Tag: prayers
Prayer and fire on the earth!
Scripture reading for December 11th: Revelation 8, Psalm 96, Proverbs 29
Revelation 8: 1-5 “When the Lamb opened the seventh seal; there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Then I saw 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.”
John sees the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, open the seventh seal of the scroll He had received from God the Father. As this seal is broken, the silence of holy reverence and expectation fills heaven for half an hour. There is a waiting upon the Lamb for the next movement of God. Seven angels standing before God were given seven trumpets. Another angel with a golden censer came to offer incense before the throne. We are told that this incense was offered with the prayers of the saints before God. On earth, in the temple of God, priests offered incense and intercession before the curtain on the altar of incense. Now in heaven, John sees the reality before his eyes. After the prayers rose, the angel took fire in his censer from the altar and cast it to earth. There was fire and shaking in response to the prayer!
Psalm 96:10 “Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You that You reign eternally! Your are just and true in all Your judgments! You hear and answer prayers and they rise to you as sweet incense, pleasing to You because they are offered in faithful trust. We believe Your Word that You will answer on earth prayers offered to You in heaven. Through the Holy Spirit, empower me to pray today and touch heaven for those still needing salvation.
Proverbs 29:14 “If a king faithfully judges the poor, his throne will be established forever.”
Prayers affect heaven and earth!
Scripture reading for December 12th: Nehemiah 10-13, Revelation 8
Revelation 8:1-4 “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.”
Today’s reading gives us insight on what happens to our prayers in heaven. As the priest went before the altar of incense with prayers and incense in the earthly Jewish tabernacle, so an angel presents our prayers with incense as they are offered before God’s throne. The response to these prayers was the angel taking his censer and filling it with fire from the altar and hurling it on the earth. The result of this response brought thunder, lightning and an earthquake on the earth itself. God is powerful and answers prayers. He is holy and brings justice for those who depend on Him and call to Him. Prayers touch heaven and God shakes the earth in response! What amazing grace!
Revelation 8:12-13 “The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun was struck, and a third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of their light might be darkened, and a third of the day might be kept from shining, and likewise a third of the night. Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow.”
Prayer: Father God, I love You and depend on Your power and mercy through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me when I fail to pray about everything or doubt Your hearing or ability to answer. Lord God, remember Your children who are calling on You for help and deliverance from the evil and persecution here on earth. May I fulfill my calling as a priest before you and remember me for good.
Nehemiah 13:29-31 “”Remember them, O my God, because they have desecrated the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites. Thus I cleansed them from everything foreign, and I established the duties of the priests and Levites, each in his work; and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God for good.””
Pleasing God through prayer!
Scripture reading for June 28th: 1st Kings 7, 2nd Chronicles 4, Psalm 44, 1st Timothy 2
1st Timothy 2: 1-6 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is testimony given at the proper time.”
Paul instructed Timothy to teach and urge believers to live a life of prayer and intercession. We are dependent people who have little strength in ourselves. But we have been given the privilege of prayer and the urging of God to ask, seek, and knock on behalf of ourselves, our leaders, and all people. Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s and it is an act of faith that truly pleases God. God desires all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth and He also wants us to lead quiet and peaceful lives that reflect His presence with us to a lost and dying world. They are the true treasures God seeks from us and His creation.
Psalm 44:25-26 “For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly clings to the ground. Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of Your steadfast love!”
Prayer: Father God, I hear Your call to us to pray and thank You for all people and for those in authority that we might live a quiet and peaceful life and bear witness of Your presence with us. Let me never forget that You want all men and women to be saved and come to the Truth of Jesus Christ. Even in hard times and persecution, I will call upon You for help and power to declare the Truth of the Gospel.
1st Kings 7: 51 “Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord.”
Prayers go up–power comes down!
Scripture reading for December 13th: 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 their 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, an an earthquake.”
As the last of the seven seals is opened, all of heaven quieted down to a complete silence. All heaven was waiting in eager anticipation for the next unfolding of the revelation of Jesus Christ. John was looking and saw seven angels given seven trumpets. Another angel stood at the altar before the throne and had a golden censer in his hand, ready to offer the incense that was given, along with the prayers of the saints. As the incense was offered up from the hand of the angel, the censer was filled with coals from the altar and he cast them upon the earth. The result was lightning and thunder and a great earthquake that shook the earth. The point is that our prayers have great power to move heaven to act on earth!
