Thy Prayer Is Heard

The Story

Zacharias was a priest, and his wife, Elisabeth, was also from a priestly family. The Bible says they were both righteous before God. But they had no children, and now they were both old.

One day, it was Zacharias’s turn to burn incense in the temple, an honor that might come only once in a priest’s lifetime. While the people prayed outside, he went in alone.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, standing on the right side of the altar. Zacharias was terrified.

The angel said, “Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.” This son would be great in the sight of the Lord and would prepare the people for the coming of the Messiah.

But Zacharias couldn’t believe it. “Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.”

The angel answered, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God.” Because Zacharias didn’t believe, he would be unable to speak until the promise came true.

He came out of the temple unable to say a word. Months later, Elisabeth gave birth to a son. When it was time to name him, Zacharias wrote on a tablet, “His name is John.” Immediately his mouth was opened, and he began praising God.

Reflection