Your Prayer Has Been Heard

Your Prayer Has Been Heard

 

Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.’

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah, and wondered at his delay in the sanctuary. When he did come out, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He kept motioning to them and remained unable to speak. When his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

After those days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she remained in seclusion. She said, ‘This is what the Lord has done for me when he looked favourably on me and took away the disgrace I have endured among my people.’

Luke 1:18-25

 

In this season of Advent, as we celebrate and prepare for Jesus to enter our common home, we are reminded by this passage of our need to be listening and communicating with God. For me, this painting symbolises the flow of communication between us (creation), and God (our Creator). This painting portrays the ebbs and flows of a true relationship, our dynamic with God. 

The movement, the sense of mystery, and the wild colours of creation, all remind me that we worship a living, active God. One who is present, who lives, and is with us in our common home. This piece represents all that to me. 

When it comes to our relationship (prayer, life) with God-sometimes we get a mere glimpse into the depths of God’s love and grace. 

Sometimes we can’t understand God’s intended meaning (Is. 55:8-9) and sometimes we don’t know how to communicate all that we’re experiencing (Rom. 8:26) 

Yet, as we are reminded in this lesson we learn from Zachariah (Luke 1:18-25) our God is trustworthy. We can rest in confidence, knowing that God is consistent in character (Ps. 116:5; Rom. 1:20; Heb. 13:8-16), knows our hearts (Pr. 15:29; 1 Sam 16:7), and knows what’s best for us. The loving Lamb, Jesus, sent by God, advocates on our behalf (Jn. 15:26; 1 Jn 4:14; Rev. 12:11). 

In this way, we find our home in Him. For me, home is not a building, a specific place or even a country. I am at home in the presence of Jesus.

Mish Graham is a Melbourne-based artist whose work is characterised by its vibrant colours and bold brushstrokes that create a sense of movement and evoke an emotive response. Mish's art is inspired by her travels around the world and often emulates nature as symbolism; reflecting the process of living with grief, joy and connection to the Creator. Mish has also recently published a book of poetry, ‘In Any Still Moment’.

This devotional is the eleventh in a series of daily email devotionals for Advent 2023. This year's series reflects on the longing, hope, and beauty of God’s ‘Common Home’ being realised, revealed, and renewed through the birth of Jesus.

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