Saints Pray; Angels Play (Revelation 8)

Pastor Bob and Janet
Dec 8, 2017
4 min read

What is prayer, and how important is it to the Kingdom of God? A simple acronym for defining prayer is ACT. First, prayer is an offering to God of our wants (Ask). Secondly, prayer is to be done with a declaration of guilt, specifically, a confession of sins (Confession). Finally, God deserves our appreciation for his great mercy (Thankfulness). Many believers have a very casual prayer life. Some pray in a hurry, some pray only when trouble finds them, and some pray shallow and general prayers. If we, as believers, fully understood how important prayer is to the culmination of the Kingdom of God, our prayer practice would change significantly. Revelation 8 gives us an insight of the importance of prayer. It is a stark reminder that time is short and there absolutely no time for casual prayers. Matthew 7:7 is a familiar verse to most believers, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." The literal translation reveals the necessity of persistence in prayer. It actually means for us to keep on asking, keep on seeking, and keep on knocking. Therefore, an urgency of prayer practice must be captured by all believers. Prayer is so important, and it has a multitude of purposes, one being a preparation for spiritual battle.

I. The Preparation for Battle (vv. 1-4)

Revelation 8 begins with Jesus breaking the seventh seal, and after, there was silence in heaven for about half and hour. The duration of silence is not important, however, the silence itself is what is significant. Silence indicates that there is a sobering wait for something important that is about to happen. In this situation the silence is a definite calm before the impending storm. During this silence, the seven angels are getting their trumpets ready to signal the coming destruction of the earth. Also, during the silence, a team is reading. God's team is composed of the angels and people just like you and me. First the people (saints) must pray. As their prayers are lifted to heaven, the angels mix incense with the prayers, formulating a sweet aroma that went up before God. In this light, it is so important that believers pray. Prayer can make a huge difference, to the point it can change history. "The effective prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much." (James 5:17) What is an effective prayer? An effective prayer is a relentless, specific prayer. Praying specifically for a situation or a person, and praying without giving up is the most effective way to pray. Casual and general prayers are ineffective. Effective prayer will make you ready for life's battles.

II. The Plan for Earth (vv. 5-12)

Parts of the earth are about to be destroyed, yet it is still not too late for those who have continued to reject Christ. Four angels are about to sound their trumpets, signaling four types of destruction on the earth. The first angel sounds, and hail, fire, and blood was thrown to the earth burning up one-third of the earth, including one-third of the trees and grass. The second angel sounded, and a fiery mountain was thrown into the sea, causing a third of the sea to become blood, killing a third of the creatures and destroying a third of the ships to be destroyed. A third angel sounded, and a great star named Wormwood fell onto a third of the rivers and springs. The water became bitter and and many people died because of the bitter water. The fourth angel sounded, and a third of the sun, moon, and stars became dark. Can you imagine the confusion that would cause in nature? The natural balance of nature including animals, people, tides, and even plants will be thrown off course. Even after all these terrifying events, it is still not too late for people to turn to God. However, as the last verse foreshadows, even more destruction will follow. But this time, the destruction will not be limited to the earth.

III. The Warning to People (v. 13)

Verse 13 pictures an eagle flying along the horizon, saying loudly, "Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth because of the remaining trumpet blasts of three additional angels who are about to sound." Time is getting short for the people on earth. Unless people turn to Christ soon, they will die in their sins and be forever separated from Christ. Urgent times require urgent action. This is where the prayers of the saints come in. Our hope, indeed the world's hope, is for believers to urgently pray. It takes a team effort. Believers are a vital part of the team. Make it a priority to pray urgently for those who have yet to receive Christ. Sometimes talking to the lost is not enough. When talk fails, prayer triumphs. Pray with urgency, then listen for the angels to play. Amen.