart, it provides a refuge from the world’s noise to quietly meet God. When paired with Scriptural meditation, worship, and listening, prayer closets become sacred havens for communing intimately with the Lord.