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.

Seeking God in difficult times.

1 Peter 4:15 - 19

" If you’re abused because of Christ, count yourself fortunate. It’s the Spirit of God and his glory in you that brought you to the notice of others. If they’re on you because you broke the law or disturbed the peace, that’s a different matter. But if it’s because you’re a Christian, don’t give it a second thought. Be proud of the distinguished status reflected in that name!...
So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it."

"God will bless you, if you don't give up when your faith is being tested. He will reward you with a glorious life, just as he rewards everyone who loves him."

When I am abused...and I haven't done anything bad...it is because of Christ.

I can pray.

When my faith is tested...and I am tempted to give up, give in...

I can pray.

When I find life difficult...and I feel far from God...

I can pray.

It all comes back to Jesus.

Bonnie Gray talks about How to Pray Even When You Don't Feel Like It: “Let your religion be less of a theory and more of a love affair.” K. Chesterton 

To pray. To draw close to God. To get up 'while it is still dark and go to a solitary place'.

To cling to Him, like Jacob, and be blessed.

Prayer

Just researching a little on the benefits of prayer.

I discovered:

1. Prayer makes us healthier. Scientific studies have shown that physical health improves in people who pray.
2. Prayer helps us when we are worried and stressed.
3. Prayer makes us better people: we are less likely to be selfish when we pray!
4. Prayer makes us happier!

So, what's not to like?