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| February 5, 2002, Tuesday Mark Chapter 11 There is a certain focus on the importance of prayer in this chapter. Mark 11:17 states, "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." The peculiarity of this verse is that Jesus calls His house a house of prayer, not a house of worship, or listening to sermons, nor fellowship. The identifying purpose of God's house is for prayer and through this action, we draw close to God and He is honored truthfully and appropriately. God's houses cannot lose this expression of worship to God or not be concentrated or motivated enough for sincere bona fide prayer. But only through such prayer can the power of Jesus be revealed through us. Jesus relays the power of faithful and honest prayer in Mk 11:24-26, "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye can receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which in heaven may forgive your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." First, there must be faith that we are speaking to a very real and powerful God capable of answering our prayers in order for God to pour down his blessings that there may not be room enough to receive them all. Second, we must forgive those who trespass against us for we are commanded, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph 5:32). *end of excerpt* (partially edited from actual journal for public presentation) |