March 30, 2026
A House of Prayer
KRISTEL ACEVEDO
Lee en español
“He was teaching them: ‘Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?’” Mark 11:17a (CSB)
Editor’s Note: Today’s devotion is part of our Holy Week series! Journey with us as we experience the power of Jesus’ love, remember His sacrifice, and walk in the victory of His resurrection. We pray this series prepares your heart for the joy of Easter. Subscribe now.
For years, prayer was challenging for me. I felt confused about the right words to say or what the point of prayer even was. Didn’t God have it all figured out anyway? Would my prayers make a difference?
In high school, one of my first Christian friends prayed all the time. No matter the situation, no matter how hopeless or trivial, she would be the first to turn to me and say, “We should pray.”
I’ll be honest — I often didn’t pray with her. This was early in my relationship with God, and I was still finding my way. At that time, and many times since then, I felt that prayer seemed like a waste of time.
Shouldn’t I actually be doing something? Isn’t there some action I can take? What good does it do to sit here and utter some words under my breath?
Years later, I read the words of Isaiah 31:1: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and who depend on horses! They trust in the abundance of chariots and in the large number of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel, and they do not seek the LORD” (CSB).
I finally realized prayer isn’t a waste of time; it’s an acknowledgment that no one on earth is more powerful than God.
When we pray, we magnify the work of Jesus.
When we pray, we are set free from our own limitations as we look to a limitless God.
When we pray, we leave the prison of anxiety and worry.
When we pray, we allow the Holy Spirit to align our hearts with the Father’s.
During Holy Week, before He went to the cross, Jesus walked into the temple and reminded anyone who would listen that God’s people are a people of prayer, that prayer is available to everyone, and that we each have the honor of coming before the God of the universe to talk to Him.
“He was teaching them: ‘Is it not written, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?’” (Mark 11:17a).
We may have a lot of differences — ethnicities and cultures, upbringings and life experiences — but prayer is a gift available to all of us, no matter who we are or where we come from. It has the power to bring us all together as we bring our requests to God.
Prayer is not only about talking but listening, believing, and trusting. It’s about adoring, resting, and enjoying God’s presence. Through prayer, we pour out our hearts, anxieties, needs, and affections — and we receive God’s grace, peace, and purpose. We receive His gift of unity.
This Holy Week, let us remember we have the gift of prayer at our disposal always.
Father, help us to remember that we are a people of prayer and that we can always boldly approach Your throne of grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Holy Week has begun, and we don’t want you to miss a moment of what God is going to do. For eight days, we’re slowing down together to remember what Jesus accomplished on the cross and why it still steadies us today. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to receive our Encouragement for Today Devotions delivered straight to your inbox all week long — along with daily biblical encouragement throughout the year. And as you walk through these Holy Week reflections, we’d love to hear how God is meeting you. Has a scripture shifted your perspective? Has a quiet moment with the Lord deepened your faith? Your story could strengthen someone else’s. When you’re ready, share how this Holy Week series has impacted your faith. We’re grateful to walk this sacred week with you.
ENGAGE
Today’s devotion writer, Kristel Acevedo, is a wife, mom, ministry leader at her local church, and author. Her newest book, Liberated at the Cross: Peace and Reconciliation in God’s Kingdom, is a six-week interactive Bible study. She loves connecting with other women on Instagram, where she shares encouragement, Scripture, and snippets of everyday life. Find out more about Kristel and her books here!
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Isaiah 31:1-3, “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and who depend on horses! They trust in the abundance of chariots and in the large number of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel, and they do not seek the LORD. But he also is wise and brings disaster. He does not go back on what he says; he will rise up against the house of the wicked and against the allies of evildoers. Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD raises his hand to strike, the helper will stumble and the one who is helped will fall; both will perish together” (CSB).
Isaiah 56:7, “I will bring them to my holy mountain and let them rejoice in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (CSB).
What does your current rhythm of prayer look like? What prayer rhythms would you like to begin incorporating into your daily life?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2026 by Kristel Acevedo. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
