Matthew 6:6

When thou prayest, enter into thy closet.

Private devotions are meant, nor is this designed to prohibit prayers in public assemblies, as some have foolishly contended. The Lord himself both prayed "in the mountain alone," in the night alone, and in public in the presence of his disciples. We have records made of many prayers offered by the apostles in public assemblies. But every Christian must maintain his own personal communion with God, and this must be done in private prayer. These devotions must be in secret. "The closet" may mean any secret place. Peter's closet was on the housetop; the Savior's on. mountain alone. Retirement is important that the soul may be fixed upon God, but the lesson is to avoid ostentation.. secret prayer may be offered on the street, in. public conveyance, or in an assembly, but it will not be spoken in audible words.