The Fragrance Of Our Prayers
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Revelation 8 and Psalm 129 (NIV)
(Debbie Lee Lodge from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Psalm 129:5-8 and Revelation 8:3-5 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
This psalm is one of the Songs of Ascent which refers to the physical ascent of pilgrims to Jerusalem for festivals. As the psalmist trudged upwards towards the temple for worship, he reflected on the long history of Israel’s suffering and her oppression by her enemies. Verses 5-8 articulate the prayer that the existence of God’s enemies will be like grass that withers and that they will never receive His blessings.
Rev 8:3-5 shows us a heavenly scene in which the prayers of all the saints are offered together with incense on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers, went up before God from the angel’s hand and He heard these prayers.
APPLY:
- These verses assure me that my prayers count and matter in the spiritual realm. Prayers for the salvation and well-being of my loved ones and friends, prayers for the pastors and ministries of the church, prayers for the last and least, prayers for His people undergoing persecution, – all ascend before God and He hears and answers according to His will.
- When things are not going well, it’s not the end and I have to trust His perfect timing to bring about justice and righteousness.
DO:
- Persevere in praying for the salvation of loved ones and not give up
- Exercise faith that God hears my prayers though sometimes it seems that He doesn’t
- Trust in God’s sovereign will in all things
- Praise God for His almighty power, both in creation and destruction
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, please help me to submit to Your will in all circumstances, trusting that in Your perfect time, You will make all things right.
