Playerlessness

Can you remember Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling (Matthew 21:12-13)? He overturned the tables of money changer and benches of those selling doves.

The situation was then intense! Those at the temple probably were wondering what Jesus was up to. He was angry, upset and disappointed. He was so emotionally charged up that he overturned everything and drove the people out of the temple area

Why was Jesus so angry? I think the answer is straight forward, Jesus said “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers.” Meaning the temple was not a place of prayer anymore but business.

The people have made the temple a place of buying and selling. There were so many happenings, activities, business transactions but NOT prayer taking place in the temple. The temple has lost each originally purpose of existence – a place of prayer. That is why Jesus was so angry and upset.

This incident speaks volume of our current situation – prayerlessness. The bible said, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

Do we allow too much things to pack our body – temple of the Holy Spirit? We are living in a very busy, hectic and fast-moving world. There are so many things in our families, works, ministry and church that needed our attention and concentration. Indeed, lots of things to solve and do but be careful ya!

Unknowingly, the enemy uses all these to lead the Christian and above all the minister to NEGLECT prayer. No time to pray! There are many urgent and pressing things to do! Well, do not get me wrong! I am not asking you not to handle them but I am saying you should not allow these things to take away your time to pray.

Even if you find some time to pray in the midst of your busyness, the enemy will still find his way to hinder you. Perhaps by temptation to postpone, by bringing in wandering thoughts and all sorts of distractions, through unbelief and hopelessness.

Coming back to the bible verses where Jesus was at the temple, how can you convert your life of prayerlessness to prayerfulness? Like Jesus, starts to see your temple as a house of prayer not a den of robbers. Regard this as the utmost important.

Next, drive out and overturn unnecessary activities, job responsibilities and events so that you have time to pray. Do a housekeeping also. Remove away unholy thoughts, ties and habits so that nothing can hinder your intimate relationship with God.

Pray, pray and pray. Remember, God’s child can conquer everything by prayer and the enemy will try to conquer God’s child by removing the most potent weapon on hand.