Revelation 7:13-8:5
As we move into Revelation 8, the seventh and final seal is opened by Jesus. This act reveals the next set of judgments, the trumpet judgments. These seven judgments are much worse than what we've seen thus far. They're more intense, more devastating, more destructive. As soon as the seventh seal is opened and before the trumpet judgments begin, we're told that heaven falls into complete silence for 30 minutes (perhaps an indicator of the terrible judgment to come or to allow the prayers of the saints to be heard?). In the middle of this ominous silence, the saints who are around the throne are praying, and we're told their prayers rise up before God.
So what does this passage tells us about the importance and power of prayer? What does it show us about God receiving our prayers? Tami W.
To me it says two things.
Firstly, that God listens to prayers, the prayers went up before God.
Secondly, that God is happy to hear our prayers as they go up with incense, they are accompanied by a sweet smell, they are attractive to God.
I will continue to pray.
Bless us all dear Father.
Prayer is so important in our lives. Remember when God spoke to Abimelech concerning the return of Sarah, Abraham's wife? God said to Abimelech, " Now therefore restore the man his wide; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine." Genesis 20:7 (KJV)
In Luke 18:1 it says, "And He (Jesus for emphasis) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint." (KJV)
So God the father and God the Son have shown us the importance of prayer, how powerful it is. So when we pray let us follow Jesus' example. He was always praying for His people and we too must pray for not just our family and friends but for the whole world. We are all His children and must pray for each other that that He will open our hearts that all may serve Him, Our Maker and give Him all the praise and thanks because all glory and power belong to Him and Him alone.
May God be with us and may His blessings fall on us and may we share with others our love and kindness. May He always be our Shield and our Guide.
This is the Throne of Grace we're encouraged to come to in Heb 4:16 "Let us then with confidence (boldly in KJV) draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. A new incentive to prayer!
Great thoughts on prayer. I have been quietly playing praise music from a well known website the last few days at home and in my office. It has really been helping me stay more in tune and remember to pray. I'm not good at spending a long period of time praying, but I do send up "whisper prayers" from my heart as people or things come to mind. It's very heartening to know that God does receive our prayers. They are so special He even stops and listens.
I think too it is important to pray for all people everywhere. I read a verse once that said pray for everyone first, then for our rulers that they rule with love and peace. And of course the prayer Christ taught us when He was on earth: "Our Father". It is interesting that these prayers will bring an earthquake to earth in the seventh seal.
Prayer is important for several reasons. But, we must remember that Jesus taught the disciples the pattern for prayer. It MUST BE important, for Jesus to include it in His teachings, considering His short time for teaching us on earth.
Jesus has shown us the manner in which to pray, and there are reasons for each line of the so-called "Lord's Prayer." If we dissect each portion of Jesus' prayer, there is a perfect reasoning in each one.
I once heard a "not so wise" preacher suggest that, in reality, we simply pray to hear ourselves talk, and to motivate ourselves, not really needing for God to hear us. Sorry, but this is rubbish, as I could assure him that I pray fully knowing I'm communicating and fellowshipping with my Master, as instructed in the Bible, by Jesus. I don't care about "the sound of my own voice", as I only care to hear "the sound of HIS VOICE."
On a lighter note, whenever I have asked my husband to pray for me about anything, He has often said, "well, you need the prayer, and I need the practice." Truth is, we all the prayer, and we all need the practice!
We are promised GOD WILL HEAR, and we have seen in Revelation, how important are the prayers of the saints (as incense)! How beautiful! Let's keep the prayers going up, as incense to the Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is the intercessor for us!
Tami, I pray for you, and Back To The Bible.
You have been a blessing to me.
I have am going through a personal crisis and going through monthly archives (Silence in Heaven)..it reminded me how important it is to be prayerful..I know GOD is speaking to me through this because the words spoken to me at our "Prayer Session" was..GOd wants you to pray to him and ask him for whatever your needs are..Thank you..you are a blessing!!!!