Tuesday, 13 July 2021

Prayer of the saints

 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. - Revelation 8:3

 

This particular angel had a golden censer. From that censer a lovely aroma of incense arose. With that lovely smoke were the prayers of the saints.

 

So how does that fit in with what we know about prayer? What does this image mean?

 

Our prayers go up to God like the fragrance offerings under the Law. They are a sweet smelling savour. They are precious to Him.

 

What makes this so precious is that God enjoys hearing from us. He please Him when we talk to Him. I kind of understand that. I am always thrilled to hear from our kids, no matter what the reason. It hurts when we don’t hear from our children. When the phone rings and it is one of them it is exciting.

 

God treasures contact with us. Even when we do with heavy hearts at lease we are going to Him. All through the ages our prayers have pleased Him

 

Why then is it so hard for us to pray? Why do we see it as a burden? Why do we find ourselves trying to squeeze in time to pray? Shouldn’t we want to honour Him? Our prayers are not a burden to Him. He delights in hearing them and answering in His will. 

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