The Discipline of the Secret Place

The Discipline of the Secret Place

Key Scripture: “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.” — Matthew 6:6

The secret place is perhaps the most powerful and most underutilized resource available to any woman of faith. It is the private, unperformed, unobserved space where you and God meet — not for show, not for theology, not for duty, but for relationship. And it is in the secret place that extraordinary women are made.We live in a culture obsessed with visibility. Social media has conditioned us to believe that what is unseen has no value. We share our wins publicly, we caption our growth moments, we curate our spiritual journeys for an audience. And while community and testimony have their place, there is a sacred dimension of your walk with God that must remain entirely between you and Him — a place of raw honesty, holy surrender, and quiet transformation.The discipline of the secret place is exactly that — a discipline. It does not always feel sweet and cinematic. Some mornings, you will sit in silence and feel nothing. Other days, you will weep without knowing fully why. There will be seasons when the words don’t come and the sky seems brass. But keep showing up. Keep closing the door. Keep choosing God in the unseen moments, because it is precisely there that He does His most breathtaking work in you.What happens in your secret place spills over into every other area of your life. Women who are deeply rooted in private communion with God carry a different kind of peace into their marriages, their workplaces, and their communities. They are not easily rattled, not easily flattered, not easily seduced away from their purpose — because they know who they are, and they know Whose they are.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you currently have a consistent secret place practice? If not, what is your biggest barrier?

2. What does your private prayer life reveal about your true relationship with God?

3. How might your public life change if you deepened your private life with God?Prayer: Father, teach me to cherish the secret place. Let me not perform for others what should be reserved for You alone. Draw me into deeper intimacy — beyond religion, beyond ritual, into true relationship. In the quiet moments, speak to me, Lord. I am listening. Amen.

Published by extraordinarywoman

About the Author Adebisi Joy Ateli holds a degree in Biochemistry and Pgde in education a dynamic pastor, teacher, marriage counselor, author, Singer and women’s empowerment coach with a passion for helping individuals live purpose-driven lives. She is the founder of The Extraordinary Woman Academy and the visionary behind several life-transforming courses including Birthing Your More, Becoming a Woman of Purpose, and Positioned for Love. Her ministry and message empower women to embrace their God-given identity, break limitations, and walk boldly in their divine assignments. Adebisi is happily married to Apostle Nonso Ateli, and together they pastor two thriving churches under Christian Faith Centre: Triumphant Sanctuary, Akwebulu, and Christian Faith Centre, Mikky Okonji Street. Their home is a haven of love, faith, and leadership, blessed with five wonderful children: David, Esther, Daniel, Samuel, and Grace. She has authored numerous impactful books, including Succeeding in Marriage, The Extraordinary Woman Devotional, Becoming a Woman of Vision, and Becoming an Extraordinary Woman. Her writings are rooted in biblical truth and practical wisdom, helping people grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Adebisi Joy Ateli is also the founder of Anatel Digital, a design company offering web and graphic design services, and she hosts Heart Matters, a radio program that addresses deep issues in relationships and spiritual growth. Through her books, courses, coaching programs, and media outreach, she continues to inspire thousands to rise, heal, and fulfill destiny.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *