New Testament: Rev 8.3–4

To read the Bible in a year, read Revelation 8 on December 17, In the year of our Lord Christ 2022

By Don Ruhl 

When Jesus opened the seventh seal of the scroll that he had taken from the Father, a half hour of silence followed. From the opening of the Book of Revelation to Revelation 8.1, constant sound occupied the text. Something silenced heaven. 

Seven angels stood before God. Someone gave them trumpets, but the angels did not sound their trumpets yet (Revelation 8.2). Next was this: 

Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.

– Revelation 8.3–4 

Another angel appeared and mixed the prayers of the saints with incense, and the sweet and pleasing aroma of it arose before God. This is why a half hour of silence happened in heaven. God stopped everything to hear what his children had to say to him. 

Do you understand how much God wants to hear from you? If you pray regularly, are your prayers merely for the flesh all the time? Speak to the Father without ceasing and let matters of the spirit be your primary concern. 

Questions: 

• How much of your prayers are for things of the flesh? 
• How much of your prayers are for things of the spirit? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com