PRAYER AND THE HOUSE OF GOD.

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*PRAYER AND THE HOUSE OF GOD*

*Scripture Treasure.*

Matt 21:12-13

*And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,*

*And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

Prayer has a home. The value and importance of the Church and attending it must never be underestimated.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

Prayer did not just spring from nowhere.

It has a foundation, a place, a house

and a home.

Though we can pray anywhere, Jesus called the Temple, the Church, the place of fellowship, the place of worship, the House of prayer.

Prayer remains the only weapon of warfare after which the house of God is called or named.

For Jesus to call the temple, the Church as a House of prayer underscores the importance of the Church.

Whatever people may say about the Church, it remains the heart of God and if you are to please God you must give honour and reverence to it regardless of what people do or say to destroy its reputation and standing. Ps 122:1 calls it the *".....the house of God..."*

1 Tim 3:15 calls it the *"....house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.*

Jesus is coming for a Church *".....without spot......"* Eph 5:27.

God has chosen it to be a place of His “dwelling” where He would meet with His people.

Paul referred to the Christian's body as the temple of God wherein God dwells. This means the Christian houses prayer and the power to prayer is in him. So any Christian who is indifferent or lacks the attitude and attribute of prayer is questionable.

Prayer remains an integral part of every gathering of the saints and while every part from praise to giving, to testimonies are equally important for each segment of our services Paul exhorts us saying in 1 Tim 2:8 *I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.*

Each segment of our services, (praise, thanksgiving, giving, testimonies etc) with prayer is complete. None is complete without each segment and prayer.

While prayer remains a vital part of our services, Paul says it must be done with a clean heart just like every other mode of our services and fellowship with God.

Prayer is a relationship with God.

Christians who pray are in a one-on-one speaking relationship with God.

Do you pray?

Do you sincerely pray?

Do you pray or trade in the house of prayer?

*Remorse corner.*

While God inhabits the praises of His people, Jesus teaches that we must prioritize prayer as a means of communication to Him.

*Call to Word action.*

Jesus teaches that the Church is a House of prayer. A house common enough for all people and nations (Mk 11:17) not for a selected few, a prioritized few or a privileged few.

Isaiah 56:7 *"......for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.*

*The Christian clarion duty.*

With prayers, the house of God will be a place of spiritual refuge and communion for all people.  

*Prayer.*

Lord, help me as l pray. Let me pray as a Temple of God in the House of God, in Jesus name.

Good morning all and have a blessed day.

God bless you.

Shalom.