I love the story of the annunciation of the Birth of John the Baptist because it tells us what prayer is all about. We know from sacred scriptures that his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were advanced in age. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Elizabeth was barren. In the Jewish culture of that time, not having a child was a disgrace. We can just imagine the pain that the couple went through.

What I admire the most about the Zechariah and Elizabeth was their perseverance, especially when it comes to prayer. As a priest, I am sure Zechariah did not fail to worship God. He went to the temple every Sabbath. In the same way, Elizabeth was also a prayerful woman. For years they prayed and prayed for a child. However, as time went by, it seemed like that request was not going to be granted. But they never gave up. Zechariah continued to be a faithful priest offering sacrifices and the prayers of the people. After much perseverance and courage, God heard his prayers. God gifted them with a son, who we know as John the Baptist.  Zechariah was initially skeptical; “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years,” he asked the Angel Gabriel. That’s was a valid question was it not? That was a very human response.

In reflecting on what transpired in the life of Zechariah and Elizabeth, I believe they serve as an example of prayer. In our prayer, we offer not only our praise and    thanksgiving to God, but we also make our needs known to God. We learn from their story that we must be faithful to our prayer life. We must be persistent. Elizabet hand Zechariah did not give up even when it seemed like their request was not answered. Rather they persevered. They knew that God would answer their prayer at the proper time, in God’s time and in God’s mysterious ways. They believed that God was always with them. To those who are faithful in prayer, God will show His mercy and be always mindful of His covenant.

During this time of a pandemic, we might feel like Zechariah and Elizabeth when it comes to prayer. I am sure there are times when we feel like giving up on our prayer. Questions like: When will God hear us? Will God put an end to this pandemic? When would this end? But we learn from the saintly couple, let us persevere even when we feel like losing hope. Let us be faithful even times are rough.

Prayer is not a one-time deal. Prayer is a way of life. Prayer is about cultivating a deeper and stronger relationship. It is about knowing that God is always with us. It is about trusting and resting in the God who loves us dearly. It is about acknowledging that God is the great Lover and we are His beloved.