This episode is taken from the LAB Book of Mark chapter 11:17. A house of prayer for all nations, not to the Jews only, for all of the children of God. When Jesus entered the Temple in verse 12 of this chapter, He found those that were buying and selling within the Temple and He cast them out, He overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of them that sold doves; and suffered not any man to carry any vessel through the Temple. He taught them saying; "It is not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves."
He would not allow anyone to carry goods or wares through the Temple or the courts. After He had turned out the oxen and doves which were things of sacrifice, He revived the appointment of it as a house of prayer to teach us that when all sacrifices and offerings should be abolished, the spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise should continue, and remain forever.
The kind of prayer that moves mountains is a prayer for the fruitfulness of God's kingdom. It would seem impossible to move a mountain into the sea, so Jesus used that picture to say that God can do anything. There is nothing impossible for Him. God will answer your prayers, but not as a result of your positive mental attitude. (1) you must be a believer, (2) you must not hold a grudge against another person; (3) you must not pray with selfish motives; and (4) your requests must be for the good of God's kingdom.
To pray effectively, you need to have faith in God, faith in the Will of God for you. Our prayers are often motivated by our own interests and desires. We like to hear that we can have anything. But Jesus prayed with God's interests in mind. When we pray, we should express our desires but want His Will above ours.
Check yourself to see if your prayers focus on your interests or if they focus on what God has for you.
Blessings,
Elder Barbara
LAB|MHSB