Revelation 8:6-7 “Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them. The first angel blew his trumpet, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, these were thrown upon the earth. And a third of the earth was burned up, and a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father God, thank You for the great privilege of prayer and for hearing our prayers and answering. You are so faithful and true to Your Word that if we call upon You, You will answer. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit to empower me to pray more effectively and to see your kingdom and power released upon the earth in these last days that souls might be saved and judgment averted.
Revelation 8:13 “Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow.”
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.”
Peace through prayer!
Scripture reading for June 26th: 1st Kings 7, 2nd Chronicles 4, Psalm 44, 1st Timothy 2
Key Scriptures: 1st Timothy 2:1-6 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”
Paul urged Timothy to be a man of prayer and lead God’s people in prayer. Prayers should be given for all people and especially for those in positions of authority. God is pleased when His people exercise faith through prayer and grants answers that lead to peace and the ability to share the Gospel message with all men. Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and men, but believers must appeal to Jesus on behalf of all men! The treasury must be filled with precious souls!
1st Kings 8:51 “Thus all the work that King Solomon did on the house of the Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David his father had dedicated, the silver, the gold, and the vessels, and stored them in the treasuries of the house of the Lord.”
Faith confession and prayer: Lord, empower me to be a man of prayer who leads your people in prayer. Thank You for Your promises of peace and the salvation of men and women through the Gospel.
Psalm 44:8 “In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to Your Name forever.”
Prayers that shake the earth!
Scripture reading for December 10th: Revelation 8, Psalm 119-20, Proverbs 30
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.”
God loves the prayers of His people! The Scripture says that our prayers are like incense offered in a sweet-smelling savor to our Lord. When we call on Him, we honor Him and He will answer and deliver what we need. During the final day of God’s wrath, prayers will be offered and God will answer with actions on earth that shake the world!
Faith Confession: Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to answer our prayers and prayers of Your people everywhere. Thank You for the Holy Spirit who enables us to pray according to Your perfect will.
Proverbs 30:5 “Every Word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.”
Become a man of prayer!
Scripture reading for September 25th: 1st Timothy 2
“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 come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men– the testimony given in its proper time.” (1st Timothy 2:1-6)
Pastors (and all believers) must base their ministry upon prayer! Praying for those in authority is a priority. At the time of Paul’s writing, he was in prison under Nero, a very wicked Roman emperor. We must pray for leaders, whether good or evil! This is because we desire a quiet and godly life and freedom to share the Gospel with all men. God wants all men, even the evil and wicked, to be saved. This was Jesus’ mission and the reason for His sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus’ present ministry is one of prayer as well. He is the only Mediator between between God and man. He is presently seated on the throne of Heaven at the Father’s right hand. (Hebrews 4:14-16) Pastors must build their ministry on prayer for all men in order to please God and obey Christ. Only through Christ can sinners be drawn to Christ (John 6:65) and laborers sent into His harvest field. (Luke 10:2)
“I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” (1st Timothy 2:8) All believers must become people of prayer. A right relationship with others keeps the line open with the Father! Let’s go for it!
Peter’s at the door!
Scripture reading for May 21st: Acts 12
Have you ever prayed for hard for something that seemed impossible? Were you ever shocked when the answer came, knocking at your door? This scenario happened as the early church experienced a wave of persecution that brought about the execution of one of the original disciples, James, and the imprisonment of Peter by King Herod.
King Herod arrested and executed James immediately. He saw that this was pleasing to the Jews, so he then rounded up Peter and intended to execute him too. Peter was imprisoned and guarded by four squads of soldiers. This motivated the church to pray earnestly for Peter. ( Acts 12:5)
“The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.” (Acts 12:6-7)
The angel had Peter get dressed and led him through the previously locked gates and the final gate opened by itself! This was so amazing that Peter though he was seeing a vision! The angel left him safely outside the gate and Peter made his way to Mary’s house, the mother of John Mark. The church was meeting there and praying as Peter knocked on the door. A girl named Rhoda answered the door, heard Peter’s voice and ran back to tell the others, “Peter’s at the door!” They thought she was crazy! As Peter knocked, they finally opened to find him and hear his story! Meanwhile, Herod grilled the guards about what happened and had them all executed!
When the church prays, God can do miracles! Let’s press in!