Good morning, my God,
who stoops to my littleness and knows the history of my soul. Today I come before you with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, which is also my story.
I too have areas in my life that seem barren, and longings that I have laid before you in prayer for years.
“In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron.” (Luke 1:5)
They were righteous; they lived according to your commandments, yet they bore the pain of unanswered prayer. Lord, how well I know this feeling.
The feeling of doing everything right, yet not receiving from you what my heart desires most. Teach me their faithfulness in waiting.
Lord, You Hear My Prayer
And then, in the midst of ordinary service, amidst the smell of incense and silent prayer, the breakthrough happens. You come unexpectedly, into the sanctuary of my heart, and you speak.
Your word is startling because it surpasses all my expectations and places me before something entirely new, before your impossible, which is becoming possible.
“But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” (Luke 1:13)
Lord, help me to believe that my prayers have been heard, even if I do not yet see the answer. Your promise is not for me alone, but brings joy to many.
“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,” (Luke 1:14)
You promise me a fruit that is not just my own, but a gift for the world. You promise a greatness that is not of this world, but is in you.
“for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.” (Luke 1:15)
And this fruit, this promise, has a mission: to prepare the way for you, Lord Jesus. This is a call for a turning point in my own life, that he may increase, and I may decrease.
“He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.” (Luke 1:16)
“And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”” (Luke 1:17)
Your Word Will Be Fulfilled, Despite My Doubt
But, Lord, I confess that like Zechariah, I too have doubts. How will this happen? I am old, tired; the circumstances are impossible. My reason resists your promise.
And you, in your mercy, silence my doubt. Not with anger, but with a sign. Zechariah was struck silent so that in the quiet of his heart he could ponder your word and await its fulfillment.
Lord, whenever I doubt, silence me. Let my mouth not speak words of disbelief, but let my heart wait for you in silence.
For you are faithful. Elizabeth conceived. What was the source of her shame, you turned into the source of the greatest blessing. This, Lord, is how you also work in my life.
My greatest shame and pain can become the place where your glory is born. Thank you for looking upon me and taking away my disgrace among the people.
Today I entrust to you my barren areas, and I ask you: come into the sanctuary of my heart and speak your promise. Give me the grace to believe and to wait in silence for the day your word will be fulfilled.
Amen.
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