Prayer. Heard.

"But the angel reassured him, “Don’t fear, Zachariah. Your prayer has been heard. Elizabeth, your wife, will bear a son by you. You are to name him John. You’re going to leap like a gazelle for joy, and not only you—many will delight in his birth. He’ll achieve great stature with God.

“He’ll drink neither wine nor beer. He’ll be filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment he leaves his mother’s womb. He will turn many sons and daughters of Israel back to their God. He will herald God’s arrival in the style and strength of Elijah, soften the hearts of parents to children, and kindle devout understanding among hardened skeptics—he’ll get the people ready for God.”

Zachariah said to the angel, “Do you expect me to believe this? I’m an old man and my wife is an old woman.”

But the angel said, “I am Gabriel, the sentinel of God, sent especially to bring you this glad news. But because you won’t believe me, you’ll be unable to say a word until the day of your son’s birth. Every word I’ve spoken to you will come true on time—God’s time.” Luke 1:13 - 20

Your prayer has  been heard. Your prayer has been heard. 

After so many years, of begging and beseeching for a child, Zachariah's prayer has been heard.

Not only that. It was YES!!  He and Elizabeth would have a child: not only a child, but a SON.

And yet. Zachariah did not, could not, believe it. Reason - he and Elizabeth were too old - triumphed over belief in God's mighty power.

The consequence: he was struck dumb, because he had objected to God's word.  

So we pray. We wait.

"While Zacharias was burning incense in the temple, the whole multitude of the people were praying without. 

All the prayers we offer up to God, are acceptable and successful only by Christ's intercession in the temple of God above. 

We cannot expect an interest therein if we do not pray, and pray with our spirits, and are not earnest in prayer. 

Nor can we expect that the best of our prayers should gain acceptance, and bring an answer of peace, but through the mediation of Christ, who ever lives, making intercession. 

The prayers Zacharias often made, received an answer of peace. 

Prayers of faith are filed in heaven, and are not forgotten. 

Prayers made when we were young and entering into the world, may be answered when we are old and going out of the world.

Mercies are doubly sweet that are given in answer to prayer."  Matthew Henry.