Lecture Summary: Prayer Closet

Introduction

• Final discussion on notable truths about the prayer closet.
• Previous sessions covered the presence of God and shifting prayer focus to God's desires.

Third Notable Truth: Reward in the Open

• Key Concept: Prayers made in secret are rewarded openly by God.
• Biblical Reference: Matthew 6:6 - Importance of private prayer.
• Illustration: Pregnancy as a metaphor for how secret actions result in visible outcomes.

Example from the Book of Esther

• Esther and Mordecai: Fasted for three days, rewarded publicly.
• Esther 4:10-17: Esther risks her life, gains favor through fasting and prayer.
• Esther 5:1-5: Esther approaches the king, receives favor, and invites Haman to a banquet.
• Morality: God fights the battles; importance of not taking revenge personally.

Fourth Notable Truth: True Citizenship

• Citizenship in Heaven: Belief in being a citizen of heaven affects prayer life.
• Prayer as Communication: Prayer is a communication system between earth and heaven.
• Philippians 3:20-21: Citizenship in heaven provides a new perspective.
• Hebrews 11:6: Faith in God's presence and reward for those who seek Him.

Story of Mordecai

• Delayed Gratification: Mordecai's patience in waiting for reward.
• Incident of Mutiny: Mordecai's good deed recorded but not immediately rewarded.
• Public Honor: Eventually honored by the king in an unexpected turn of events.

Lessons from Haman

• Pride Before Fall: Haman's pride leads to his downfall.
• Divine Justice: God rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness openly.
• Consequences: Haman's plot against the Jews led to his own demise.

Conclusion

• Prayer Changes Outcomes: Secret prayer leads to public rewards.
• Faith and Obedience: Trusting in God's timing and justice.
• Esther's Example: Use of wisdom and strategic planning in dealing with adversities.

Personal Reflection

• Application to Life: Importance of being conscious of God's presence and aligning prayers with God's desires.
• Prayer Focus: Shift from personal needs to God's kingdom and justice.
• Reward Assurance: Confidence in being rewarded openly for faith and secret prayers.