The Prayers of the Saints | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Prayers of the Saints | Previous Challenge Entry
By Chris Miller
10/30/05
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Agonizing over her rebellious son, a mother knelt at her favorite chair. Her well worn Bible lay on the cushion beside her, as she cradled her face in her arms. “How long, O, Lord, will it take for Shane to come to you? Please work in his life. I can’t bare the thought of his spending eternity without You.” Hours passed as she pleaded for her dear one’s salvation. She prayed John 3:16 back to her maker as she reminded Him of His precious promises. As she wrestled in prayer, a sweet aroma rose to the very throne room of God. Joining with millions of other petitions, her heartfelt moaning found its way to a golden bowl, resting in the presence of the Lamb of God. The incense of those prayers filled the heavenly realm as the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders
fell down before the throne of God in unceasing worship.

Running to catch the daily bus, a missionary found a place to stand amidst the crowd of city dwellers, headed for work. He looked around at the cold, hardened faces. Certainly, he’d realized before his career began that Europe was a difficult field. He just didn’t understand how difficult until he actually began ministering. It seemed as if so many people he met were closed to the Gospel. “Use me, Lord,” he cried out to his Father. “Send an open heart my way. Allow me the joy of leading a hurting soul to your throne.” He continued in earnest pleading as the bus door opened and closed upon the lost sheep of this crowded Belgian city. Tears stung his eyes as he leaned again the center pole. How his heart broke for these people. Rising to the heavens, his prayers joined those of all other saints, as they blessed the Father with their fragrance.

Staggering through the jungle, the kidnapped couple thought back to their life before captivity. Now, they were herded through the dense foliage at gun point. Without adequate food and water, they plodded along, nonetheless. Perhaps they would someday be rescued and returned to their children back in the United States. Meanwhile, together, they joined their voices in petition to their Lord and Savior. “Protect us, Lord. Please let us live to see our children again. Meanwhile, use us in the lives of these terrorists. Let Christ shine through us, so they will know that there is one true God in heaven. Bring justice to our cause. Bring glory to Your name. We love you and serve You gladly, even in our pain.” The rich, luxurious scent of sacrificial supplication filled the golden bowl to overflowing. Incense ascended before God, Himself, and filled heaven with its intoxicating aroma.

The mother, the missionary, and the kidnapped couple continued in earnest prayer. Although they saw no immediate response to their cries for help, they faithfully trusted their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The perfume of praise thrilled the heart of God and inspired the resonant choruses of all the heavenly creatures: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”

Based on Revelation 5 and 8

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