Partners in Prayer
Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God in the angel’s hand. (Revelation 8.3-4)
The seven trumpets of judgment are set to begin in Revelation 8. But before the judgments, are the prayers of the saints! The picture of these prayers – here in Revelation 8 and in chapter 5 also – is that of the smoke of incense. I like what the NIV Quest Study Bible says of this metaphor:
“What does a golden censer have to do with prayer? This is a container for burning incense. Both this passage and Psalms (141.2: Let my prayer be counted as incense before you) link prayer with burning incense, since both ascend heavenward. This image of prayer as incense appears before both the seals (5.8) and the trumpets (8.3-6), emphasizing the power of prayer to bring God’s intervention.”
Child of God, when you wonder if your prayers make any difference, remember that your prayers, together with the prayers of all the saints, are part of God’s plan to bring about the fulfillment of his reign. Do not give up praying! And do not despair of praying even small prayers. Your prayers are being kept in heaven and will one day be poured out before God.
Like we teach our children about saving money: a little bit, over a long period of time, adds up to a significant amount. This is especially true of our prayers, for they are joined with the little bits of others who are praying, too. So, keep making your investments in prayer! Be faithful in the small prayers and the big ones. They are all being captured by God for his glory!
Father in heaven, thank you for the privilege of prayer. Thank you for the power of prayer. Thank you for the mystery of prayer. Help me to be faithful to join my prayers with billions of others in faith and in praise to you. Amen.