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Secrets of the Kingdom Life  /  Chapter 11: Establishing Your Devotional Hour  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
William Law suggests praying “always…in the same place,” treating it as “holy unto God,” yet Bercot notes Jesus had no home and sometimes public prayer was unavoidable (Paul and Silas in jail); how does the chapter hold together sacred space, flexibility, and sincerity, and what concrete “place” or “plan” could you adopt this week that would shape your mind toward God without becoming performative or superstitious?
Another way to ask: Law says to pray in the same place, but the chapter notes Jesus and others sometimes had to pray wherever they were. How does the chapter balance having a set place, being flexible, and being sincere, and what specific place or plan could you try this week without turning it into a show or a superstition?

Direct Answer The chapter holds these together by recommending a consistent, set-apart place when possible because it helps devotion, while also allowing flexibility when life makes that impossible—and insisting sincerity matters more than the setting. A concrete plan would be to choose a regular secluded spot and time, while being ready to pray elsewhere without doing it “to be seen.”

Support from Transcript:

  • Bercot says, “find a solitary place for your devotional hour,” ideally “a room or corner…set aside.”
  • William Law urges: “always pray in the same place,” not doing “anything commonplace in it,” so it feels “holy unto God” and disposes the mind toward devotion.
  • Bercot adds balance: “Of course, you may not be able to set aside such a place. Don't let that trouble you.”
  • Reason: Jesus “had no place to call home,” so He sought solitude “wherever He happened to be.”
  • He permits public prayer if necessary: “if you have no choice but to pray in public, then do so. Just don't do it to be seen by others.”
  • Paul and Silas in jail prayed publicly because they had “no choice,” yet it was genuine.
Discussion Follow-ups What consistent “corner” could you consecrate this week (or what walk/quiet location could serve the same purpose)? How will you guard against treating the spot or routine as magical rather than as an aid to sincere devotion?

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