“And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves; and would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves” – Mark 11:15-17
LIGHT FOR NOW: Prayer is a habit the believer must culture and nurture.
It is clear from the established analysis in previous study that the words of Jesus in Mark 11:17 which was referencing Isaiah 56:7 was about the church; the body of Christ. Hence, the believer is the house of prayer. Thus, prayer ought to be a constant activity of the believer. This explains the use of the phrases: “continuing instant”, “without ceasing”, “always”, “continue in” in Paul’s instruction to the church about prayer. Recall, the phrases “continue instant” and “continue in” were translated from the same Greek word “proskartereo”. It implies to be constantly diligent. It speaks of something done devotedly. We saw this Greek word used in Acts 2:42 (rendered there as continued steadfastly), and Acts 2:46. Look at Acts 1:14 where it was also used, it reads “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren”. It is the same word used in Acts 6:4 which reads “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word”. You will also find that word in Acts 8:13 and Acts 10:7.
We equally saw the use of that Greek word in the epistles in previous study (Romans 12:12; Romans 13:6; Colossians 4:2). Thus, the believer ought to be diligent with prayer. Jesus’ devotion to prayer is captured succinctly in the four (4) gospels. He was given over to prayer. Luke 3:21 “Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened”. Luke 5:16 “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed”. Luke 22:39-41 “And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed”. “As he was wont” means something you do by force of habit or culture. So, prayer became his habit. Prayer was Jesus’ culture. Prayer therefore must be the believer’s habit and culture. Glory!
INSTRUCTION: Give yourselves to prayer.
CONFESSION: I declare that I am fervent in prayers now more than ever, in Jesus Name, Amen.
For more light; get the message ‘The Potency of Prayer’ by Dr. John Linus
QUOTE: The believer must cultivate the habit of prayer.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: LUKE CHAPTER 3 EVENING: LUKE CHAPTER 5
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 