Mark 11:17 NKJV
Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

Jesus offered us the incredible insight that God’s house should be a house of prayer for all nations. Although physical structures may come and go, God’s presence endures in His Church. We are blessed to have been given the great privilege to serve as God’s dwelling place and invited to embrace our role as a house of prayer for everyone from all nations on Earth. Through prayer and faithfulness, we can do our part to uphold Jesus’ instruction and be powerful ambassadors for God’s kingdom here on earth.

In the Bible, Jesus teaches us to identify ourselves in a greater way that is focused on doing what’s right. Mark 11:17 should challenge all of us to look in the mirror and ask ourselves, “am I living up to my potential?” As we question our identity and strive towards understanding our God-ordained potential, let’s always remember this powerful teaching from the Lord himself.

Destruction of the Temple

Upon seeing the majestic temple in Jerusalem, Jesus warned his disciples of its destruction. Forty years later after His crucifixion and ascension to heaven that very prophecy was fulfilled when Roman invaders destroyed the Temple – leaving not one stone standing on another as Jesus had foreseen.

Although some believe this signified God’s defeat, I want you to know it is far from true! Our Heavenly Father had a plan two-thousand years ago; one which did not involve grand structures or paid admission but rather is realized through faith alone and today He still reigns supreme over our lives.

We Are the House of Prayer

My friends, God no longer dwells in a temple made of stones – He chose to live within us! We are the chosen “spiritual house”, His holy priesthood here on Earth. What an incredible honor that our Lord and Savior desires this special relationship with every single person – it is something we should celebrate relentlessly for what great love he showers upon us all! If ever you have wondered if God cares or loves you just look at how much devotion He has placed into making each one of US living temples where He can rest his loving Spirit. You ARE the House of Prayer!

“… For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” II Corinthians 6:16 NKJV

Let’s burst the bubble of complacency and take back what belongs to us – a vibrant, active relationship with our Maker! We know He is here for us. All we have to do is reach out through prayer. As Richard Foster said “All who have walked with God view prayer as the main business of their lives” – let it be no different for you or me. In order that one day soon an hour wouldn’t pass without speaking His name; recognizing Him in all things big & small and seeing ourselves fulfilled in knowing His much-desired will, may each moment become precious again–may this scripture claim your heart today!

“you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” I Peter 2:5 NKJV

It’s Time to Flip the Table

Are you living up to your potential and purpose? If not, it’s time for a wake-up call – FLIP THE TABLES! Jesus was angered when He saw the House of Prayer being used improperly; so why should we accept less than what God intended for us? We mustn’t become distracted by activities that are no substitute for having a meaningful relationship with our Creator. The abundance found in prayerful devotion is immeasurable – fill that empty hole today and refuse anything else settling as an adequate replacement.

There are tremendous benefits when we become a house of prayer.

1. Prayer actually works – Stop making it the last thing you do and make it the first thing you do.
2. Prayer is powerful – Every great revival started when ordinary people started praying.
3. Get specific in your prayers – Stop praying vague prayers and truly open yourself up to Him.

Prayer Will Draw All Nations

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. ² Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT

I believe that a life of prayer will draw the spiritually dry to the wells of a life soaked in prayer. The truth is, people are attracted to prayer.

I’ll share an example with you. While cruising down i24 at noon, a strange yet touching sight met my eyes: there on the side of the road was an individual on his knees. As I got closer, it became apparent that he wasn’t experiencing any medical issues- rather this man had taken time away from his day to give thanks for whatever blessings life had granted him.

Some might say, “He doesn’t understand the truth? Ha! His prayers could be muttered in breathless whispers for all eternity and never budge a single soul! Who is he even attempting to influence?” But whatever it was that he said, I don’t know, but what I do know is I witnessed his actions… It reverberated through my being like an earthquake – piercing down deep into what really matters. This person was out of covenant and I was convicted!

I wrote what I witnessed in my children’s journaling bibles because I want them to understand the importance we should place on prayer. I have a note on my desk to remind me every day that prayer should be the noblest thing I do. Please understand it’s not arrogance. This is simply who we were meant to be: Houses Of Prayer! And if you fall short? Flip those tables and take back your identity! Look yourself in the eye today, reclaim your power over the enemy – You Are A House of Prayer.

This blog post was taken from my sermon Flip the Tables preached at Centerpointe Apostolic Church