Christian Living
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE As A Member OR Visitor
Message Writer
Hire Writer
Report Article
Prayer is simply communicating with God. It is done verbally, as well as through one’s thoughts and even by writing. Prayer can be expressed through reading a written form of petition. Prayer can be offered with eyes closed or open, and in a kneeling, sitting, standing, or prone position. No matter the logistics. God will hear what one has to offer.
God responds to our prayers through our thoughts as well as through written forms. He will communicate with us by way of other people as well as through visible signs, miracles, and natural phenomena. Many people miss God’s interaction with them because of their unawareness of the different ways God communicates.
The Priest Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth were righteous people. They walked in “all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” (Luke 1:6) Their spiritual credentials were impeccable. They prayed fervently that they might be blessed by having a child. For months and years, they sought God’s favor, but to no avail. As they progressed through the aging process they had resigned to the fact that their prayer would not be granted. Elizabeth had been declared barren and their biological clock had run out. (Luke 1:7) Whenever a woman could not conceive, she was looked down on and was ostracized from the community. Elizabeth’s reproach was difficult for her. (Luke 1:25) Zacharias must have suffered as well and realized that they would have no son to carry on the family name.
There are countless examples of people who have not received answers to their prayers, especially according to their desires and time schedule. How they respond to their unanswered prayers takes many forms. Some resort to begging and to “Let’s make a deal.” There is even a questioning of their Faith. By their receding faith walk they inadvertently open the door to Satan’s suggestions. In some extreme cases, they even walk away from the Faith. How we respond to an unanswered prayer is a sign of our spiritual knowledge and strength.
Zacharias continued in his priestly duties. His role as a priest was to attend the Altar of Incense in which he would burn incense depicting the prayers of the people who would gather outside praying. (Luke 1:10) Even though Zacharias’s prayer was not answered he still believed the people’s prayers were ascending into Heaven.
One day, while at the Altar of Incense, an angel stood on the right side of the Altar and told Zacharias his prayer had been heard and that Elizabeth would have a son and he was to call him John. In the minutes following, the angel explained in detail what the ramifications of his birth would be. Zacharias stunned by the proclamation questioned its reality. (Luke 1:18) Notice the angel did not identify himself until after Zacharias’s statement! Why? Zacharias should have known the Prophesies in the Pentateuch as well as the Prophets that pointed to this event, especially Malachi 4: 5, 6. He was expected to know these things, yet seasons of doubt had limited the reality of God’s plan. Struck with dumbness for nine months would bring a reawakening of God’s Word. When John was born and discussions were raging over what to name him, the strings of Zacharias’ tongue were released and he proclaimed, “His name is John.” (Luke 1:63)
God hears us and will reveal in due time what He wants in our lives. It comes down to believing God or trusting in our own understanding and timing.
PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE AS A MEMBER OR VISITOR
This article has been read 21 times < Previous | Next >
Free Reprints
Main Site Articles
Most Read Articles
Highly Acclaimed Challenge Articles.
New Release Christian Books for Free for a Simple Review.
NEW - Surprise Me With an Article - Click here for a random URL
God is Not Against You - He Came on an All Out Rescue Mission to Save You
...in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them... 2 Cor 5:19
Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Acts 13:38
LEARN & TRUST JESUS HERE
FaithWriters offers Christian reading material for Christian readers. We offer Christian articles, Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, Christian Bible studies, Christian poems, Christian articles for sale, free use Christian articles, Christian living articles, New Covenant Christian Bible Studies, Christian magazine articles and new Christian articles. We write for Jesus about God, the Bible, salvation, prayer and the word of God.