Intercession, Incense, and Fire

 Ezekiel 20-21, Psalms 111; Revelations 8 

“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…Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came…an earthquake.”

Revelation 8:3-5

In what ways do the prayers of the saints contribute to the judgments of God upon the earth?

God has limited himself to cooperating with the prayers of his people. Yet it is God himself who guides and inspires these prayers of intercession so that they reflect his will. However, for us to fully cooperate with God’s purposes and kingdom mission on earth, our prayers must be refined from the dross of selfish, self-centered values. 

Would we be able to so cooperate with God’s purposes that our prayers would confront the idolatry, rebellion, and bondage of our cultures and communities?

Would we, like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness at the cost of rejection and persecution, even by the religious community around us?

The incense of intercession and the fire of God’s holiness are a powerful combination.

“Lord Jesus, I humble myself before you. Pray your kingdom prayers through me, for your glory and mission on earth as it is in heaven.”