In Revelation 5, John’s vision includes the 24 elders holding up bowls of incense, which are our prayers. Greg explores four aspects of prayer, specifically intercessory or petitionary prayer. He addresses how prayer can be natural, its purpose, why it is urgent and the mystery of prayer’s outcomes.
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The Fragrant Partnership of Prayer
• Greg Boyd
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In Revelation 5, the 24 elders—who represent all God’s people—give back to God the thrones and crowns that God had given them. They’re being caught up into the eternal out-pouring dance of the triune God. They do this by singing (represented by harps) and offering prayers (represented by the bowls of incense). In this sermon, Greg focuses on what it means to participate in this dance through prayer.
There are many kinds of prayers, but the kind of prayer reflected here is usually referred to as intercessory prayer or sometimes petitionary prayer. Greg address four aspects of this kind of prayer.
First, he discusses the naturalness of prayer. Prayer is simply communicating with God to effect change in the world. In principle, it is no different from communicating with someone next to you about something. No special religious language is needed. We can talk with God in the same way we speak in our normal lives. The Bible tells us to do this “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Prayer is something that can be as natural as breathing because we are always in God’s presence and therefore can always communicate with him.
The second point is the purpose of prayer. It is important to note that prayer isn’t tugging on God’s arm to get him to do something he wouldn’t otherwise do. It is about us partnering with God so that God can do something God already wants to do. Jesus taught us we are to pray so that God’s will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. Its purpose is to pull the Kingdom of Heaven down to earth in particular situations.
The third aspect is the urgency of prayer. Things really hang in the balance on whether or not God’s people pray. John Wesley, one of the two founders of Methodism, went so far as to say, “God will do nothing except in response to prayer.”
The fourth point is about the mystery of prayer. If prayer is so urgent and makes a difference in the world, why do we not consistently see our prayers making a difference? Some blame God because he is in control of all things and therefore it must not be his will to answer our prayer. Others blame those who pray, saying that they lack faith. Neither is correct. Prayer releases a kingdom influence into a situation, but it is not magic. It is a non-coercive influence of love. Therefore, it doesn’t magically cancel all the other variables that affect a situation. It may push back on evil, but it doesn’t unilaterally cancel the ability of free agents, both human and angelic, to work at cross purposes with God. The mystery of prayer is the mystery of praying in an infinitely complex universe. We can’t ever know why things unfold the way they do. But we do know God, and we are called to trust his character when he tells us to partner with him to change the world through prayer.
Prayer is what the people of God do as God’s friends. We simply talk to God to bring about God’s will on Earth where other wills abound. Let us never forget this most natural aspect of our life in Christ.
Hide Extended SummaryTopics: Prayer, Presence of God, Spiritual Warfare
Sermon Series: Good Heavens!
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The MuseCast: July 30
Prayer Card for upcoming sermon series
Focus Scripture:
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Revelation 5:6-9
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, 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 God’s people. And they sang a new song...
For Further Reading:
Destined for the Throne by Paul Billheimer
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"I've been a WH podrishioner for several years now and I can't tell you how much it has changed my life. I came across these podcasts at a time when I was in an extremely unhealthy/abusive situation, and these teachings were immensely influential to me maintaining my faith and sanity. THANK YOU for showing me what a Jesus-looking God is like and what it means to follow Him. Many, many blessings to all of you!"
– Christina, from Oregon
I’m just looking for a copy of the handout Greg said that we could get on iur way out of today’s service.
Sorry about that, Jerry. We added it just now, and you can find it in the “Documents & Resources” area above. Or, just click here.
Thanks for praying!!