Tag: Altar of Incense
Prayer shakes the earth!
Scripture reading for December 10th: Nehemiah 10-13, Revelation 8
Key Scriptures: Revelation 8:1-5 “When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.”
As John looked, the Lamb opened the seventh and final seal of the scroll, thought to be the title deed to the earth. This caused a holy hush that lasted a half-hour to come over all in heaven around the throne. Seven angels who serve God were then given seven trumpets and prepared to sound them. Another angel stood at the altar of incense and with a golden censer, offered incense along with the prayers of the saints before God. The angel then took the empty censer and filled it with fire from the altar and in response to the ascended prayers, cast the coals of fire upon the earth with dramatic consequences. Powerful effects of prayer are felt on earth!
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, we are told in Scripture to be still and know that You alone are God. We are also told to pray without ceasing. Thank You for hearing and answering our prayers that rise with sweet incense before Your throne. Shake the earth and heaven for Your saints!
Nehemiah 12:43 “And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.”
Connecting with God
Scripture reading for July 2nd: Psalms 140-145
David’s life was one of deep trouble and prolonged times of pursuit by his enemies. Often these enemies were from his own friends or family! His brothers were jealous of him and spoke in a derogatory manner about him. His boss, King Saul, tried to kill him and hunted him mercilessly for a number of years. His own wife, Michal, despised him for dancing before the Ark! His son Absalom tried to take his throne by force and hunted him for a time! David developed a habit of prayer that helped him to keep his soul steady and in tune with the Lord. These psalms are written down for us to give us encouragement to pray!
In Psalm 140, David was crying out to the Lord for rescue from evil men. These men had sharp tongues and plotted violence and war against him. David realized that he needed God’s mercy to make it through the battles. He prayed that those who surrounded him would be covered with the trouble that their own lips had caused! (Psalm 140:9) He knew they would reap what was sowed!
In Psalm 141 David asked the Lord to come quickly and help him! He asked that his prayer would come before God like incense. The priests would add incense to the burnt offerings to make the smell of the burning meat more fragrant. As they offered the prayers before the golden Altar of Incense in the Holy Place, the incense on the coals would rise in sweet fragrance to the Lord before the veil. In Revelation 8:3-5, John the Apostle saw an angel offering incense with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before God’s throne. David knew the power of prayer and expected God to help him!
As we read this series of psalms, we realize that we are totally dependent on God. A powerful prayer example is found in Psalm 143:10-11. “Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.