Have you ever prayed in a cave? That’s what I was doing in this picture. I went to pray in a special cave with a pastor for a day retreat at All Nations Prayer Mountain in San Bernardino, CA.
I’ve noticed that some of David’s best prayers were in a cave, like Psalms 57 and 142 (and probably others like Psalms 27 and 61).
So I figured that to be “a man of prayer” (Psalm 109:4) like David it might help if I spent some time being “a caveman” like him!
My Experience Praying in a Cave
Indeed, meditating in silence on Psalm 57 while in a cave for a couple of hours of silence and solitude helped me to connect more deeply with what David meant when time and again in the Psalms he referred to God as his refuge. I realized that interacting with God in prayer is like being in a spiritual cave.
I can hide myself in God, not only when I’m in trouble and need a hiding place, but in all the situations of my life; I can find refuge in God through secret prayer anytime, snuggling under His wings and walking in His shadow.
Psalm 57
In Psalm 57, David models for us that in dark times of pain, struggle, or unknowing we can abide in God as our refuge. This is also true if we’re going through a Dark Night of the Soul when God’s face is hidden from us and we’re not experiencing his blessings in our circumstances.
When we wait on God in prayer, his dawn will eventually awaken from deep within us. This can be true in the midst of any difficult situation we may find ourselves in because ultimately the “cave” that we pray in is not a church or a special spot we go to, but in our own souls.
My Prayer Poem based on Psalm 57 will help you to wait on the Lord and draw close to him:
The Cave
Hidden
In a cave
Surrounded by lions
Under His wings
Alone
In the dark
Assaulted by accusations
Following His shadow
Quiet
In my soul
Troubled by hardships
Joining His prayers
Alert
In the night
Besieged by lies
Awakening His dawn
As you pray today, both in your devotions and as you go about your day, imagine yourself hidden in a secret cave with God as your refuge.
More Soul Shepherding
Learn more about Praying the Psalms or the Dark Night of the Soul.
Where does a pastor go for a safe place? To receive spiritual encouragement? Every month Kristi and I meet with dozens of pastors, pastors’ wives, and other ministry leaders to encourage them in their lives and ministries. We are following our calling from God to devote our careers to offering Soul Shepherding for people who minister to others.
