Grace Church Must Be A “House of Prayer”

Read: Matthew 21:12-15

The scene is dramatic as recorded by the gospel writer Matthew: a man enters the crowded temple in Jerusalem. He is no ordinary man, however, for He is the very Son of God. The sight of merchants and shoppers wheeling and dealing in God’s temple sparked the righteous anger of the Lord Jesus. He overturned the tables and chased the merchants from the temple exclaiming to them, “My house will be called a house of prayer!”

What would the Lord Jesus say if He entered Grace Church today? Would He see a “House of Prayer”? What are the elements that are common to churches where prayer is at the very center of its activities?

1. Prayer is visible from the pulpit. Prayer is a key part of the answer, not something to tack on to the end of a sermon.
2. Prayers are offered throughout the service. Prayer saturates every aspect of the service. Members have prayed during the previous week for the Sunday services and activities; several pray with the pastor before he speaks and pray during the service; and there are those available after the service to pray with anyone desiring prayer.
3. Leadership is committed to prayer. All leadership, staff and key lay-leaders have a burden and sense of expectancy. They are convinced of prayers effectiveness and as a way of life and devote significant periods of time to its development in their personal lives.
4. Prayer is at the top of every agenda. Every meeting, from Elders’ meetings to the smallest Sunday School class are bathed in prayer.
5. Prayer is a part of Christian education. Periodically, Sunday School classes teach series on prayer in addition to their regular commitment to praying for the needs of their individual class members. Prayer is a priority in learning.
6. The pastors have a strong prayer covering. There are several reasons for         this:

                        First, leaders always come under spiritual attack.

                        Second, even godly leaders cannot win the battle alone.

                        Third, godly leaders will motivate other people.

                        Fourth, godly leaders have weaknesses.

1. Prayer is the first step, not the last resort. In a house of prayer it is natural to see people praying together about personal problems and interests.
2. Intercession is an integral part of the church life. In a praying church, a variety of times and places are available for people to gather to pray–early morning, evening, church, homes, even restaurants over a meal.

Think about the above eight elements of a house of prayer. What role might you play (or pray) in helping Grace Church become a house of prayer?

From 1995.