Cleansing the Temple

And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers."

Luke 19:45-46.

Holy Week Monday.  Jesus goes to the temple.  In fact, I believe Jesus went to the temple every day of Holy Week to teach. But what he found this first day was an abomination.  Money-changers preying on those less fortunate by gouging prices for animals to sacrifice.  Jesus' anger and compassion for the victims is encouraging.  I am reminded that HE fights for us.  And not only does HE fight for us, but HE forgives me when I become the money-changer and so often debase the Lord's House and His blessings.  Lord, help me to pray without ceasing, keeping your temple (your Church and my body) holy.

In response, today we talked a lot about prayer, and keeping the "Temple" a house of prayer.  I talked about where we pray, how we pray, what can be a temple (church, our bodies), you get it.  I was a bit concerned that it might not be "sinking" in--or as much as things sink in with a 2 year old.  Nonetheless, I was set to make soft pretzels to remind us to "fold our arms in prayer"as our activity.  I was a bit skeptical because let's face it--I'm not the best at allowing my toddler to "mess up" the kitchen.  Nor was I fully confident that pretzels really relate to prayer in a meaningful way.  But once again, the Holy Spirit showed me up.

First, I made the dough. I cannot recall ever using yeast before. We'll say it was a first.  It wasn't all terrible.  Then, it had to rise. So, we sat and waited.  Any toddler's favorite activity.

And when the impatient fits started, watched the timer (and realized how dirty my microwave is).

At long, eternal last (10 minutes), Emma climbed on up and helped roll the dough into "snakes."

And shaped it.

And shaped some more.

Perfection.

And just when I thought, "ok, so she thinks this is fun, and I'm glad we're doing it--but does she GET it? Can a 2 year old GET it?"  I asked her "What do pretzels remind us to do today?"

And she said "PRAY."

Heart warmed over (and a prayerful thank you to the Lord for His guidance, NOT mine), we forged ahead and churned out a few more pretzels.  Some more "creatively" mishapen than others.

After a quick dip in boiling water and some time in the hot oven, we enjoyed our afternoon snack.

Now, if only I thought about prayer this much every day.  Or remembered how dearly I am loved, and how hard Christ fights for us.  I can confidently say however, pretzels will forever remind me to pray.  Thank you Lord for your intercession in our lives--however simple, or sometimes mundane--and for Your guidance in our children.  You continue to fill us with our needs.  May we return your blessings with thanksgiving and praise.

Tomorrow: Teaching at the Temple.