Suffering is hard enough, but suffering in silence is perhaps the worst place to be. When prayer is hard, when the heavens feel closed off from us, we need people around us interceding for us in prayer. But before we can even enjoy this privilege of intercession by the community of saints, we need to invite people into our pain.

Remember: Luke 1:10-13

We have two examples of supplication or prayer here in Zechariah’s life.

And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. 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, and you shall call his name John. - Luke 1:10-13

We have the whole congregation praying outside while Zechariah performed his priestly duties, and we have a peek into the private prayers Zechariah and Elizabeth had persevered in praying for a child, along with the beautiful promise that God always hears our prayers.

Reflect

We need believers rallying and praying for us, especially in times of silence and waiting. It is one thing to persevere in prayer in private, but sharing this with your church community (or even with a few trusted friends) so that they can lift you up in prayer is so crucial to surviving our seasons of waiting.

But in order to let them love you in this way, you have to invite them into your pain.

Notice in verse 13, it was while he was serving, while he was praying, that the four hundred years of silence were suddenly broken with these four words, “Do not be afraid…”. Tomorrow, we will look more into this shattering of the four hundred years of silence and the message it brings. But today we must remember: God is working while we serve. He is working while we pray. He’s always working in the waiting.

Sometimes, in the silence, we forget how to hope, we can get a little cynical. Prayer keeps us hopeful. The people of God keep us praying. God keeps us in the waiting.

Respond

Think of one person you can invite into your pain today. Simply ask them to intercede for you in prayer.

Carry this breath prayer in your heart today:

Breathe In:

Jesus, thank you for the gift of prayer

Breathe Out:

I know you hear me.

The Journey

This journey will take us through December 25th. My hope is that it would bring you encouragement in whatever waiting room you find yourself in during this Advent season. Each daily podcast will be short and sweet, leaving you with something to carry in your heart as you wait. You can also subscribe to my newsletter here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rootedwithrachel.substack.com