03/21/2024
This morning I was moved by the Spirit into a time of passion and devotion that led me into a special time of prayer. Passionate prayer brings us close to God and allows us to feel his power and glory like nothing else. Every hair on our body stands up when this happens, sometimes we cry, sometimes we laugh, and sometimes we simply can’t speak at all or just moan in prayer. If there are some among us who need an example of passionate worship we can turn to Revelation 4 where we find an illustration of passionate worship and praise. Do you worship, praise, and pray passionately to the Lord?
“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”
Revelation 4:8-11 KJV
This scripture contains words which are used as lyrics in many songs, but one in particular called "The Revelation Song" thrills my very soul whenever I hear it. This song is one of the most inspired worship songs written, and if you are ready to praise him... here is a link.
https://youtu.be/0HC08NgsPqA?si=9wfcgAOfPbDNyIhr
Another revelation in the 4th chapter that will make us call out to Him is in the second verse and comes after John is called to enter heaven; it reads:
“And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.”
Revelation 4:2 KJV
In this scripture John reveals to us that he immediately entered into the spirit... He had taken on the passion of prayer and worshiped instantly. Such is the presence of God that we, as believers, can't be near Him without worshiping Him in spirit. The gift of the Holy Spirit is more than just a gift for the here and now... It is a preparation for our very entry into heaven... How wonderful!!
Pastor E.M. Bounds wrote about this too when he said…
"What zeal! The ministry of prayer, if it be anything worthy of the name, is a ministry of passion, a ministry of intense longing after God and His holiness." – E.M. Bounds
So as we move through this Holy Week let's open ourselves up to the Holy Spirit, and pray with passion as we seek God with an intense longing. Let's lift up our savior Jesus Christ and sing to Him words of praise and thanks... For through Him we will one day stand with heaven's host before the throne and cry out in passionate prayer "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come!” We will do all of this because of the suffering, sacrifice, and victory over death of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Are we ready to add passion to our worship and prayer?
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,”
Psalm 63:1-5 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the passion you instill in us for worship and prayer. Thank you for every hair that stands on end as we come into your presence, and for your glory that catches us up as we call out to you and pray unto you. Thank you Holy Father for your Son Jesus who lived, died, and was resurrected so that we might stand in your presence for all eternity in worship. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who fills us as we pray and for the heavenly host with whom we find ourselves saying, and singing, “Holy, Holy, Holy are you our God who was, and is, and is to come.” Help us Lord to move passed the mundane prayers of someone fulfilling a religious obligation, and into the passionate and fervent prayer of disciples who are caught up in an overwhelming love and admiration of you, and Jesus Christ. Hear us as we worship you today, and feel the passion in our prayers as we humble ourselves before you. You are merciful and full of grace Father, and through Christ, and in the name of Jesus, we ask that you find us worthy of dining at your table, and being raptured into your presence forevermore.
On this Easter Sunday, we ask that your Holy Spirit fill us with amazement, awe, and wonder, as we worship you and your Son Jesus. We thank you for His cleansing blood, His rapture, your forgiveness, and the promise of his certain return to bring us before you. This is the season of amazing grace, and we pray passionately with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength for the return of Jesus.
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.”
Revelation 22:20-21 ESV
Rich Forbes