The Fragrant Partnership of Prayer (2024)

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• Greg Boyd

In Revelation 5, John’s vision includes the 24 elders holding up bowls of incense, which are our prayers. Greg explores four aspects of prayer, specifically intercessory or petitionary prayer. He addresses how prayer can be natural, its purpose, why it is urgent and the mystery of prayer’s outcomes.

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In Revelation 5, the 24 elders—who represent all God’s people—give back to God the thrones and crowns that God had given them. They’re being caught up into the eternal out-pouring dance of the triune God. They do this by singing (represented by harps) and offering prayers (represented by the bowls of incense). In this sermon, Greg focuses on what it means to participate in this dance through prayer.

There are many kinds of prayers, but the kind of prayer reflected here is usually referred to as intercessory prayer or sometimes petitionary prayer. Greg address four aspects of this kind of prayer.

First, he discusses the naturalness of prayer. Prayer is simply communicating with God to effect change in the world. In principle, it is no different from communicating with someone next to you about something. No special religious language is needed. We can talk with God in the same way we speak in our normal lives. The Bible tells us to do this “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Prayer is something that can be as natural as breathing because we are always in God’s presence and therefore can always communicate with him.

The second point is the purpose of prayer. It is important to note that prayer isn’t tugging on God’s arm to get him to do something he wouldn’t otherwise do. It is about us partnering with God so that God can do something God already wants to do. Jesus taught us we are to pray so that God’s will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. Its purpose is to pull the Kingdom of Heaven down to earth in particular situations.

The third aspect is the urgency of prayer. Things really hang in the balance on whether or not God’s people pray. John Wesley, one of the two founders of Methodism, went so far as to say, “God will do nothing except in response to prayer.”

The fourth point is about the mystery of prayer. If prayer is so urgent and makes a difference in the world, why do we not consistently see our prayers making a difference? Some blame God because he is in control of all things and therefore it must not be his will to answer our prayer. Others blame those who pray, saying that they lack faith. Neither is correct. Prayer releases a kingdom influence into a situation, but it is not magic. It is a non-coercive influence of love. Therefore, it doesn’t magically cancel all the other variables that affect a situation. It may push back on evil, but it doesn’t unilaterally cancel the ability of free agents, both human and angelic, to work at cross purposes with God. The mystery of prayer is the mystery of praying in an infinitely complex universe. We can’t ever know why things unfold the way they do. But we do know God, and we are called to trust his character when he tells us to partner with him to change the world through prayer.

Prayer is what the people of God do as God’s friends. We simply talk to God to bring about God’s will on Earth where other wills abound. Let us never forget this most natural aspect of our life in Christ.

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Topics: Prayer, Presence of God, Spiritual Warfare

Sermon Series: Good Heavens!

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Focus Scripture:

  • Revelation 5:6-9

    Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song...

For Further Reading:

Destined for the Throne by Paul Billheimer

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  1. The Fragrant Partnership of Prayer (9)Jerry says:

    Sunday July 28, 2024 at 11:22 am

    I’m just looking for a copy of the handout Greg said that we could get on iur way out of today’s service.

    Reply

    1. The Fragrant Partnership of Prayer (10)Charley Swanson says:

      Sunday July 28, 2024 at 11:37 am

      Sorry about that, Jerry. We added it just now, and you can find it in the “Documents & Resources” area above. Or, just click here.

      Thanks for praying!!

      Reply

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The Fragrant Partnership of Prayer (2024)

FAQs

The Fragrant Partnership of Prayer? ›

It is about us partnering with God so that God can do something God already wants to do. Jesus taught us we are to pray so that God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. Its purpose is to pull the Kingdom of Heaven down to earth in particular situations.

What is the aroma of prayer? ›

Burning incense made a most grateful and delicious perfume. Frequently in the Scriptures, acceptable prayer is described as producing before God a sweet fragrance. "The Lord smelled a sweet savor" is the Bible way of saying that God was pleased with the worship rendered to him.

What is the prayer for the fragrance of God? ›

“Dear Jesus, help me to spread Your fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Your spirit and life. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly, That my life may only be a radiance of Yours.

Are our prayers a fragrance? ›

God takes delight in our prayers. It's as if when we pray, our prayers are collectively gathered together into golden bowls full of incense, and carried to the very throne of God in heaven. Our prayers rise up as a fragrance heaven bound.

What are the guidelines for prayer partnering? ›

GUIDELINES FOR PRAYER PARTNERING!

Keep a record of answered prayer. Claim Scripture promises as you pray. Keep prayer times conversational; pray in short sentences or paragraphs. View pauses or silence as a normal and positive aspect of your time together.

What aroma pleases God? ›

The Aroma of Our Repentance

In addition to burning incense, Israel was also required to sacrifice certain types of animals to atone for their sins. But, again, it wasn't the aroma from the sacrifices that pleased God as much as what it represented: repentance, clean souls, changed lives (Leviticus 1:9, 13; 2:2; 23:18).

What does the Bible say about fragrant aroma? ›

Then you listen to Ephesians 5: “Therefore be imitators of God, beloved children, and walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us a fragrant offering.” It's almost the exact same Greek from the Septuagint. A pleasing aroma and sacrifice to God.

What does fragrance mean spiritually? ›

Since fragrance has a direct relation with the spirit, Sufis consider it to be an expression of spirituality and spiritual inspiration. Sufi mystics consider the universe's bounties as manifestations of divine beauty and signs of the universal creator, among whose most sublime creations is fragrance.

What is the holy scent? ›

Frankincense was used to portray the priesthood of Jesus. The list goes on. He still shows up in that way today. Many people have smelt various smells when the anointing of God is in the place. Corinthians 2:15 says we show our lives as a sweet savor or perfume to lead others to Him.

What Scripture says about the fragrance of worship? ›

Second Corinthians 2:15 compares our lives to a sweet savour (or perfume) unto the Lord. The fragrance of it gives testimony to those around us, both saved and unsaved. Like the perfume of Tabernacle worship, our lives need salt, purity, and holiness.

What does the Bible say about prayer partners? ›

Even Jesus himself suggested that this strategy brings exceptional power. He said, “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

What makes a good prayer partner? ›

When you have a prayer partner, you share personal things about your life that should not be broadcasted to the world. Before you spill your gut to someone, make sure that person not only has high moral and spiritual standards, but that he or she is trustworthy with your requests.

Can 2 people pray together? ›

The minimum number of people required for the Congregational Prayer to be valid is two. In the Congregational Prayer, Imam will read Surah Al-Fatiha and then any surah of the Quran aloud except for zuhr and Asr prayer.

What does the aroma of God mean? ›

In 2 Corinthians 2:15, Paul describes those who receive the Word of God and embrace Jesus as their Savior as the “pleasing aroma of Christ.” Through their faith, they spread this sweet scent to others by sharing the gospel with those who need to be liberated from the decaying stench of spiritual separation from God.

What are the five senses of prayer? ›

In each contemplation, use all your senses. Imagine the tastes, smell, sounds, feel and sights in the story.

What is the oil of prayer? ›

Understand that the anointing oil is simply a channel for believers today to release their faith in the finished work of Christ. As such, there is no need to obtain any special oil. Normal olive oil can become anointing oil once it has been consecrated, or prayed over and set apart.

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