When you Pray, Say...
Here's a guide to the Tabernacle Prayer:
Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and also an earthly sanctuary. 2 A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now.
6 When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. 7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. 8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. 9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! - - Hebrews 9:1-14
THE GATE – PRAISE
The Main Gate
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His Courts with praise.” (Ps. 100:4 NIV)
Thank God for all that He has done in your life. Be specific.
Praise God for what you know He will do in your life.
THE OUTER COURT – PARDON
The Brazen Altar
“Indeed...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Heb. 9:22 ESV)
Plead the Blood of Jesus over your life and soul.
The Bronze Laver
“....just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25–27 NKJV)
Confess any sin that comes to mind – big or small – and seek forgiveness. THE INNER
COURT – PETITION
The Table of Shewbread
“Give us this day our daily bread...” (Matthew 6:11 NKJV)
Request provision spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
The Golden Lampstand
The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him...wisdom...understanding...counsel and might...knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.” (Isaiah 11:2 NKJV)
Invite the Holy Spirit to rest upon you in each of these ways.
The Altar of Incense
“[The angel] stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” (Rev. 8:3 NKJV)
Believe that your prayers are arriving at the throne of God – being heard. Therefore, petition Heaven accordingly!
THE HOLY OF HOLIES – PRESENCE
The Ark of the Covenant
Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need....having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus...through the veil, that is, His flesh...let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” (Hebrews 4:16; 10:19–22 NKJV)
Boldly but reverently, engage with the presence of God – casting shame aside and inviting His involvement, guidance, and direction in every aspect of your life.