Pray for the Nations

         "My Temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations."- Mark 11:17a

      I have nothing else to write right now so I'm writing about this verse because it has been on my mind and bathroom mirror this month.
     I heard this verse during a sermon one Saturday night. I would love it to be the theme of my house (now apartment). I am the person that loves missions and ministries. I'm that person that love to pray for other children and people in other nations. Why can't it be?
     I have been to Mexico and Guatemala and seen so many things. Been to trash dumps and orphanages in those to countries. I love everyone of those children. I have seen children on the street selling things to barely get by. Helping their parents while walking all day. I sponsor a little girl (not so little anymore) from the Philippines through Compassion International. I know too many children not to pray for them whether in other nations or here in the states. That is not the only way I am thinking about this verse and the word "nations".
      Besides the the "real" nations, the word means more to me and the meaning is the different cultures around me. The word "nation" really means: a large body of people, associated with a particular territory, that is sufficiently conscious of its unity to seek or to possess a government peculiarly its own. Cultures like Hispanic, abused, homeless, hunting, plus more. Everyone needs to be prayed for. We have so many "little nations" around us if we just look where we least expect it. I know the meaning is talking about just countries but replace the word "territory" and it is simple.
          Although, you could leave that word in there too. It is just saying that a group of people that are passionate about the same thing and wanting to come together because of that passion to do something about it, to own it is a nation. Even Christians are a "nation" because we are passionate about Jesus Christ and we want people to know and Love Him. We are shining for Him. A "nation" could really be your job, church, friends, or even family.
         Taking this verse as is, "Let your house or place of living be called a place of prayer for everyone around you plus those who you come in contract with throughout the day." AKA: Let's pray for everyone that needs it. Prayer is that important and God cares about people that much. He cares enough for us to bring our problems and blessings to Him. God gets to know us through our prayers because we share things with Him then we never would with anyone else. WE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH GOD. HE IS OUR CREATOR AND FATHER.