The Secret Place
OVERVIEW.
The Secret Place is a guided prayer tool that helps people encounter God and hear His voice by engaging their imagination. It walks someone through a simple visualization into a space where they can meet with Jesus personally.
PRACTICE.
Suggested Time: 10–20 minutes
Before You Begin
Opening Prayer
Step 1: Become Present - The Elevator
Close your eyes.
Imagine an elevator standing before you.
Imagine the elevator coming to a gentle stop.
The doors open.
Step 2: Enter Your Secret Place - The Hallway
Before you is a hallway.
At the end of the hallway is a door.
Walk slowly toward it.
Remember:
It may be familiar or completely new.
It may be indoors or outdoors.
Reach for the doorknob.
Open the door.
Step inside.
Step 3: Explore the Space
Take a few moments to notice your surroundings.
Ask yourself:
Pause for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Meet with Jesus
Now imagine Jesus entering the space.
Walk toward Him.
Take time to notice:
Stand before Him.
Step 5: Listen
Ask Jesus: "Jesus, how do You feel about me?"
Wait quietly.
Do not rush to fill the silence.
Simply receive whatever comes to mind through Scripture, impressions, pictures, thoughts, emotions, or a sense of His presence.
When that feels complete, ask: "Jesus, is there anything You want me to know today?"
Wait again.
If something comes to mind, stay with it.
If nothing comes, simply enjoy being with Him.
Step 6: Respond
Ask: "Jesus, how would You like me to respond to what You are showing me?"
Listen.
Allow the conversation to continue naturally.
Remain as long as you sense the invitation.
Step 7: Return
When the time feels complete:
Reflection Journal
Consider writing down:
Ongoing Practice
This secret place becomes a prayer space you can return to anytime.
Use it to:
Over time, you may notice recurring themes, images, Scriptures, or invitations from the Lord. Record these in a journal and test them against Scripture, the character of Jesus, and wise spiritual counsel.
The Secret Place is a guided prayer tool that helps people encounter God and hear His voice by engaging their imagination. It walks someone through a simple visualization into a space where they can meet with Jesus personally.
PRACTICE.
Suggested Time: 10–20 minutes
Before You Begin
- Find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted.
- Sit comfortably and take a few slow breaths.
- Approach this time with openness, curiosity, and surrender.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your imagination and attention toward Jesus.
Opening Prayer
"Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Help me become fully present to You. Guide my imagination, guard my heart, and help me encounter Jesus in truth and love. I surrender this time to You. Amen."
Step 1: Become Present - The Elevator
Close your eyes.
Imagine an elevator standing before you.
- Watch the doors open.
- Step inside.
- Turn around and notice the control panel.
- Find the lowest button and press it.
- Release the concerns of today.
- Let go of what happened yesterday.
- Let go of what might happen tomorrow.
- Allow yourself to become fully present with God.
Imagine the elevator coming to a gentle stop.
The doors open.
Step 2: Enter Your Secret Place - The Hallway
Before you is a hallway.
At the end of the hallway is a door.
Walk slowly toward it.
Remember:
On the other side is a space God has prepared for you to meet with Him.
It may be familiar or completely new.
It may be indoors or outdoors.
Reach for the doorknob.
Open the door.
Step inside.
Step 3: Explore the Space
Take a few moments to notice your surroundings.
Ask yourself:
- What do I see?
- What do I hear?
- What colors are present?
- What does this place feel like?
- What draws my attention?
Pause for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Meet with Jesus
Now imagine Jesus entering the space.
Walk toward Him.
Take time to notice:
- His face
- His expression
- His posture
- The way He looks at you
Stand before Him.
Step 5: Listen
Ask Jesus: "Jesus, how do You feel about me?"
Wait quietly.
Do not rush to fill the silence.
Simply receive whatever comes to mind through Scripture, impressions, pictures, thoughts, emotions, or a sense of His presence.
When that feels complete, ask: "Jesus, is there anything You want me to know today?"
Wait again.
If something comes to mind, stay with it.
If nothing comes, simply enjoy being with Him.
Step 6: Respond
Ask: "Jesus, how would You like me to respond to what You are showing me?"
Listen.
Allow the conversation to continue naturally.
Remain as long as you sense the invitation.
Step 7: Return
When the time feels complete:
- Thank Jesus for meeting with you.
- Take one last look around your secret place.
- Notice any details you want to remember.
- Slowly open your eyes.
Reflection Journal
Consider writing down:
- What did my secret place look like?
- How did Jesus appear to me?
- How did Jesus say He feels about me?
- What did I sense Him saying?
- Was there a Scripture that came to mind?
- What invitation or next step did I receive?
Ongoing Practice
This secret place becomes a prayer space you can return to anytime.
Use it to:
- Meet with Jesus during daily devotions
- Process difficult emotions
- Listen for God's guidance
- Worship and pray
- Rest in God's presence
Over time, you may notice recurring themes, images, Scriptures, or invitations from the Lord. Record these in a journal and test them against Scripture, the character of Jesus, and wise spiritual counsel.