Matthew 21:12-27.  Three stories from Jesus’ time at the Jerusalem temple highlight the ministry of prayer.  In each story, an obstacle must be overcome.

1. Jesus cleansed the temple by overturning the tables of commerce that had been set up.  The temple courts were intended for prayer-business, but money-business was getting in the way.  Once the distractions were eliminated, the healing and praise came naturally, because Jesus was there (12-17).
2. Jesus rebuked the fig tree because it looked like it was fruitful, but it was not.  He challenged his disciples to pray in faith.  Once the doubt is eliminated, the mountain will move (18-22).
3. Jesus forced the chief priests and elders to admit that they were rejecting God’s work.  Their ploy of remaining agnostic as to the source of John’s ministry meant this: They did not want the Messiah to come.  Prayers (like the prayers for the Messiah to come) have to be genuine (23-27).

LORD, eliminate the obstacles that we set up that hinder our prayer ministries.