This is the plan I personally use in my prayer life. I often return to this guide online as a resource to help structure my time with God and focus my spirit. For anyone interested in going deeper, I’m including a link to Pastor Anthony Mangun’s book here.
THE TABERNACLE
In Exodus chapters 25–31, God gave Moses specific instructions to build the Tabernacle—a tent-like structure where His presence would dwell. It was located inside a rectangular courtyard, facing east, surrounded by linen curtains and pillars. The tent consisted of two main parts: the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies.
Each piece of furniture within the Tabernacle symbolizes a unique focus in prayer, connecting the Old Testament patterns with our New Testament relationship with Jesus Christ.
Step 1 – THE GATE
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” – Psalm 100:4
Prayer Focus: Begin with thanksgiving. Praise God for His blessings, goodness, mercy, and mighty acts. This sets the tone of reverence and gratitude.
Step 2 – THE BRAZEN ALTAR
This was the place of sacrifice. For a sinful man to approach a holy God, blood had to be shed. Jesus became our ultimate sacrifice.
Prayer Focus: Repentance. Search your heart, acknowledge your sins, and ask God to cleanse you. Thank Jesus for the power of the cross and the gift of forgiveness.
Step 3 – THE LAVER OF WATER
After the sacrifice, priests washed at the laver before entering the Holy Place. It symbolizes cleansing by the Word.
Prayer Focus: Read and reflect on Scripture. Let the Word cleanse, instruct, and renew your mind. Examine your life through the mirror of God’s Word.
Step 4 – THE FIVE PILLARS
These supported the entrance to the Holy Place and represent five names of God in Isaiah 9:6.
Prayer Focus: Meditate on His name: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Ask for a revelation of His character in each of these roles.
Step 5 – THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK
This light source was kept burning by oil—symbolizing the Holy Spirit.
Prayer Focus: Ask for the illumination of the Holy Ghost. Pray for wisdom, spiritual vision, and direction. Invite the Spirit to lead you. “I am the light of the world” – John 8:12.
Step 6 – THE TABLE OF SHEWBREAD
Twelve loaves symbolized God’s provision and desire for fellowship.
Prayer Focus: Thank God for daily spiritual and natural provision. Invite Him to commune with you. Pray for those who feed your spirit: pastors, missionaries, and leaders. Ask to hear His voice clearly.
Step 7 – THE GOLDEN ALTAR OF INCENSE
Incense was offered continually, representing prayer and intercession.
Prayer Focus: Worship the Lord. Let your prayers rise like incense. Intercede for others—family, friends, the church, and the world. Ask for His intervention in every need.
Step 8 – THE VEIL
The veil represented the barrier between man and the presence of God. Jesus’ death tore the veil.
Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you overcome your flesh and step into His presence. Acknowledge that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh and the only way to the Father.
Step 9 – THE HOLY OF HOLIES
Here rested the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing God’s throne. It contained the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod, and the manna.
Prayer Focus: Welcome the presence of God. Thank Him for mercy that covers judgment. Declare His authority over your life. Pray in intimacy and confidence, trusting that God will provide and perform miracles just as He did for Israel.
May this Tabernacle prayer guide lead you deeper into communion with God, transforming your prayer life into a holy journey from the outer courts to the Holy of Holies.
Apostolic Insights 
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