The angel tells Zechariah his prayer has been heard, seemingly his prayer for a child, whether or not he had been praying for this at that moment in the temple. The Lord cares about our domestic burdens, and bygone prayers are not forgotten. Even if Zechariah were praying for the salvation of Israel at this time, both prayers are answered: the child would be a blessing to Israel, preparing the way for the Lord! The Lord does abundantly more than we ask or think.