SEASON OF SEEKING WEEK ONE

Jesus said, My house shall be called of all nations a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves" (Luke 19:46).

Jim Cymbala says, "The provocation was really this, misunderstanding the purpose of the temple, my father's house. It should be a house of prayer and you have made it a den of thieves. The atmosphere of the house should be prayer. The aroma of people coming to God in petition, supplication and worship is key. But you have made it a place to make money. The atmosphere should be prayer. No matter where you are from and what culture, this is God's idea, not yours for your culture.
That temple was the only place where the holy of holies could be. But today we are the temple of God's holiness. Yet the house of God's people must always have the aroma of prayer. Music, yes, choirs, yes, teaching yes, but always house of prayer in the fathers house."

The Christian church was launched while people were praying in Acts 2, waiting on God in prayer. The Spirit was poured out on the praying church. When persecuted and threatened, the church did not protest but they went and prayed, seeking God's help. When anything happened to them, their first response was to pray. It was so deep in them that when Paul was converted, God sent Ananias. He was afraid but God told him Paul was praying in his blind state. This was a sign of validity.

And when Paul wrote to Timothy, he said first of all there should be "prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving." This was his priority teaching to Timothy in starting the church. He then went on to say "men everywhere should be lifting hands in prayer."

In the book of Revelations, the 24 elders have bowls filled with incense which are the prayers of the saints. So precious to God are these prayer that he keeps them in bowls.

So this week keep in your mind that we are joining together to make God's house a house of prayer, we God's people are becoming a movement of prayer.

WEEK ONE PRAYER TARGETSCore Value Focus - PRAYER

Pray that the Church of God of Prophecy become a mighty worldwide ministry in prayer.
Pray that the call and inspiration of prayer will fill this movement.Global Missions Focus - AFRICA AND CARIBBEAN
In Africa:
-Pray for God to send leaders that will sustain the great harvest work.
-Pray for the transition of leadership as a new General Presbyter is selected.
-Pray for financial strength through biblical stewardship to arise.
-Bless our national leaders and our local church pastors.In the Caribbean:
-Bless our national leaders and our local church pastors
-Pray for our General Presbyter, Bishop Clayton Martin, our national leaders, and local church pastors
-Pray for Haiti
-Agree for a new revival to sweep across the Caribbean nations

Let your faith rise this week knowing that "the eyes of the Lord are running to and fro throughout the earth to show himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are perfect toward him.