Once again, God's Word speaks.
Ever wonder what God does with all your prayers? Get ready to be BLOWN AWAY!
I'm working my way through the book of Revelation... Word-by-Word. This morning, I read Rev. 5:8,
"Now when He (The Lamb of God) had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden GOLDEN BOWLS FULL of INCENSE, which are the PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS."
WOW! All the prayers we pray are so sacred to the Lord that He intentionally holds each prayer, not in wooden bowls or even silver bowls, but GOLDEN BOWLS in heaven. He refers to each prayer as "Incense" - A Sweet Aroma. Reading on, I come to Rev. 8:1-6,
"When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. So the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound."
As these golden bowls fill up, the prayers are mingled with incense creating a pleasing aroma to God. Imagine this moment, as the bowls begin to spill over, an angel takes the censor dipped in incense and prayers, and showers the fire of God to the earth.
God quickly reminded me of 2 Chronicles 7:14... "God said, 'If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.'"
The "fire from the altar" is the power of God released from heaven to change the earth. As our prayers are lifted to God, the golden bowls are filled until they reach a point when the bowls tip and pour out God's power and provision on the earth.
When God's people pray earnestly, the "effective, fervent prayer of the righteous" avails much (James 5:16). This is not begging God, but BELIEVING HIM in all things. Allowing the Holy Spirit to spiritually lead our prayers is key to a fervent and intentional prayer life. So that, in God's perfect timing, He mixes our prayers with the fire of God (His Power) and cast them back down to earth.
God designed prayer for all believers to participate with Him in eternity while we are still on this earth. I must admit, I fail in so many ways as a "fervent prayer warrior." But, through God's Word this morning, He ignited a fresh fire on prayer in my heart and soul.
To be honest, 2020 tested my prayer life in many ways. I've found myself waking up in the middle of the night literally crying out to God on behalf of our country and the election. Even in the midst of praying, doubt would flood my mind as God reminded me to trust Him even though we don't see results. I wavered back and forth as I continued to pray for His will to prevail. Honestly, in my lifetime I've never seen so many believers coming together in prayer and crying out to God for His Will to prevail in this country and election. Believers are waking up in the middle of the night crying out to God for our country to turn back to Jesus. Even yesterday, I cried out, "Lord, please hear the cries of Your Children!" Again, unzipping my heart, in the midst of praying a slight doubt was in my heart."
UNTIL THIS MORNING! God, through His Word, reminded me that all His Children's prayers are being collected in the golden bowls to mixed the sweet aroma of incense that will be ignited with the fire from God's altar and thrown to earth in God's perfect timing.
Today, I encourage all of us to pray for the Senators and Representatives who will be meeting tomorrow, Jan 6. Together, let's fill the Golden Prayer Bowls asking God to stir the heart of each Senator and Representative to personally seek the truth in the election fraud and to vote honestly and selflessly. Pray for Light to shine in the dark areas and for TRUTH to prevail! Please pray for Senator Cruz who is leading a pack of Senators who oppose the electoral vote. I also HIGHLY encourage you to send an email or call your Senators and Representative to voice your opinion on voter fraud and the integrity of the 2020 election. If you need the names, numbers, and emails please message me and I will send them to you.
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16