Reverently Stored

Posted bymusingsofmanettekayPosted inChristian Living, Devotional, Prayer, ResourcesTags:, , , , , ,

Several times, I have written about prayer, approaching it from different Scriptures and perspectives. I have offered a free Bible study on prayer that can be found here. Today, we’ll examine prayer from the vantage point described in the book of Revelation.

“He went and took the scroll out of the right hand of the one seated on the throne. When he took the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and golden bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:7-8, CSB).

Pause, and genuinely think about the vision described. Golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Look at the photo above. Now, imagine God saving every word of adoration, expression of gratitude, cry for help, every wail of brokenness entrusted to him, and uncounted pleas for mercy. He collects and saves them all as a fragrant aroma. They are not a stench but rather a pleasant tantalizing smell.

The depth of that symbolic image is beautiful and humbling. It reflects a facet of God’s position towards his people. The imagery speaks of how highly God values our prayers—he treasures them!

This image brings to mind a person tucking away written words from a beloved. Maybe you have some notes, cards, or letters from your spouse, a parent, child, grandchild, or dear friend. Maybe it is an unexpected word of encouragement or praise from a teacher or employer. Whoever it’s from and wherever you have it stashed, the reason is the same—you value the sentiment expressed. When you touch it, look at the handwriting, and re-read it you are blessed with a fresh surge of “happy” brain chemicals and hormones from being loved, appreciated, or valued.

God wants to hear and receive your prayers. From this passage, we see how he views our prayers. He values them and reverently saves them.

Prayer
Father God, thank You for hearing our prayers. Oh, how rich your love is toward us. Thank You for showing how much You treasure our earnest communications. Holy Spirit, help us to love others with the same grace and mercy extended to us. May our lives then reflect the goodness and purity of God so the name of Jehovah is lifted above all other names. Hallelujah and amen.

Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.

Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.

Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.

Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.


Photo of brass pot by Stephanie Harvey on Unsplash.
Textual prayers added by Manette Kay.

Published by musingsofmanettekay

Sharing bits of memoir in the format of devotionals, prayers, short stories, and occasionally a poem.

16 thoughts on “Reverently Stored”

  1. Excellent, Manette Kay. I’ve enjoyed the prayer study you’ve freely shared with us. It analyzes key prayers from the Bible and I recommend it highly! As for the prayers of God’s people, it occurred to me once that these are like grandma’s refrigerator—you can hardly see the doors because of all the artwork (presented there) from her grandchildren.
    Have a blessed day, and thank you for your blog ministry.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. It is quite a lovely blessing to think of Almighty God treasuring my prayers, my wee head just can’t understand that at all. All I can do is bow in admiration and love of Him. Thank you for this meditation Manette, may our Father God bless you today.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I wrote this post several weeks ago and today I was thinking how much “reverently stored” is also like the teacher saving my daughters note.

      There is much I cannot comprehend about God even with the graphic visual language He provides through the Bible. It often feels like just a peek at His wonder. I join you in bowing with greater adoration of Him. Blessings brother, Alan.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. “The depth of that symbolic image is beautiful and humbling”
    I echo that Manette. No matter our age, mental capacity, abilities or inabilities, we can add to that bowl until our dying breath.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. An interesting quote I came across in a friend’s blog: “Whenever you pray, expect instructions, not answers. You should KNOW that your prayers are answered.” – Nkongho Nkwako Anang

    Liked by 2 people

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