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.’
8 The Sovereign Lord declares –
    he who gathers the exiles of Israel:
‘I will gather still others to them
    besides those already gathered.’

Why was Jesus so angry with the money-changers in the Temple? (Mt.21:13). In a word: misappropriation. This was going on in the court where Gentiles could come to pray. It prevented it happening. The money-changers were also scurrilous, charging exorbitant exchange rates. But I think the main issue was that the Gentiles could not pray there while it was being used for commerce.

People don’t always associate ”joy” with prayer (7b). But it is vital that we do. Yes, it is a duty (and can be hard work), but above all it is meant to be a delight. as we have the privilege of a relationship with Almighty God.

I read an article, written by a pastor, in which he said he encouraged his congregation to come to the prayer meeting by telling them: ‘We get to be with God!’