And you, child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, For you will go before the face of the Lord to make ready his ways,
What prayer? For years he had been praying, "Lord, please give me a son." It really gives to us encouragement for persistence in prayer. He didn't give up. Even though he was now old. Well stricken with years. He was still praying, "Oh, Lord, I'd love to have a son."