Our Scripture reading today is Luke 19:45-46.
Verse 46, "Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves."
The reference here is pointing back to the words of the prophet Isaiah. "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." (Isaiah 56:7) Those who were buying and selling in the outer court of the temple were making it impossible for the Gentiles to come and pray. It was not just a market place; it was a dis-honest market place. The place set aside for prayer had been overtake by greedy men. “In that uproar of buying and selling and bargaining and auctioneering prayer was impossible. Those who sought God’s presence were being debarred from it by the very people of God’s House.” (Barclay)
I am thankful that God has provided us a way to enter into His presence no matter where we are. It is not required that we come to the "church" to talk to God. The Lord Jesus made it possible for us to come directly to the Father. 1 Timothy 2:5, " For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" There are other distractions that each of us have that need to be tossed aside in order to have quality time with our Father.