The Secret Place

By Neka G.

"Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."

There are moments when I don't ask God for anything.

I don't come with a list.

I don't come trying to solve every problem.

I simply come to be with Him.

I've learned that one of the greatest gifts we can give God isn't another prayer...

It's our attention.

We often think prayer is all about talking.

But relationships don't grow through one-sided conversations.

Imagine sitting down with someone you love.

You speak for thirty minutes.

Then you stand up and walk away before they ever have the chance to respond.

Sometimes I wonder if that's what we do with God.

We pour out our hearts...

Then immediately move on with our day.

What if He was about to answer?

Finding My Secret Place

One of my favorite places to meet with God is outside.

Sometimes it's just me...

My journal...

The breeze moving through the trees...

Birds singing in the distance...

The warmth of the sun on my face.

Creation has a way of reminding me that God is always speaking.

Not always with words.

Sometimes with peace.

Sometimes with wonder.

Sometimes simply with His presence.

There are days I don't even open my journal right away.

I just sit.

Quieting the Noise

Before I begin praying, I intentionally slow my body down.

Life moves fast.

Our minds race.

Our nervous systems carry stress we don't even realize we're holding.

So I breathe.

Slowly.

I inhale through my nose for six seconds.

Then I exhale gently for eight.

I repeat this about four times.

With every breath...

My shoulders relax.

My thoughts begin to settle.

The noise becomes quieter.

I don't do this because breathing has spiritual power.

I do it because it helps me become present.

It helps me quiet everything else so I can give God my full attention.

Welcoming His Presence

Sometimes I'll play soft worship music.

Not because God needs music to arrive.

He's already present.

The music simply helps me turn my attention toward Him.

I'll close my eyes and whisper...

"Holy Spirit, You are welcome here."

Then I become still.

Speak, Lord

One of my favorite prayers is one of the shortest.

"Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."

Then...

I actually listen.

No agenda.

No pressure.

No expectations.

Just openness.

Sometimes nothing comes immediately.

Sometimes a Scripture gently comes to mind.

Sometimes I feel prompted to write.

Sometimes I sense peace.

Sometimes conviction.

Sometimes encouragement.

Sometimes I simply enjoy being with Him.

Not every quiet moment has to produce a revelation.

Sometimes presence is enough.

I Ask Questions

Over the years I've learned not to be afraid to ask God honest questions.

I'll write things like...

Father...

What do You want me to know today?

Is there something You're trying to show me?

What needs healing in me?

Where are You inviting me to trust You more?

Then I wait.

Not forcing an answer.

Not trying to manufacture one.

Just listening.

If a thought comes, I hold it before God with humility and discernment. If it aligns with His character, leads me toward love, truth, and faithfulness, and continues to resonate through prayer and reflection, I write it down. If I'm unsure, I don't rush to conclusions. I keep praying, keep listening, and remain open to being corrected. I don't believe every thought that enters my mind is from God, so discernment is part of the practice as much as listening is.

My Journal Is a Conversation

My journal isn't a diary of my day.

It's a conversation.

Some pages are questions.

Some are prayers.

Some are gratitude.

Some are things I believe God has been teaching me.

Years later...

I'll go back and read them.

Sometimes I smile because I can see how God answered prayers I had forgotten about.

Other times I see how much I've grown.

The Secret Place Changes Us

I don't believe stillness is about escaping life.

I believe it's about returning to life differently.

More peaceful.

More patient.

More aware.

More loving.

More like Christ.

The world will always be loud.

But we don't have to be.

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do...

Is simply become still long enough to remember that we are never alone.

Before You Go...

Find five minutes.

Leave your phone inside.

Step outside if you can.

Feel the breeze.

Listen to the birds... or the quiet.

Take four slow breaths.

Inhale for six.

Exhale for eight.

Welcome the Holy Spirit.

Then whisper...

"Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening."

And don't rush away.

Give Him room to answer.

Until next time,

- Neka G