“There was a priest named Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth… and they were both righteous before God… his lot fell to burn incense… and the whole multitude… was praying outside… an angel of the Lord appeared… standing at the right side of the altar of incense… do not be afraid… for your prayer is heard… I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God… after those days Elizabeth conceived… ‘Thus the Lord has taken away my reproach…’”
Luke 1:5-25
(NKJV -Abbreviated)
Hello Friends,
I want to take us back to something foundational and timeless: prayer. Prayer is not reserved for the few. It is the tool placed on every believer’s toolbelt.
During this time of the year, we are surrounded by reminders of God breaking into human history, I am drawn again to the opening chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Here we find the account of a faithful priest named Zachariah, serving the Lord in the ordinary rhythms of obedience, unaware that heaven was about to respond to his prayers in an extraordinary way.
Luke 1:5 – 25 records the story of Zachariah ministering before the Lord at the altar of incense. While he fulfills his priestly assignment, the people are praying outside in agreement. This is a powerful picture: private obedience and corporate prayer converging at the same moment.
As Zachariah ministers at the altar of prayer, a culture of the supernatural is created. Scripture tells us that Gabriel is released from heaven and stands before him with a message: your prayer is heard.
What goes up, must come down.
Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth were well advanced in years. In the natural, the promise of a child was impossible. Yet prayer opened the door for heaven to intervene. Elizabeth conceives, and from their obedience and perseverance comes John the Baptist, a prophetic forerunner who would prepare the way for the Lord.
This is the pattern we must not forget. Prayer is the tool of access. It opens doors. It invites divine interruption. When prayer rises like incense, heaven responds in God’s perfect timing.
I believe this message is especially important for us today. Many are praying faithfully without seeing immediate results. Others are tempted to grow weary or discouraged. Yet the story of Zachariah reminds us that the timing belongs to God, and fulfillment of His word comes in His appointed season.
Prayer is not wasted. Prayer is never empty. Prayer is never unseen by the Lord who hears and who answers.
As we minister before the Lord, and as we join our prayers with others, we are creating an atmosphere where heaven can respond. Do not underestimate what happens when you pray. What goes up, will come down in God’s perfect time.
Blessings to you all in this joyous season,
James W. Goll
