A Fixed Place Of Prayer?
The Christian’s place of prayer is particularly significant! It could be fixed or transitional. But, does it define us as Believers of Jesus Christ?
Prayer is important. As Christians, it is like the very air we breathe. The Bible has a lot to say about prayer. Jesus lived a life of prayer.
The Bible says in Romans 8:34, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, and rose from the dead—is sitting at the right hand of God and is interceding for us.”
However, according to this verse Christ is still praying for us today! So, we see that this action demonstrates the importance and need for prayer.
Is A Place Of Prayer Necessary?
We need prayer. Without God, we’re absolutely helpless. Prayer is how we talk to Him; it is how we communicate and commune with Him.
Regarding the place of prayer, the Bible says in Matthew 6:6,
“But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
The Scriptures inform us to pray secretly. Now what does this mean?
The contents of our hearts are important to God. He sees through our intentions. The Bible talks about pretentious prayers. See Luke 18:11-12,
“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
But, as much as God expects us to be pure and holy, He wants us to be honest and real.
Yes, the place of prayer matters. However, the intentions of the prayer matter to God as well.
Prayer is meant for the secret place; your prayer closet defines the quality of your life. Your prayer closet is your secret place of prayer, where it is only you and God.
Place Of Prayer – Meaning
A place of prayer is simply a place where people gather to pray. A place of prayer is also where a person communicates with heaven.
It is where heaven comes down to meet the earth. It is where the glory of God is shown, although it looks simple. I know this sounds a bit bizarre, but God’s glory isn’t in the show; it is in the prayers and petitions of His saints.
However, a place of prayer isn’t merely a place. It’s holy ground. It is where breakthrough occurs. Such a place is where tears are shed in exchange for glory and beauty. It is where miracles happen.
Are There Places of Prayer In The Bible?
Yes, there are several places of prayer in the Bible. We’re going to see a few places in the upcoming passages.
There Is A Holy Place of Prayer In The Bible!
We know that Jerusalem is a holy place of prayer for Jews and Christians. However, during the time of Moses, God resided in the Ark of the Covenant.
The Bible talks about it in 1 Chronicles 16:1-37. But David sought to build a house for God, but the Lord chose Solomon to do this, and we see this in 1 Kings 6.
But where does God reside now? We know that Jesus came to this earth, lived a perfect, sinless life, and went back to heaven, but the future is glorious.
Our future is going to be a prayer in itself. The Bible talks about it in Revelation 21:3, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,
Is God Dwelling With Us Now?
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
God’s dwelling place will be with us, and this is going to be the very place of prayer forever and ever.
How does the ideal place of prayer look? Let us look at Revelation 5:8-9.
“The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation.’”
The place of prayer is saturated with holiness and righteousness.
What Are Few Places of Prayer – Bible Verses?
Here are a few verses that talk about places of prayer where people prayed in the Bible:
- Jonah prayed to God from the belly of the fish (Jonah 2:1). The second chapter of Jonah records his prayers and cries to God. The place of prayer here is the belly of the fish.
- The Prophet Nehemiah prayed in the palace of the King. The Bible mentions it in Nehemiah 2:4-5, “The king said to me, “What is it you want?” Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”
- The Prophet Samuel prayed to God in the middle of the battlefield in 1 Samuel 7:7-9, “When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him.”
- The Prophet Jeremiah cried out to the Lord from a pit of despair in Lamentations 3:55-57, “I called on your name, Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”
- When Jesus was being crucified, the thief on the cross prayed and asked for forgiveness, as seen in Luke 23:42, “Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
- The disciples prayed in the upper room until the baptism of the Holy Spirit came, Acts 1:13-14. “When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.”
- Paul was on a ship when he broke bread and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving, as seen in Acts 27:33-35, “Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.”
- The first martyr, Stephen, prayed during his execution. We see this in Acts 7:59-60.
- “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
What Are Biblical Synonyms For a Place of Prayer?
A place of prayer is a synonym for a house of prayer. It is the place where Christians offer prayers to God! The Bible tells us about this in Isaiah 56:7.
“These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Here, the place of prayer is the ‘house of prayer’. This is also any person’s private closet or place of prayer. It’s the Secret Place! Jacob’s place of prayer was a rock! From this stone, he offered prayers to God.
Perhaps it is the church. Perhaps it is a brother or sister’s house where the children of God meet to pray and fellowship.
Nevertheless, the prayer matters more than the place. The intent of the heart is even far more important than the place or the prayer!
Where Did Jesus Pray?
Jesus prayed in many places. Below, I explain two places where he prayed:
- In the Mountains: Jesus spent a lot of time praying. He knew He needed the help of the Father in all that He did, and so He sought God’s face at all times. He spent time in prayer and fasting. On several occasions, he went to the mountainside to pray and petition his Father (Luke 6:12).
- In The Garden: Jesus prayed before His death; He knew His death was at hand and prayed the most painful, grief-filled prayer here (Matthew 26:36–46).
Conclusion
We’ve seen the importance of prayer. Prayer is the very lifeblood of a Believer. We’ve seen the meaning of a place of prayer. I have shown some of the many places of prayer mentioned in the Bible.
Additionally, the biblical synonym for a place of prayer is the house of prayer. Furthermore, it is any place where prayer takes place.
Jesus led a prayerful life. And we’ve seen from the Bible two specific places where he prayed.
In closing, prayer is a necessity, and the place of prayer matters less than the prayer itself.
Thanks to Ladiwayne for the photo above!
