House of Prayer

Mk. 11:17

And He was teaching them saying, Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.

The temple in Jesus' day was not fulfilling its purpose in leading the people in true worship. Instead there was corruption in the priesthood as they took advantage of the people in their buying and selling of sacrificial animals. Clearly, the temple was not designed for commerce whether it was corrupt or not. What was its mission? As Jesus exposed the sin, sudden and swift judgment followed!Jesus drove out the money changers and the seats of those who sold the pigeons. He cleansed the temple of this disgrace. Once clean, He could explain His actions. God's house was to be a house of prayer not a place of business. What was their response? Were they convicted in their hearts? No, the priests and scribes feared Jesus and sought a way to destroy Him because of His huge impact on the general public. Sadly, the established religious leaders would not listen or change their hearts! They were bent on a course of entrapment and eventual death to Jesus.

As I look at the church today, what is its mission? How large a part does prayer have in its purposes and programs? Has the church relegated prayer to a useless formality instead of a powerful agent of transformation? What about me? How large a part does prayer play in the temple of the Holy Spirit that is present with me constantly? Am I relying on prayer and using it for what it is designed?

Father,
Thank You for being ever present and ever accessible to me. Draw me ever closer to You.
In Jesus name,
Amen