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| |  | Michael Fox CPCC,
founder of m�agine!,
is a professional
coach and trainer,
author and creative artist, whose work has been featured throughout
the world.
Michael is a
Certified Practitioner
of the
Myers-Briggs
Type Indicator.�
Do you know someone
who might benefit
from our weekly email?
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Prayer and
the Presence of God... |
The Tabernacle was a place of worship ideally suited to the nomadic lifestyle of Israel from the time they left Mt. Sinai until Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem. The tent of the Tabernacle featured two rooms: the Holy Place (15 x 30') and the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies (15 x 15'). The presence of God--manifested by a pillar of fire shrouded within a cloud--emanated from the Mercy Seat within the Most Holy Place. Wherever Israel set up camp, by divine decree, the Tabernacle was erected in its midst. The tents of Israel were set up outside the perimeter of the Tabernacle, oriented so that the presence of God was the first and last sight that greeted the people each day.
Within the Holy Place were the lampstand, the table of shewbread, and the golden altar of incense. It's the golden altar that's relevant to our theme, for in scripture incense is used as a metaphor of the prayers of the people of God (e.g. Psalm 141:2). The golden altar of incense--standing sentry before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place--was the closest the priest could daily come to God's presence. It's a remarkable witness to the truth that prayer is the closest the priesthood of believers can come to God's presence. Perhaps more wondrous is that the veil represented the flesh--and, perhaps more specifically, the incarnation of our Lord. Consequently, when we pray, only the flesh hinders our spirit's spatial communion with God, and "the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5), our Great High Priest, carries our requests before our Father.
Ah, but there's more...
The Jewish priests who served the in the Tabernacle wore an elaborate linen apron called an "ephod." A linen breastplate was worn atop the ephod. The breastplate featured a grid of four rows of three columns with a unique, precious stone in each square. Each of the stones was engraved with the name of one of the twelves tribes of Israel. In this way, the priest silently held the names of the tribes of Israel over his heart when he approached the presence of God: "Thus the Lord will be reminded of his people continually" (Exodus 28:29). The ephod testifies of the integrity of silent intercession on behalf of others. The priesthood of believers can hold an image of another in their minds and thus intercede "beyond words." It's a lovely time with God, for the sake of others.
And, finally...
When I daily "answer the call to prayer" before dawn each morning, I retreat to the quiet of our living room where I can look out the window to the dark woods surrounding our Louisiana home. My mind drifts for a moment to the high priest who but one day a year--the Day of Atonement--was permitted to part the curtain and join God in the Most Holy Place. I wonder, did the space look like a 15x15' room within a tent? Or was the Most Holy Place a portal to the heavenly dimension, a reminder of the time in the garden when earth and heaven were one? Just curious. But the thought opens my imagination to the possibilities of resting with God in prayer, in communication and in communion "beyond words."
What, from your perspective, does prayer look like?
What is the essence of prayer?
What's your practice of prayer?
Where's the "do-better" place?
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Michael Fox
m�agine!
530/613.2774
407 Myrtle Drive
Farmerville, LA, USA 71241 |
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In addition to personal and professional coaching,
m�agine! specializes in spiritual transformation coaching,
employing its proprietary models
--Values, Vision, Voice and Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength--
as well as
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator� curriculum
published by CPP, the People Development People.
Michael's books include
Complete in Christ,
Complete in Christ Spiritual Transformation Workbook,
and Biblio�files.
Coaching fees are based upon a sliding scale. Contact us for details.
For additional information, visit our website at maginethepossibilities.net.
Limited scholarships are available for spiritual transformation coaching.
On the flip side, if you are able, please inquire about opportunities
to fund scholarships for those who cannot afford coaching fees.
View our archives!
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