A Delightful Privilege and Massive Responsibility

After driving out the vendors and moneychangers from the temple, our Lord said to his disciples, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” -Mark 11:15-17

Charles Spurgeon was arguably one of the most influential figures in church history, and his impact on God's work continues to be felt. As a pastor who deeply valued prayer, he led a church that shared his commitment to the practice.

Spurgeon commenting on churches’ prayer meetings, “The condition of the church may be very accurately gauged by its prayer meetings. So is the prayer meeting a grace-ometer, and from it we may judge of the amount of divine working among a people. If God be near a church, it must pray. And if He be not there, one of the first tokens of His absence will be slothfulness in prayer.”

As a local church, our top priority should be gathering for prayer. Just because our church is bustling with activities, promotes fellowship, and encourages togetherness with God's people doesn't mean we're doing church as God intended. Read the book of Acts. It shows us that the first century believers consistently sought God through prayer.

God desires that we prioritize seeking His presence over merely being busy serving Him, and the primary means of doing so is through prayer. By getting our priorities right, our ministry work will naturally follow and be effective.

Praying with fellow believers is a privilege and responsibility. By the way, there is such sweet fellowship when believers pray together. The Lord manifests His presence when His people pray. Unity in prayer fosters deep spiritual connections among Christians.

There is nothing more important than to be actively a part of a praying church.