Wilderness, Field, House, and Closet

By Paul Anderson on July 25, 2024

The ancient prophet Zenos marveled that he could communicate with God in a variety of settings:

"Thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness" (Alma 33:4).
"Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field" (Alma 33:5).
"And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer" (Alma 33:6).
"And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear me" (Alma 33:7).

The overall message is clear: God hears us no matter where we are. The order of the places is significant: from largest to smallest, from least controllable to most secure. Here's how I would characterize these locations in my life:

My wilderness is anything outside of my comfort zone. It's the things I don't know how to do, the people I haven't met, and the organizations which are new to me. Wildernesses are intimidating. They are hard to navigate because they are unpredictable.
My field is where I do most of my work. It's my job, my church calling, and other places where I am with friends and colleagues. I'm more comfortable in these environments, but I'm still on my best behavior, and I feel the duty to contribute meaningfully and add value.
My house is my family and my closest friends. Here I can really be myself. Here I don't have to prove myself in order to belong. When there is peace at home, I have a solid foundation to face my fields and wildernesses. When things are not right at home, I am building on an unstable foundation.
My closet represents my most personal thoughts and feelings, things I don't share with anyone. It includes deep-rooted anxieties and treasured hopes and dreams. It is the place where I become more aquainted with myself, free from anyone else's perception or judgment.

When Amulek paraphrased this passage, he introduced the locations in a different order. Notice how he connected the last location back to the first:

Ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.

Alma 34:26

Wildernesses and closets have some things in common. They can both be lonely. They can both highlight our vulnerabilities. They can force us to stretch in ways that our fields and our homes cannot. Sharing the uncomfortable parts of our lives with God is essential if we really want to learn from Him and be transformed by Him.

Today, I will pray in a variety of settings and about a variety of things. I will invite God into all of my life, even the parts that are embarrassing and awkward, even the parts that are troubling and worrisome. I will remember that He hears me not only in my field in my house, but also in my closet and in my wilderness.