There are times when we would rather hide than pray.

We know the neglected places in our lives. The distracted days. The prayers left unsaid. The familiar weakness we thought we would have outgrown by now. We come before the Lord painfully aware of everything that seems unfinished.

In the Song of Songs, the woman says:

“Look not upon me…” “Mine own vineyard have I not kept.”

Song of Songs 1:6

These words belong first to a love poem about a woman and her beloved. Yet her reluctance to be looked upon gives us a familiar picture. Shame makes us want to turn away. We assume that being fully seen can only mean being found wanting.

Then, later in the song, we hear the beloved’s words:

“Thou art all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee.”

Song of Songs 4:7

What a contrast. She has spoken of her neglected vineyard; he speaks of her beauty.

For the Christian, this offers a lovely illustration of a truth taught plainly elsewhere in Scripture. Our acceptance before God rests upon Christ, rather than upon our ability to present an impressive account of ourselves.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

That does not mean there is nothing in our lives that needs correcting. There is plenty. But the believer comes to God as someone already received in Christ. We can confess our sins honestly because we have a Saviour whose finished work is sufficient.

We do not have to hide until we have improved.

The beloved knocks

In Song of Songs 5, the scene changes.

“It is the voice of my beloved that knocketh…”

Song of Songs 5:2

The woman hesitates. She has taken off her coat and washed her feet. Getting up seems inconvenient. By the time she opens, her beloved has withdrawn, and she goes looking for him.

We need not make every detail of the poem a direct description of the Christian life to recognise something searching here.

We, too, can become comfortable with delay.

We mean to pray when things settle down. We will open the Bible when we feel less tired. We know there is something to confess, but we leave it for another day.

The One we love receives what is left of our attention.

This is not a reason to interpret every dry or difficult season as evidence that Christ has withdrawn. Feelings of nearness vary, and weariness is not a measure of His faithfulness. His promise remains: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

But there is a gentle question worth asking: have we been making room for fellowship with Him?

An invitation to draw near

The risen Lord speaks to the church at Laodicea with both correction and love. In that setting, He says:

“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock…”

Revelation 3:20

His invitation is to a shared meal. Fellowship. Time together.

Perhaps today there is no need for an elaborate resolution. Simply turn towards Him.

Open His Word. Speak honestly about what has occupied your heart. Confess what needs confessing. Thank Him that you are received through Christ.

You do not need to manufacture a feeling or bring an impressive prayer.

The Saviour who gave Himself for you is worthy of your trust—and your attention.

You may come with the neglected vineyard still in view, conscious of how much needs tending.

Come anyway.

Our confidence is in the One who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood (Revelation 1:5).

There is every reason to draw near.