Martin Luther, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.”

By: Kurt Barnes

As a pastor, I’ve often found myself caught in the relentless rhythm of ministry life, where the demands and expectations can easily pull us into performative Christianity. It’s surprisingly easy to slip into the mode of projecting an image of spirituality, prioritizing what others see over the deeper, unseen work of the heart. Yet, the true source of our strength and fruitfulness is not found in the public eye but in the hidden, intimate moments with God.

For me, this realization came with a sense of urgency as I noticed the subtle but persistent drift towards burnout and spiritual emptiness. I was preaching about the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, but in my own life, that relationship was being overshadowed by the busyness of ministry.

As I grappled with my own struggles, I watched several friends very close to me in ministry burnout, crash, breakdown, quit, and even fall into sin. I wrestled with the question: why? I realized that we pastors were trying to carry burdens that God never asked us to shoulder alone. It was through the writings and teachings of Dallas Willard, John Mark Comer, Rich Villodas, Jon Ortberg, Kenneth Boa, Mark Virkler, and many others that the Holy Spirit began to speak into my soul, guiding me back to the heart of hidden prayer.

The journey towards developing a hidden prayer life has been both challenging and transformative. It has required me to intentionally schedule time to step away from the noise and demands of public ministry in order to seek God in solitude and silence. This wasn’t just about adding another task to my already packed schedule; it was about reorienting my life around the presence of God.

Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount profoundly shaped my understanding of hidden prayer. In Matthew 6:6, He instructs, “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.” Jesus emphasized the importance of seeking God in the hidden place, away from the eyes of others, where true transformation happens.

This concept is further exemplified throughout Jesus’ ministry. He often withdrew to lonely places to pray, modeling for us the necessity of solitude and intimate communion with the Father. It was in these moments of hidden prayer that Jesus found strength, guidance, and renewal for His public ministry.

The insights of Dallas Willard have been particularly inspiring on this journey. He said, “The most important thing in your life is not what you do; it’s who you become. That’s what you will take into eternity. You are an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God’s great universe. And the thing you can do to be sure your life is this kind of life is to pray without ceasing.”

Willard’s emphasis on becoming, rather than merely doing, resonates deeply with the practice of hidden prayer. It’s about allowing God to shape and form us in the quiet places, so that our outward actions flow from a deep, authentic relationship with Him.

Reflection Questions:

Personal Prioritization:

• How often do you find yourself prioritizing visible achievements over unseen spiritual growth?
• What are some specific ways you can begin to prioritize hidden prayer in your daily life?

Recognizing Burnout:

• Have you ever felt the signs of burnout in your ministry or personal life? What were the indicators?
• How did you respond to these signs, and what steps can you take now to prevent burnout in the future?

Spiritual Authenticity:

• Reflect on a time when you felt your public ministry was more about performance than genuine connection with God. How did that make you feel?
• What changes can you make to ensure that your ministry flows from an authentic relationship with God?

Learning from Jesus:

• Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. How can you incorporate regular times of solitude and prayer into your routine?
• What impact do you think these times of hidden prayer will have on your public ministry?

Influence of Spiritual Mentors:

• Which teachings or insights from spiritual mentors like Dallas Willard, John Mark Comer, or others have most impacted your view on hidden prayer?
• How can you integrate their teachings into your own practice of hidden prayer?

Next Steps for Today:

Set Aside Time for Hidden Prayer:

Look at your schedule today and intentionally carve out time for hidden prayer. Even if it’s just 15 minutes, dedicate this time to seek God in solitude and silence.

Create a Sacred Space:

Find a quiet place where you can pray without distractions. This could be a room in your home, a corner of your office, or even a peaceful outdoor spot.

Read and Reflect on Scripture:

Spend time reading and meditating on Matthew 6:6 and Luke 5:16. Reflect on how Jesus prioritized hidden prayer and how you can follow His example.

Journal Your Journey:

Start a prayer journal where you can write down your thoughts, prayers, and the ways God is speaking to you during your hidden prayer times. This can help you track your spiritual growth and keep you accountable.

Share with a Trusted Friend:

Talk to a trusted friend or fellow pastor about your commitment to hidden prayer. Sharing your journey can provide encouragement and accountability.

Seek Inspiration:

Read a chapter or an article from one of the authors who have inspired you, such as Dallas Willard or John Mark Comer. Allow their insights to deepen your understanding and practice of hidden prayer.

By taking these steps, you can begin to cultivate a hidden prayer life that sustains and enriches your ministry, ensuring that your public leadership is grounded in a deep, authentic relationship with God.