Revelation 8:3-4 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 from the angel’s hand.

Prayers themselves are an offering to God. This is something that is sometimes included in the language of prayer, in my experience more frequently in Japanese than in English, but I wonder how much understanding there is of it. I know that frankly, I have very little understanding. Prayer is an incredible privilege, but at the same time it is a mystery. What impact could the words of frail, foolish human beings have on the omniscient, omnipotent Creator of the universe? However, it is clear both from Scripture and experience that prayer does have an impact. This is a major factor in prayer with fasting. God doesn’t need our prayers, and more than He needs the food we forgo eating, but He receives them as an offering, the “fruit of our lips,” as it says in Hebrews 13:15. That verse specifically speaks of praise, but all genuine prayer is an acknowledgment of who God is, and as such is holy and acceptable in His sight. Everything from joyful prayer to anguished prayer is acceptable on God’s altar, which should be sufficient reason in itself for all God’s children to pray frequently and fervently.

I started by saying that I have little understanding of prayer as a sacrifice to God, but He has opened my mind and heart as I have written. I have delighted in prayer, but I need to be even more active in it. This is the best push I’ve ever had for “filling in the gaps” in my day with prayer. I won’t be vulnerable to temptation when I’m actively praying! I’ve been given the gift of tongues, so I can be praying when my mind needs to be occupied with something else. I already do that when driving, but I need to do it much more. Prayer without ceasing is an effective way to keep all of me on the altar, submitted and committed to God.

Father, thank You for this revelation from Revelation this morning. Help me do far more than just add it to my knowledge base, so to speak. Help me put it into practice indeed. The opposition to what You are doing in this church is ramping up, and I need to be fully active in obedience to You. I pray for physical and spiritual protection for each member of this body, that each one may make it safely through the trials they experience and grow strong in faith and obedience to You. May we as a church offer the sacrifices You desire, in full love and commitment, for Your purposes to be accomplished in and through us for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!