Monday, Dec 1

Scripture: Luke 1:8-10 (NLT) – “One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.”

Message: When you read those verses from Luke, where is your focus? If you are like me, you are focusing on Zachariah in the “Holy of Holies” burning incense as a pleasing aroma to God. As I read this passage in preparation for Morning Prayer, my focus was drawn to another part of the passage; a text I had never paid attention to in all the years I had read it.

The Spirit drew my attention to the crowd praying outside; to those not allowed into the “Holy of Holies”, yet also believers in the One True God! Many times we feel powerless and on the “outside” which makes us feel unimportant! This passage shows us that we too have a job to do, we have a power that that we often don’t fully comprehend. “Outside” prayers are powerful to God! The group outside praying are not just an incidental fact. They are necessary to the outcome of what is about to happen. Zachariah is about to be told that he is to have a son and that this son will prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah. Prayers of those on the “outside” help to bring this about.

What is making you fearful, helpless, and powerless? You have a power that is greater than anything known to mankind! Are you exercising that power? God is listening and waiting!

Prayer: Father God, please make us ever mindful that You are always present and always listening; we have only to approach You in the name of Your Son, our Lord and Savior. We pray for true peace, for true love, and above all for YOUR will. Amen.

Teresa Cunningham - see 2 of 2