08/31/2021
As Saints we pray, and God hears us, but our prayers are much more than sound waves that rush outward, growing weaker and smaller, like the ripples of a stone cast into a pond, losing their momentum as they go until at last they lap like tiny ineffective kisses on some distant shore. No, our prayers are powerful, have substance, and are joined with incense before the throne of God. They are offered to Him, carried upward in Holy smoke that rises from a Golden censer… an offering made to God. Even the most insignificant of these becoming mighty as they precede the sounding of the seven trumpets, and protect the Saints from what follows.
“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.”
Revelation 8:3-4 ESV
We go to our prayer closets, walk into the wilderness, or climb a distant mountain, to pray, but even in these places where we think that none but God can hear us, our prayers are heard in Heaven, have great effect, and are gathered in the hands of His angels, to be offered to Him at the appointed time. Then, at the moment of their offering, they are like sweet kisses on the feet of God, and are destined to caress His cheeks as they swirl about Him. Our prayers have weight, they have effect, and are powerful beyond the simple desires we voice within them. Their strength is multiplied by our faith, trust, and the belief we have in God to act upon them.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 ESV
As the incense burns, and the smoke carries our prayers upwards, we have made a righteous offering to Him. They are the complex prayers of the Bible scholars, and the simple prayers of children. These are our prayers as believers, lifted up in intercession for others; our prayers, wept in contrition as we cry out for forgiveness; our prayers, as they seek God’s mercy, goodness, and provision; our prayers, as we share the cup of grace that Jesus has prepared for us with others; our prayers, that plead for Jesus to come swiftly; and our prayers, that simply by being spoken, are the essence of our faith.
“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
James 5:13-16 ESV
No matter the prayer we speak, it gathers all its power from one amazing source… our belief in God, and our faith in Him to answer. So as long as we believe in Him, ask of Him in conjunction with His will, and do so in the name of Jesus, God will hear, be glorified, and answer us.
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.””
Psalm 50:14-15 ESV
Are we ready to make more than just a verbal request of God, but to make an offering that it pleases Him to receive, and brings Him glory?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the substance of our prayers, and for allowing us to reach out to you in our trust and belief as we make an offering of them upon your golden altar, and desire to bring you glory through them as you answer us. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who longs for our prayers, and is glorified through them. Praised be your name for hearing us, healing us, and answering us in every way as they are woven into your will, and you are lifted up and made the focus of our lives by them. You are merciful Father, and answer us when we pray. Your grace pours forth from Jesus as He intercedes for us, and leads us in our intercession for others. Mighty are you, and unending the love you lavish upon us. We pray for forgiveness, and your wash us in the blood of your Son Jesus. We pray for understanding and you breathe your Holy Spirit upon us, and we pray to be with you for all eternity, and you stand us on Calvary where we hear your Son pray for us. May our prayers never end, and your mercy and glory be made complete in them.
Rich Forbes