I Know this Prayer

Scripture: Another angel, with a golden incense burner, came and stood at the altar. He was given a large amount of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up in the presence of God from the angel’s hand. The angel took the incense burner, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it to the earth; there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. Revelation 8:3-5

Observation: In heaven, the prayers of the Lord's people rise before him like a fragrant offering. In this time, an angel takes those prayers, mixes them with burning incense, and ... initiates the destruction of all mankind. Hurling this mix of components initiates all kinds of disasters, followed by the terrible trumpet blasts (destruction of life, poisoning of water, damage to the sun and stars, with the last three being the great woes).

This absolutely begs the question, what were God's saints praying? What is being asked for that, when mixing it with fire from the alter of heaven, results in this reaction? Honestly, the answer seems clear. The Lord's people - who have been witness to the terrible actions of non-believers for years, and especially during the time of the seven seals - are praying for the end. They actually want it all to stop and be cleansed, society brought down to nothing, turned over to the will and judgment and mercy of the Lord, and nothing more.

Application: I know this prayer. I have said this prayer, though at other times I have also prayed for peace, patience, and more time delivering good news to the poor in spirit. But like I said, I know this prayer. I know the prayer that asks begs Jesus to come again, right now, and take us away. I know the prayer that calls to the Lord to make himself known with power and righteous might, smiting all evil and wiping out evildoers. I know the prayer that declares we are okay with the death of billions and the destruction of mankind's earthly 'stuff', so we can all just be with the Lord in heaven. I know the prayer that hopes the tribulation is real and we are taken away before the Lord lays waste to the evil of this world, but is actually okay with whatever the process is as we have hope in eternal joy. I know the prayer that, if ignited by holy fire and put into action, would put every disaster into motion.

There will come a time when the Lord's people - the saints who know Jesus as their Lord and savior - will speak this prayer with such vigor that the Lord will respond. That time is not yet, but it seems too close.

Prayer: Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth, today I am sad for your creation and what it will go through someday. May all of use who have placed our faith in you be in your hands at all times. I resign myself to your love and your protection; in fact, that is the perfect place to be. Thy will be done. Amen.