God's house is meant to be a place of prayer open to every person.
“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 (KJV)
What does “House of prayer” mean in Mark 11:17?
Jesus is quoting Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. The place where non-Jewish visitors were meant to pray had become a marketplace.
Going deeper
On the Monday of Holy Week, Jesus came to the temple and found it full of buying and selling. He overturned the tables and taught the crowd: is it not written, my house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? The outer court was the only place non-Jewish worshippers could come near to God, and it had been turned into a market. Jesus was not only angry about money. He was defending access, the right of every person to draw near.
It is worth asking what stands between people and God in our own churches and lives. Clutter, noise, and busyness can all crowd out prayer. Jesus cares that His people have a place to pray, and that no one is shut out. Consider one small step this week to make more room for prayer, in your home or in your church. And consider who might feel unwelcome, and how you could open the door wider.
Reflect
What is crowding out prayer in your life, and who might feel unwelcome that you could welcome?
Pray
Lord, make Your house a house of prayer for all people. Clear out what crowds You out of my heart, and open my door wider. In Jesus' name, amen.
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