House of God: House of Prayer

One major characteristics of the House of God is Prayer. 

​Our Lord Jesus clearly stated the purpose of the temple in Mark 11 verse 17. That emphasis is Prayer.

As believers, our total obedience is putting emphasis on what and where God puts emphasis. In fact, the church and our lives should not be distracted from the 'emphasis'.

​In most cases, prayers are offered to God in a consecrated place, also called Temple, House of God etc.

And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"
​Mark 11 vs 17

Other synonymous to house of God includes:

• Temple
• Tabernacle
• Holy place
• Most Holy
• The mountain of the Lord
• The house of the Lord, and
• Sanctuary.

In other words, Jesus chose Peter (despite being pebbles), and built His church on it. 
The Almighty God always have a temple and likewise, every called of God always have an altar.

In the book of Matthew 16 verse 18, Jesus said "Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it."

The altar is a point or place to contact the presence of God-  The Shikenah Glory.

Prayer is prayer because its been done in God's presence. Prayer is prayer because I'm communicating in God's presence and not because of the location. Prayer is interacting with God.

However, where you pray could be a church (house of prayer), in your closet, or elsewhere. It is worthwhile to note that the Church means 'called out one'. It's not the physical structure, but the people. It's the place where God DWELL. 

The house of God is a dedicated place for God.
Example of structure of worship (house of God) in the Jewish history includes:

1. Tabernacle of Moses
2. Temple of Solomon - built on a mountain
3. Temple of Zerubabbel - without Ark of Convenant
4. Herod's temple -renovated Temple of Zerubabbel, was attended by child Jesus 
5. Tribulation temple
6. Millennial temple

In the time past, synagogues were built. However, there's a clear difference between temple and synagogue. A synagogue is a place for learning teachings, but it lacks the Presence of God. 

Unfortunately, in today's world, most house of God lacks His presence because they have allowed filthy things. Sadly, this in turn affects prayers offered in such new synagogues and render such prayers ineffective. 

​To be relevant in God's kingdom, we should consecrate our lives to be the new era temple of God. ​

What to do now? 

Decide today to be a holy acceptable house of God. Ask for grace to keep the fire of prayer burning in you.

​1 Corinthians 3:16 explains that God is here, right in you. 

Don't you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself,  1 Corithians 6:19 

Your body, my body is the millennial house of God. And effective prayer reconnects us to God as His temple - house of God. 

In addition to consecrating your life to God as a carrier of His Presence, it is noteworthy to understand that you can not be a Christian alone. You need co-worshippers to praise and pray to God as iron sharpens iron. We can study, meditate on the Word of God at home or elsewhere, but we need to come together as a body of Christ to worship God. 

Our fellowship is to God and to one another. 1 John 1:7 

Summary

The Almighty God always have a temple, a dedicated House of Prayer - maybe you, I, a consecrated building or place. 

As believers, we are all connected to God's presence. We are members of the body of Christ. We are members of His temple. ​​We should all endeavour to fellowship and pray in the House of God. We should prioritise prayer over any other attractions in the House of God.

God bless you!

Prayers

1. Almighty God, I'm available for your glory. Please fill me up with your spirit, power, glory as your holy temple.
2. Oh Lord, please help me to live consecrated to you always in Jesus name.
3. Heavenly Father, please pour divine grace on me to fulfil my purpose In Jesus name.

Watch the full service here

Contd here