Today's Scripture:
Matthew 21:12-17

Key Verse:
Matthew 21:13

"And said unto them, it is written, my house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."

The Point:
Every building has a purpose for which it was built. It is prayer that allows the people to encounter and experience God. Without prayer, the other activities at church would be far less meaningful. God's house is a very pleasant place to enter when it is "prayer conditioned."

Confess and Forsake Any Known Sin:

Probing Questions:

• Why do you come to church?
• Do you come to meet up with friends or with God?
• Do you avoid church because you feel uncomfortable in the prayer time?
• Do you attend every service you are able to as Hebrews 10:25 commands?
• Do you secretly find yourself wishing the invitation would be shorter?

Closeness to God is created in an atmosphere of prayer from a pure heart.

Confess, repent, and forsake this sin.

By faith, commit to pray for each service before you arrive. Ask God for each service to fulfill His purpose for His Glory and your good.

Praise:
I am redeemed from the curse of the law.

Galatians 3:13 "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree."

Request:

• Ask God to speak to you through each church service, sermon, or Bible lesson.
• By faith, ask God for the grace to commit to an additional church service each week.

Meditate on:

• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Ask God to bring unsaved people to your church so they can hear the gospel for His Kingdom's sake.
• When was the last time you invited someone to church?
• Pick up some invitations in the church foyer and ask God who you can invite to church this week.