Tabernacle Prayer

The Tabernacle was the dwelling place of God where He met His people. As they entered the Tabernacle, they passed through seven stations as a protocol to God’s presence. Today, these same steps can help us to connect with God and lead us through important elements of prayer.

1. The Outer Court – "Thanksgiving and Praise"

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name (Psalm 100:4).

As the people of God entered the Tabernacle, they came in with thanksgiving on their lips. Thanking God for all the blessings in your life is a great way to begin. Every day, think of a fresh reason why you love and appreciate God.

2. The Brazen Altar – "The Cross of Jesus"

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s (Psalm 103:2-5).

In the Old Testament, everyone who had committed sin had to bring animal sacrifices. Jesus paid for all your sins once and for all. You simply need to receive the benefits of what Jesus did for you.

• Salvation – God forgives all my sin  
• Healing – God heals all my diseases 
• Redemption – God rescues me from every attack 
• Transformation – God puts His love in me 
• Provision – God provides everything I need

3. The Laver – "Cleansing and Preparing"

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1).

The next step in the Tabernacle was a bowl of water where people could wash. Checking your hearts and motives and then surrendering your life to God is an important part of daily prayer. Here are some ways to keep your heart right with God.

Repent from any known sin. Offer your body to God.

• Your tongue – to speak good and not evil  
• Your eyes – to see God and the needs of others 
• Your ears – to be sensitive to His voice
• Your hands – to do good to others
• Your feet – to walk in God’s ways

Offer your mind to God (Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2).

Ask God to give you the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

4. The Candlestick - "The Holy Spirit"

"The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD" (Isaiah 11:2).

The next piece of furniture in the Tabernacle was a seven-branched golden candlestick. The  fire represents the Holy Spirit. Every day you should invite the presence of the Holy Spirit into your life.

• The Spirit of the Lord
• The Spirit of Wisdom
• The Spirit of Understanding 
• The Spirit of Counsel
• The Spirit of Might
• The Spirit of Knowledge 
• The Fear of the Lord

You should also ask God to give you spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8-10).

5. The Table of Shewbread - "The Word of God"

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:8).

A table with twelve loaves of bread represents the importance of reading God’s Word for daily sustenance. With this in mind, here are ways to nourish your soul:

• Read God’s Word.
• Claim His many great promises.  
• Ask for fresh revelation of the Word.
• Take time to read and meditate on the Word. 
• Get a Word for the day.

6. The Altar of Incense - "Worship"

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (Proverbs 18:10).

A small altar of burning incense stood at the entrance to the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence dwelt. This altar represents worship. The people of God literally entered God’s presence worshipping the Names of God, including:

• God is My Righteousness – Jeremiah 23:6 
• God is My Sanctifier – Leviticus 20:7-8 
• God is My Healer – Exodus 15:26
• God is My Provider – Genesis 22:14
• God is My Banner of Victory – Exodus 17:15 
• God is My Peace – Judges 6:24
• God is My Shepherd – Psalm 23:1
• God is Always There – Ezekiel 48:35

7. The Ark of the Covenant – Intercession

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

The final place in the Tabernacle was the place where God’s presence dwelt. It was there that the priest interceded on behalf of the people. In the New Testament, you and I are all called priests and instructed to intercede for others.

• Those in authority – spiritual, civil, family, and workplace
• My family
• My church – pastor, small group, members, and vision/mission 
• My city, nation, and world
• My needs