Jesus said, “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” Matthew 21:13, NKJV
If that is God’s design for His house, shouldn’t it also be true of ours?
This question invites us to pause and consider the spiritual atmosphere of our homes. For many, prayer is something we turn to in moments of need—but what if it became the foundation we live from every day? Would that be a house of prayer? Mighty men and women of God made altars in the Old Testament to offer sacrifices at God's house. This was a form of communication that foreshadows what we have available to us in the New Testament. After Jesus, the lamb of God was slain, we were given access into the true throne room of God. For what purpose? To restore fellowship with God. Jesus sacrifice was meant to bring us into closer union with God. Do we have closer union? Prayer is one indication. Could the Old Testament example of a sacrificial altar be a type and shadow of what we are to have today in our “house”?
A house of prayer is not about perfection or performance. It is about presence. It is a home where God is welcomed regularly, where conversation with Him are natural, and where Scripture, worship, and prayer are woven into daily life. It doesn’t require a special room or elaborate structure—just a heart that is open and intentional.
So what does it look like to take steps in that direction?
It begins with simple things. Set aside time to seek the Lord. Pray out loud, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. Invite others in your home to participate. Read and declare Scripture over your household. Create moments of worship in the middle of ordinary routines. Play worship music in the background regularly. These small, consistent steps can change your home into a house of prayer.
Over time, something powerful happens.
When prayer becomes the foundation, peace becomes the atmosphere. The presence of God begins to settle into our dwelling place in a unique way. What once felt tense or chaotic will become calm and anchored. Clarity replaces confusion. Rest replaces striving.
Your home becomes a place marked by the peace of God. How beautiful is that! When we have that at some level, we tend to become hungry for even more. I want to encourage you to seek the Lord for ways to turn your home into a "house of prayer".
At CHCN, we intentionally cultivate this kind of atmosphere. We’ve even given our location a name—Abba’s House—located at 4367 Cardinal Way. It represents a commitment to building a home where people can come to experience prayer, God’s presence, and His peace.
