February 23 - Through Prayer

"Even then will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people." - Isaiah 56:7

"And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves." Mark 11:17

Wow, God's house is a house of prayer. And what is prayer but communion with God. God wants us to talk and listen to Him. He wants all of us! He is a jealous God wanting our affections and fellowship. He does not want second place in our hearts (Exodus 20:5; 34:14 and Joshua 24:19). He loves us and knows what's best for our lives! He has designed us to be happiest when we are obedient to His Word and not hearers only. There is true joy in total surrender to God. And how is this surrender achieved? Through prayer. Prayer is always available to the believer. We are told to come boldly to His throne of grace to receive help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
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It is interesting to note the word "house" in the two verses at the top of the page, can be translated into "temple." Scripture states that the believer's body is the "temple of God" and His Spirit dwells within us (I Corinthians 3:16 and 6:19 & 20). How exciting and comforting that God the Holy Spirit indwells the believer. We literally are His temple. His house. And we have continual fellowship with God-through prayer.

"…for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people
(2 Corinthians 6:16)."

- Jane M. Foster