The Brooklyn Tabernacle church in New York is known for its prayer ministry. They will get hundreds, if not thousands, out for its prayer meeting on Tuesday nights. They also have a twenty-four-hour ministry that prays around the clock. One of my favorite books is Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by its pastor, Jim Cymbala. He emphasizes the power of prayer and shares testimonies of lives changed because of it. Jesus knew the power of prayer and removed everything that stood in its way.
Luke 19:46
and he said, “It is written, my house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves!
A Den of Thieves
Jesus had a busy week before he went to the cross. It started with people yelling Hosanna and ended with them shouting Crucify Him! In between, he had the Last Supper, debated with the Pharisees, and cleaned out the temple. That is what we see going on in today’s verse. He cleared out all of the merchants who were selling in the temple. He wasn’t going to let His Father’s house be turned into a den of thieves.
The Power of Prayer
The church is, first and foremost, to be a place of prayer. A.W. Tozer said the real size of a church is measured by who attends the prayer meeting. Why the big emphasis on prayer? It’s more than just communicating with God. There is power in our prayers. God will move mountains through our time interceding on behalf of others. When the church prays the gates of hell tremble. When the believer prays the enemy flees, and Jesus draws closer. We can’t underestimate the power of prayer.
Go Boldly to God
The writer of Hebrews tells us to come boldly before the throne. That means we can go boldly to God in our prayers. He loves it when we do, and if the prayers line up with His will and His plans, He is going to answer them. The power of prayer cannot be underestimated. Sure, people will tell you how they prayed, and God didn’t answer. In reality, God didn’t answer it the way they wanted, and they more than likely only prayed once or twice. Be like the persistent widow in your prayers. God will hear them, and He will answer.