Power and Privilege of Prayer: Prayers, Intercession, and God's Decrees

Revelation 8:3-5's picture of the saints' prayers mixed with incense by the angels before ascending before God, and then being joined with the fire from the altar and cast down to the earth is a wonderful encouragement to the Christian about the power and privilege of prayer. The prayers of all the saints (6:10), though imperfect, are mixed with incense (intercession), presented to God, and He uses them to carry out His decrees. In ways that we do not understand, God uses the prayers of saints to carry out eternal decrees.

"Our prayers may make little impact to those who hear them in this world, but when they reach heaven, they are sent back, in George Herbert's phrase, as 'reversed thunder.' The power of prayer is truly immense!"—Derek Thomas

This passage is taught and discussed in a relatively brief study hour session and in preparation for Don Whitney's visit to teach on the motive for and a method of prayer. The session also discusses the importance of the daily reading of the whole Scriptures, and done interactively and prayerfully.