ISAIAH 56:6-7 – “And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant— these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”

THEME OF THE DAY. THE HEART OF GOD AND PRAYER. The Bible describes “church” in a lot of ways. It is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is the holy temple of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:21-22). It is the household of God (Ephesians 2:19). It is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32). And it is recognized as the family and household of God (1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 2:19). Though an Old Testament reference, the principle and application apply to us in the church age of grace. We may add another identifier for the church with what the Lord mentions in today’s scripture twice – His house of prayer.

In reading the book of Acts, what is one of the reoccurring themes and practices among the early believers? Prayer and that together – All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers (Acts 1:14); When the day of Pentecost has come they were all together in one place (It would not be incorrect to assume they were doing what they always did together – pray (Acts 2:1)); And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers (Acts 2:42); When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them (Acts 4:23-24); and So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church (Acts 12:5). The early church and the church in revival periods took seriously the heart of God toward prayer. Yes, they needed God. Yes, they petitioned God, but they also loved God. And what is one of the highest expressions of love for a person, even the Lord? Communication. Time together. Enjoying one another’s companionship. Prayer in its simplest definition and application is “the language of love between God and His children.” Is that how we see prayer? Are we in tune with the heart of God towards prayer? He takes great delight in His people gathering to seek Him. Are we? If not, why not? Prayer is one of the most precious gifts coming from our salvation. To neglect it is great disrespect for the Lord and really reflects on our lack of love for Him. As for praying with other believers? To neglect this is to neglect a family privilege and responsibility that equally disrespects our Father in heaven. But apart from these sad truths, the failure to pray with other Christians in God’s “house of prayer” is to choose to miss out on one of God’s choice means of our joy and knowing Him.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “We shall never see much change for the better in our churches in general till the prayer meeting occupies a higher place in the esteem of Christians.” Think about it. And then evaluate where we are when it comes to the heart of God and prayer. After all, He calls it “My house of prayer.” May He find us frequently there for the purpose of contributing to it as His house of prayer.

PRAYER: “Lord, may my heart beat with Yours when it comes to my attitude and practice of praying with Your people.”

QUOTE: “If we are not praying with God’s people, we must ask, ‘Why not?’ and especially since it’s God’s heart we do.”