Prayer at the Center

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been exploring what it means to build firm foundations for a life in Christ. We’ve seen that Jesus fulfills God’s plan, invites us into relationship, and calls us to surrender—not perfection. We’ve talked about living with hope, grounding our identity in God, and holding onto His promises. Today, we arrive at the final part of this series: prayer.
Prayer is not just something we do occasionally, or only at church. It’s meant to be central. When Jesus overturned the tables in the temple, he reminded the people of Isaiah’s prophecy: “My house will be called a house of prayer.” Not a house of preaching, worship, or offerings—but prayer. That’s significant. Whenever God gives something a name, it’s intentional. Prayer is what sustains everything else.
Jesus modeled this. Despite the demands on His time, He always created space to pray. That’s why the disciples didn’t ask Him to teach them how to preach or perform miracles—they asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” They knew it was His source of power, His lifeline to the Father.
Through Jesus, prayer takes on an even deeper meaning. The temple once symbolized how separated humanity was from God’s presence. Only priests could enter the holiest place, and endless sacrifices had to be made. But when Jesus died, the temple veil was torn in two. He became both our great High Priest and the perfect sacrifice, giving us direct access to God.
Hebrews tells us we can now “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” Not a throne of judgment—but grace. Imagine Jesus taking you by the hand, leading you past every barrier, straight into the throne room of God. That’s the reality of prayer. We don’t come as outsiders, but as beloved children.
Still, prayer can be mysterious. James writes, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Many of us have asked and felt unanswered, which can lead to doubt. Yet Scripture is clear: prayer matters. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find.” Prayer is how God has chosen to partner with us in bringing His will to earth.
This doesn’t mean God is a vending machine, but it does mean our prayers have more power than we often realize. James reminds us that Elijah—a human just like us—prayed, and the heavens responded. Through Jesus, we too are counted righteous, and our prayers can be powerful and effective.
So how do we live this out daily? A few simple practices can help:

•    Keep a prayer journal to stay focused.
•    Pray while walking or commuting, turning ordinary moments into holy ones.
•    Schedule short prayer breaks throughout your day.
•    Pray at transitions—before meals, leaving home, starting work, or going to bed.

Above all, ask God to give you the desire to pray. Even that comes from His grace.
Let’s be people—and churches—known as houses of prayer. Because prayer isn’t just part of the foundation. It is the foundation.