“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from guilty consciences and having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

As indicated by the title, this is the third of a four-part series on prayer, based on the OT tabernacle system. I really don’t have trouble praying throughout the day whenever a need comes to mind or even when I want to thank God for something. But I do struggle at times to have a dedicated time of prayer, to spend time with God. My mind wanders and, well, I end up making a grocery list or dare I admit it, playing Wordle on my phone. If you are like me, you can benefit from some structure in your prayer time.

To help with structure, we are developing a model of prayer based on walking through the tabernacle–or later on–the temple. Imagine walking through the temple gates and immediately sensing the awe, wonder, and glory of God and His majesty. Then, seeing the fixtures that recall the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins, and remind us to ask God to cleanse us from sin so that we can prepare our hearts to follow him. (Here’s a link to last week’s devotional, parts 1 and 2, in case you missed it).

As we continue through the tabernacle grounds, we come to a huge candlestick with seven-branches. The fire coming from each candle represents the Holy Spirit and also how we are called to be light in the world’s darkness. When Jesus ascended to heaven, he sent the gift of the Holy Spirit to be our Advocate and Counselor, to enable us to do His will. We cannot do what He has called us to do without the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit. So, during this time of prayer, pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the fruits that result: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Also pray that you will use the spiritual gifting God has given you through the Holy Spirit to minister to those around you.

Next, we come to a table with twelve loaves of bread. This bread represents the Word of God. You may recall what Jesus told Satan during his 40 days in the Wilderness. Satan tempted Jesus, who had been fasting for 40 days, to use his power to turn the rocks into bread to satisfy his hunger. Jesus replied: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4). Let us not only dabble but truly feast on God’s word. It will nourish us for the work God has called us to do.

In summary, as you pray, remembering what Christ has done for you, also remember and call upon the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to strengthen you and prepare you to live and serve in God’s Kingdom.

Reminder: this is just a model for a dedicated time of prayer. Imagining walking through the tabernacle area with its stations and symbols can help us to have a rich and meaningful prayer time with God. However you choose to pray, along with your prayers throughout your day, also devote intentional time to spend with God in worship and thanksgiving.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18a).

In Christ,

Judy