A priest in Old Testament times upon coming to the tabernacle would stop at the gate where he would praise God. As we enter into prayer we need to first come to a place where we stop and praise God. "I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart and I will enter His courts with praise." (Ps 100:4)
Next the priest would come to the alter for Sacrifice. Here the priest would offer up a sacrifice as an atonement for sins. We also must confess all unconfessed sin to God. Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."
The priest then would come to the Laver (Sea) which was a great bowl where he would wash himself. We also need to wash ourselves with the "Christian's bar of soap" found in 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness." Through a prayer of confession and asking God to cleanse us, we are then ready to enter into the tabernacle.
The priest would come to the veil of the tabernacle which was the entrance. Again he would praise God. Psalm 100:4 "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
The priest then entered in to the room where the Golden Lamp Stand, the Table of Shew Bread, and the Alter of Incense was kept. As we spend time in God's word His word becomes "a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). His word will help us to pray that we will be the light of the world that He commands us to be in Matthew 5:13-16. As we read His Word and spend time in prayer we realize that Christ truly is the Bread of Life as John 6:48 says; 48 "I am that bread of life." Through our prayer time we grow as a sweeter and sweeter fragrance to God. The alter of Incense gave off a sweet fragrance but God said because of Jesus so do we. 2 Corinthians 2:15 "Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God, which is recognized by those on the way of salvation"
Finally the priest would enter the Holy of Holies. Here he would talk with God and bring his petitions before God. Mark 11:24 "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." James 5:16 "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." God filled the room in the Holy of Holies. The Holy Spirit wants to fill you with His presence. Acts 4:31 "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness."
Enter today into this wonderful time of prayer as you pray your way through the tabernacle. It will be a rewarding time of you meeting with God and being filled by His Spirit. May God richly bless your prayer time.
Till Every Youth and Child Knows,
Pastor Adam Colson
Assistant Pastor
