And when he (the Lamb) had taken it (the scroll), the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
OBSERVATION
In this chapter there is a common theme of sincere and passionate worship. There are three songs that come in waves of greater intensity, building a crescendo, performed by three different groups: the 4 creatures and 24 elders, the myriads of angels, and every creature in the world. The first song is rendered by those who are the closes to the throne of God, the 4 creatures and the 24 elders, who worship the Lamb of God for the great things He has done. And as they worship, they each carry a harp and a golden bowl full of incense. John tells us that they are the prayers of all the saints.
APPLICATION
Today I'm reminded of a powerful pattern of proper worship before the Lord. A harp and a bowl of incense must be at hand when bowing before God in intimate worship. With the harp we express our most deeper emotions and true self. We need to connect our heart with our worship to God. We cannot go simply through the motions. We also need to bring before God a golden bowl full of incense, the prayers of the saints. My prayers before the Lord are precious enough to be in golden bowls, and I need to regard other people' prayers in the same way.
On Wednesday we are calling people to come and pray before God and expect a powerful move of the Holy Spirit in their lives. We are combining it with worship because of the patterns we have discovered in the Scripture. But more than anything, we must come with a sincere heart heart attached to our worship. Very easy to be distracted and loose focus. Also we need to have a high regard for the prayers of people. Worshipping God in such powerful way will create a welcoming atmosphere for the Holy Spirit to glory Jesus and to release His mighty power in our lives.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, help me and our church to understand the patterns that create a powerful environment for your glory to dwell. Help me to prepare myself and our people to expect a powerful touch form you as we worship you with sincere hearts and bring our prayers with faith. Give me a greater sense of focus and purpose as I lead people in prayer and worship before your throne. Holy Spirit, please come and join us in our worship so you glorify Jesus among ourselves. Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment