“My house shall be a house of prayer…”
Jesus quotes the same verse (originally found in Isaiah 56) in Matthew 21:12-13 after He entered the temple and drove out the all those who were buying and selling and the money changers There are two other times in the New Testament this same verse is quoted and those are found in Mark 11:17 and Luke 19:46. It could be said that Jesus’ public earthly ministry had this powerful declaration as it’s bookends, once at the beginning, and once just before his death (and resurrection!). This demands careful consideration!
First of all, Christ himself was a “house” of prayer and he was teaching his disciples to become one by modeling this for them when He continually withdrew and was talking with His Father. We have been invited into this same loving relationship with God.
Jesus is building this house, His Church, as a people of prayer. And, as He builds it, resting on the Truth of who He is, the gates of hell will not prevail against it! This is no small thing! We want to be a part of the house that Jesus is building, to truly be a part of His prevailing Church. Therefore, seek to be people of prayer; a people who live in constant communication and relationship with God; a people that he rest on; a spiritual house where He can dwell.
We put PRAYER in the center of our community life. Not just prayer meetings, but small group meetings with prayer at the center, large celebrations permeated with prayer, a campus movement of prayer (the Furnace at Michigan State University, www.FurnaceMSU.com). All true life flows from our connection with Him. As we come before Him in prayer, He will have His way in us, and a great harvest will be reaped (Matthew 9:35-38).
You are encouraged to immerse yourself in this culture of prayer:
Weekly Prayer Gatherings (at the church building)
Sundays 9:00am-9:45am
Tuesdays 7:00pm-8:00pm
Campus Prayer Room (follow link for prayer times and open hours)