During the FPCD Sunday morning worship service, we pray several times. Twice we have corporate prayer — once for the confession of sin and then secondly, to pray The Lord’s Prayer. We also pray before the Offering and again after the sermon. Occasionally someone prays before the sermon. And, I cannot tell you how many times the sermon is prayed over as it is written during the week! In addition, anyone who desires to pray with an Elder or a Member Care person immediately after worship is given the opportunity. We might conclude that the FPCD Worship Service is a prayerful experience! It’s our culture.
In Jesus’ time, the temple’s purpose was largely the same, however, tradition had evolved into something quite different. This upset Jesus greatly, and he took action. He sees worship at the temple in a very different light. As we explore God’s purpose for the temple, you might be surprised at Jesus’ values about prayer.
