Tag: Revelation 8:12-13
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.””