Crowd of People Praying
Luke 1:10 – Now the whole crowd of people were praying outside at the hour of the incense offering. 11 – An angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense, appeared to him. 12 – and Zechariah, visibly shaken when he saw the angel, was seized with fear. 13 – But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son; you will name him John.
There were many prayers being sent up that day. Zechariah and Elizabeth were credited with faithfully following God with all the commandments and ordinances through to their old age and through their disappointment of not having a child. They were an example to the people of steadfast faith.
Now the appointed time had come. While in the daily practice of duties this day was to be different. An angel appeared at the right side of the altar of incense with a message confirming to Zechariah that his prayer was heard. The prayer of the people was heard. And now Elizabeth would bear a son.
This is only my opinion – but I do not believe that Zechariah and Elizabeth had been praying for a son into their old age. If you read further into the story you’ll see that Zechariah was prevented from speaking because he did not believe the message of the angel. What I do believe, however, is that they were faithful in continuing to pray.
Are there things in life that you’ve prayed for without receiving? Don’t give up on approaching God in prayer. We may stop praying for specific things over time but do not stop praying to Him. Continue to boldly come before the throne of grace. Continue speaking to God and for sure on that last day when Jesus returns and the angels are sent to gather His people, your angel will appear to you with the words “your prayer has been heard.”
Let’s wait for Jesus together and be among the crowd of people found faithfully praying until the end.
Where two are gathered 