Angelic Worship- good

“Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand,” Revelation 8:3-4, NIV.

The book of Revelation is a challenging read. There are as many opinions as there are chapters. But it is a book that comes with a promise if we read it. So I have read it many times, because I love God’s promises.

Not that I have a full understanding of John’s vision, but I have learned enough to grasp its big picture.

There is a lot of power in our prayers and worship of God. The angels and heavenly beings understand that, it’s just we humans who are slower to comprehend the full and powerful meaning of prayerful worship.

Worship is declaring that God is who He claims to be. That God is indeed worthy of our dedication and the denial of ourselves. As we come before His throne room, we bow not only our heads, but our hearts, our wills and our ways, and become God’s obedient servants. We ready ourselves to do God’s bidding.

Our worship of God are our prayers of thanksgiving to and for Him, with and without music. Are we worshiping God like this? I know it’s been a struggle for me, for I get in the way—my thoughts, my way, my needs.

But do we realize that our prayers, and worship of God delight Him? Do we know that the prayers of His people are burnt on the altar of heaven creating a pleasing aroma? Do we realize angels hold our prayers and worship?

Think about that—the angels gather around our prayers of thanksgiving.

What if they are attracted to our earthly worship as well?

We know angels are messengers of God. Some fight, others protect God’s children. But they are always worshiping God.

What if on a Sunday morning (or Saturday night), as we begin to praise God for who He is, and angels are listening? What if they are drawn to participate with us?

I think if angels are drawn into worship of our Almighty God, and fill our sanctuaries, demons probably are not present. How can they be? With a mighty force of men and angels praising and thanking God, demons most likely wouldn’t want to be amongst this stronghold of believers.

And if they are, they are at bay.

Worshipping God isn’t just singing a song; it’s declaring who God is, and surrendering our lives once again to Him. What opposing foe can stand up to a heavenly moment, that smells like burning incense, that pleases our creator God?

This kind of worship has no substitute. We can’t force or mimic heavenly worship, hoping to recreate it. True worship is authentic, organic and real. And when it happens—wow. We need to enter our times of worship with this attitude:

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,” Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭28‬ , NIV.

We need to constantly be praying for those who lead us into worship that their hearts are right and true. Their responsibity is precious.

Our responsibility after we worship, is action. To do what God has asked us to do, with love and peace. For we are called, before action begins, to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. And to live in peace with mankind, (Gal.3:15).

After all, isn’t this why we gather together? To thank God for who He is?

Father,

We praise You. We worship You to the point of our complete compliance. We need You with every cell of our bodies, for who is there above You?

Help us choose to celebrate You as we sing, pray, and listen to Your Spirit as He speaks through Your servants, our pastors.

Help us to love You so completely that it draws us closer to Your glory.

Help our worship smell good.

We all know when it doesn’t. We are fully aware of the games we play in pretending. Forgive us for our mockery.

Teach us to fully surrender our will for Yours. Teach our churches to be fully Yours, so our prayers and worship matter.

Amen.