1 December

Do not be afraid, for your prayer has been heard

“While Zechariah was in the sanctuary, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw him. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John.” Luke 1:11-13

Zechariah and Elizabeth were from the priestly clan and were blameless in the eyes of God. They were praying and waiting for the Lord to give them a child. Zechariah got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve the Lord in the temple by burning incense at the holy place, which symbolizes prayer.

At the sacred place, an angel appeared to Zechariah with a message from the Lord. God did not forget Zechariah’s prayers, but at the right time, he answered. Zechariah offered prayers at the temple as a priest and received the answer, yet responded with unbelief.

Prayer is communion with God. God knows our needs, yet he wants us to pray to him as a child goes to the father with needs. Sometimes, though, we are like Zechariah, praying yet doubting and not expecting an answer. However, God’s ears are ever attentive to the prayers of his children (I Pet 3:12). So, whenever we approach the Lord in prayer, let us come expectantly and with the confidence that he hears us. Like the disciples, let us ask the Lord to increase our faith. He is a prayer-answering God!

Joy Mamen