THE EFFECTIVE PRAYER LIFE
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: (Amos 9:11)
The word ‘tabernacle’ appeared for the first time in the English Bible in Exodus 25:8-9 where God commanded Moses to build Him a tabernacle that would serve as His sanctuary and dwelling place. The tabernacle in Amos 9:11 should therefore refer to a place, a tent or a temple for the worship of Jehovah. The word tabernacle is also synonymous with house of God, house of prayer, and church.
THE TABERNACLE OF MOSES
Moses’ tabernacle was the first tent of Jewish worship in the Bible. The tabernacle consisted of three main compartments – the outer court, the holy place, and the most holy place. The order of worship required the priest to maintain the fire of God continually on the altar of sacrifice situated at the outer court (Lev.6:12-13). The order of worship also required the priests to maintain the burning of incense (signifying prayer, Psalm 141:2) at the altar of incense situated in the holy place. Only the high priest was allowed into the most holy place once in a year (on the Day of Atonement). Much of what took place in the tabernacle of Moses had to do with rituals of atonement, material offerings, washings, and prayer. Musical worship or praise might have been restricted to the outer court or gates (Psalm100:4).
After the children of Israel crossed the River Jordan, they erected the tabernacle at Gilgal were it remained for seven years (Joshua 4:19). It was afterwards removed to Shiloh (Joshua 18:1) where it remained during the time of the judges, until the days of Eli, when the ark was captured by the Philistines in battle. The ark was never restored to its original place in the tabernacle. The old tabernacle erected by Moses was transferred from Shiloh to Nob and later to Gibeon; it is mentioned for the last time in 1Chron.21:29.
THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID -- A BALANCED OR ROBUST PRAYER LIFE
A new tabernacle was erected by David at Jerusalem (2Sam.6:17, 1Chron.16:1), and the ark was recovered from perez-uzzah and deposited in it (2Sam.6:8-17, 2Chron.1:4). David, being a prophetic musician, took it upon himself to ensure the inclusion of quality musical worship into the order of worship in the tabernacle. David ensured that while the regular fire and incense of prayer continued in the tabernacle, quality musical praise and worship was also offered nonstop. In essence, while God received worship through the fire and incense from the physical temple, He also received quality musical worship from human temples (the musicians).
David organized the families of Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun to minister in music before the Lord continually in the tabernacle (1Chron.25:1-6, 1Chron.16:37, Ezra 3:10). These men were no mean musicians. The Bible records that they also functioned as the king’s seers. They led their families to minister to the Lord in shifts, thereby ensuring a praise and prayer saturation of the tabernacle. God enjoyed quality and unceasing ministry of praise and prayer in the tabernacle of David.
The tabernacle of David in essence is a house of God or a church where prayer and musical worship or praise are offered sufficiently and in equal proportions.
Unfortunately, after David’s transition, Solomon could not sustain this order of continual praise and prayer in the tabernacle. Other physical tabernacles (Solomon’s, Zerubbabel’s, and Herod’s) have been erected after David’s, but none could match the quality of praise and prayer ministrations of the tabernacle of David.
Today, God longs to rebuild the tabernacle of David in the Body of Christ. The Almighty God longs for a balanced combination of quality prayer and quality praise from His Church. A church that concentrates on prayer or praise alone is a one-handed church. A believer that does the same is a one-handed or handicapped believer. A church or a believer that combines the two (prayer and praise) in sufficient and equal proportions will enjoy a robust and fulfilled prayer life.
(1). Manifestations of a Robust or effective Prayer Life
1. The believer who has a robust prayer life is in regular touch and fellowship with God. Such a believer will be current with God.
2. A robust prayer life is highly refreshing and satisfactory to the praying soul.
3. The believer who has a robust prayer life obtains regular testimonies and results in prayer.
4. A robust prayer life is word-based; therefore, the believer who has a robust prayer life feeds on God’s word regularly.
5. A robust prayer life is the product of a balanced life of praise, worship, and prayer.
6. A robust prayer life is the product of a committed intercessory life -- a life of prayer donation.
7. A robust prayer life is the experience of a Christian who is regular at his or her personal prayer or worship altar.
8. One who has a robust prayer life will experience an ever-increasing burden for prayer and soul winning.
9. A Christian that enjoys a robust prayer life makes holiness and integrity a way of life
10. One with a robust prayer life does not struggle in prayer or perform mechanical prayers. Rather, his/her prayer and praise are spontaneous or automated.
11. A Christian with a robust prayer life is an encouragement to the prayer life of other believers. Such a fellow influences others to pray.
12. A Christian that enjoys a robust prayer life also enjoys the unhindered operations of spiritual gifts in his/her life.
