Is God’s House Still a House of Prayer?
January 31, 2011
by Darryl Izzard
Bishop Iona Locke, one of the leading ladies in ministry featured this month recently shared her thoughts about the move of God among the Body of Christ today. “God is turning His eye back to the local assembly. Miracles, signs and wonders are coming back to the local assembly. Prayer needs to be the largest service in the week—my house shall be called a house of prayer.
When I was coming up, we didn’t chase our forefathers because of what they had, we chased them because of their relationship with God. When we heard them pray and we saw their life, we became hungry for God. We wanted “that” kind of relationship. We wanted “that” kind of holiness. It’s about returning back to “that.”
IS THE CHURCH TODAY CONSIDERED THE HOUSE OF PRAYER?
Think about it! What is your church known as… the church with an iconic leader, the largest building in the city, the church with the best choir or is it known as the House of Prayer?
How long has it been since someone referred to your church as a “praying church?” How much value is placed on prayer in your church? Better yet, how much time does your congregation spend together in prayer?
Your answer may just reveal a deeper truth… “The little value we put on prayer is evident from the little time we give to it.” E.M. Bounds
Now more than ever before, we need to become the “House of PRAYER.” According to Matthew 21:13, “And he said unto them, it is written, my house shall be called the House of Prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.”
This text clearly put’s the emphasis on prayer as the primary function that characterizes God’s house. Really, how long has it been since someone referred to your church as a “praying church?”
According to Newsweek’s recent poll on prayer for Newsweek, statics show the 87% of Americans believe God answers prayers. However, believing is not enough. We must pray!
Bishop Iona Locke said it best as a Bishop in the forefront of the body of Christ; “Prayer needs to be the largest service in the week.” It really is the foundation for success in every endeavor sought after by the believer.
The early church was a praying church:
Acts 1:14 “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication”
Prayer must be a continuing activity in the church.
Acts 1:24 “And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,” Prayer seeks to know Gods choice.
Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and
fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Prayer must be an
established, permanent, steadfast and unmovable function of the church.
Do you feel God’s house is still the house of prayer, or have we replaced prayer with other things that were never really a priority on God’s original agenda for the New Testament church?
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THIS IS VERY GREAT 1 THING I CAN TRULLY SAY-MY CHURCH GREATER LIBERTY REALLY IS A HOUSE OF PRAYER-HEALING-DELIVERANCE-AND CAPTIVES BEEN SET FREE IS REALLY WHAT IS TAKING PLACE OF MY CHURCH HOME-AND FAMILY-THANK YOU LORD FOR THE TEMPLE OF DELIVERANCE-HALLELUJAHHHH!!!!!
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Lora Williams said: