“When God Seems Silent” | Megan Fate Erickson

>> In my quiet times >> In my quiet times between me and the Lord between me and the Lord between me and the Lord I picked back up an old assignment I had I picked back up an old assignment I had I picked back up an old assignment I had back back back at school where for 150 days I pray 150 at school where for 150 days I pray 150 at school where for 150 days I pray 150 Psalms. Psalms. Psalms. One per day. And here's how I do it. One per day. And here's how I do it. One per day. And here's how I do it. I read the Psalm. I read the Psalm. I read the Psalm. I consider my life I consider my life I consider my life and what that Psalm rises up in me. and what that Psalm rises up in me. and what that Psalm rises up in me. And then I read the Psalm again, but the And then I read the Psalm again, but the And then I read the Psalm again, but the second time I pray it. Sometimes it pulls out of me Sometimes it pulls out of me laments. laments. laments. Sometimes it pulls out of me great joy, Sometimes it pulls out of me great joy, Sometimes it pulls out of me great joy, sometimes it brings confession, sometimes it brings confession, sometimes it brings confession, sometimes it brings sometimes it brings sometimes it brings longing. I love this rhythm with the Lord. I love this rhythm with the Lord. And I'll tell you in doing this type of And I'll tell you in doing this type of And I'll tell you in doing this type of quiet time with the Lord quiet time with the Lord quiet time with the Lord something happens to me as I pray. something happens to me as I pray. something happens to me as I pray. But here's the question.

But here's the question. But here's the question. What happens to the prayers? Does it Does it touch God, but ultimately it's just for touch God, but ultimately it's just for touch God, but ultimately it's just for me in that moment? I mean, it gets to God, right? I mean, it gets to God, right? All of them? I'm going to go and ask you a few I'm going to go and ask you a few questions, maybe you haven't questions, maybe you haven't questions, maybe you haven't Is there anything that you've prayed for Is there anything that you've prayed for Is there anything that you've prayed for for a very long time? for a very long time? for a very long time? Nothing seemed to happen, so you just Nothing seemed to happen, so you just Nothing seemed to happen, so you just stopped praying it. And maybe for you, if that is you, maybe And maybe for you, if that is you, maybe it's not because you suddenly stopped it's not because you suddenly stopped it's not because you suddenly stopped believing in God, but it felt like believing in God, but it felt like believing in God, but it felt like silence is his answer. Do those prayers silence is his answer. Do those prayers silence is his answer. Do those prayers just disappear? just disappear? just disappear? Do they hit the ceiling? Do they hit the ceiling? Do they hit the ceiling? This series in the book of Revelation This series in the book of Revelation This series in the book of Revelation pulls back the curtain of what is and pulls back the curtain of what is and pulls back the curtain of what is and what will happen in heaven as history is what will happen in heaven as history is what will happen in heaven as history is unfolding on earth. And as we turn to unfolding on earth. And as we turn to unfolding on earth. And as we turn to Revelation chapter 8, we see the power Revelation chapter 8, we see the power Revelation chapter 8, we see the power of prayer.

of prayer. of prayer. I appreciated how Shawn intro'd the I appreciated how Shawn intro'd the I appreciated how Shawn intro'd the entire series talking about the entire series talking about the entire series talking about the assumptions we make coming into it cuz assumptions we make coming into it cuz assumptions we make coming into it cuz there's a lot of different ways that there's a lot of different ways that there's a lot of different ways that people read the book of Revelation. And people read the book of Revelation. And people read the book of Revelation. And he talked about how this book is not he talked about how this book is not he talked about how this book is not just written just written just written to us, it's written ultimately for us. to us, it's written ultimately for us. to us, it's written ultimately for us. It was written to a group of people. It was written to a group of people. It was written to a group of people. John's audience is experiencing extreme John's audience is experiencing extreme John's audience is experiencing extreme persecution for refusing to call the persecution for refusing to call the persecution for refusing to call the Roman Emperor king because they believe Roman Emperor king because they believe Roman Emperor king because they believe that that title king is just reserved that that title king is just reserved that that title king is just reserved for Jesus. Which led to another for Jesus. Which led to another for Jesus. Which led to another assumption. What's the point of the book assumption. What's the point of the book assumption. What's the point of the book of Revelation? of Revelation? of Revelation? To reveal To reveal To reveal Revelation to reveal Revelation to reveal Revelation to reveal Jesus. The chapter we're at, chapter 8, The chapter we're at, chapter 8, is after a lot of built-up anticipation is after a lot of built-up anticipation is after a lot of built-up anticipation of the prayers of God's people. This is of the prayers of God's people. This is of the prayers of God's people. This is the chapter where we see God the chapter where we see God the chapter where we see God respond to them. respond to them. respond to them. For context, if you're just catching up, For context, if you're just catching up, For context, if you're just catching up, chapter 6, chapter 7, things are chapter 6, chapter 7, things are chapter 6, chapter 7, things are happening. The seals that Shawn talked happening. The seals that Shawn talked happening. The seals that Shawn talked about 2 weeks ago, six out of the seven about 2 weeks ago, six out of the seven about 2 weeks ago, six out of the seven have been opened. The people who have have been opened. The people who have have been opened. The people who have been murdered for their faith in chapter been murdered for their faith in chapter been murdered for their faith in chapter 6 are crying out, "How long 6 are crying out, "How long 6 are crying out, "How long are the people that killed us just going are the people that killed us just going are the people that killed us just going to go on living, God? How long is their to go on living, God? How long is their to go on living, God? How long is their evil just going to allow How long you evil just going to allow How long you evil just going to allow How long you going to let it happen?"

going to let it happen?" going to let it happen?" Which by the way, just as an is not a Which by the way, just as an is not a Which by the way, just as an is not a part of the message. That chapter 6 part of the message. That chapter 6 part of the message. That chapter 6 verse 10, those prayers of those verse 10, those prayers of those verse 10, those prayers of those martyrs, changed my prayer life in a martyrs, changed my prayer life in a martyrs, changed my prayer life in a significant way when my late husband significant way when my late husband significant way when my late husband Randy went to heaven. I was convinced Randy went to heaven. I was convinced Randy went to heaven. I was convinced that he could no longer see us on heaven that he could no longer see us on heaven that he could no longer see us on heaven and he was just busy worshipping Jesus. And then I read about the martyrs And then I read about the martyrs talking to Jesus talking to Jesus talking to Jesus while looking at Earth. while looking at Earth. while looking at Earth. I'll tell you, I still remember that I'll tell you, I still remember that I'll tell you, I still remember that night night night that I read that for the very first that I read that for the very first that I read that for the very first time. time. time. I wrote out my prayers as if Randy was I wrote out my prayers as if Randy was I wrote out my prayers as if Randy was reading them, too. Like Like do our prayers really touch or watch this touch or watch this affect affect affect what happens in heaven? So, there's this anticipation that's So, there's this anticipation that's building. What's going to happen? We building. What's going to happen? We building. What's going to happen? We have this seventh seal. And I'll tell have this seventh seal. And I'll tell have this seventh seal. And I'll tell you, the people of God have similar you, the people of God have similar you, the people of God have similar expectations to us and it's this.

The similar expectation to even the The similar expectation to even the people who are in heaven and it's this. people who are in heaven and it's this. people who are in heaven and it's this. Everyone expects Everyone expects Everyone expects chapter 8 chapter 8 chapter 8 an immediate response. an immediate response. an immediate response. And here's what they get. And here's what they get. And here's what they get. Revelation Revelation Revelation chapter 8. Hey, pay attention. I don't chapter 8. Hey, pay attention. I don't chapter 8. Hey, pay attention. I don't want to have to read it like five times. want to have to read it like five times. want to have to read it like five times. You guys got it? You guys got it? You guys got it? But I'll tell you, when they handed me But I'll tell you, when they handed me But I'll tell you, when they handed me this one, I was like, here we go. this one, I was like, here we go. this one, I was like, here we go. >> [sighs and gasps] >> [sighs and gasps] >> [sighs and gasps] >> You ready? >> You ready? >> You ready? You don't look ready. You look like No, You don't look ready. You look like No, You don't look ready. You look like No, okay. Cuz it doesn't look like you're okay. Cuz it doesn't look like you're okay. Cuz it doesn't look like you're going to pay attention the first time. going to pay attention the first time. going to pay attention the first time. Like, I'm going to have to say it once Like, I'm going to have to say it once Like, I'm going to have to say it once and then you're going to be like, I lost and then you're going to be like, I lost and then you're going to be like, I lost Wait, what did you say? You know, like Wait, what did you say? You know, like Wait, what did you say? You know, like just first time. Here we go. just first time. Here we go. just first time. Here we go. When he, that's Jesus, When he, that's Jesus, When he, that's Jesus, opened the seventh seal, opened the seventh seal, opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about there was silence in heaven for about there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. half an hour. half an hour. What? What? What? Did you know that happened? Did you know that happened? Did you know that happened? Uh, Uh, Uh, >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> [sighs] >> I didn't. >> I didn't. >> I didn't. And I saw the seven angels who stand And I saw the seven angels who stand And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were before God, and seven trumpets were before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. given to them. given to them. Another angel who had a golden censer Another angel who had a golden censer Another angel who had a golden censer came and stood at the altar.

came and stood at the altar. came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer with He was given much incense to offer with He was given much incense to offer with the prayers the prayers the prayers of all God's people on the golden altar of all God's people on the golden altar of all God's people on the golden altar in front of the throne. in front of the throne. in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with The smoke of the incense, together with The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God's people, went up the prayers of God's people, went up the prayers of God's people, went up before God before God before God from the angel's hand. from the angel's hand. from the angel's hand. Then Then Then the angel took the censer, filled it the angel took the censer, filled it the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth, and there came peals of on the earth, and there came peals of on the earth, and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of thunder, rumblings, flashes of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. lightning, and an earthquake. lightning, and an earthquake. This entire chapter revolves around one This entire chapter revolves around one This entire chapter revolves around one question: What happens to our prayer? question: What happens to our prayer? question: What happens to our prayer? And John gives images. And John gives images. And John gives images. The four we're going to highlight today The four we're going to highlight today The four we're going to highlight today are the silence, are the silence, are the silence, altar, altar, altar, fire, fire, fire, and then and then and then a wait. John doesn't explain prayer.

John doesn't explain prayer. He lets us watch it. He lets us watch it. He lets us watch it. First, First, First, the silence. the silence. the silence. And since Revelation is all about And since Revelation is all about And since Revelation is all about revealing who God is, we're not just revealing who God is, we're not just revealing who God is, we're not just going to talk about the image, we're going to talk about the image, we're going to talk about the image, we're going to talk about what it reveals, and going to talk about what it reveals, and going to talk about what it reveals, and then I'll explain. So, point one, the then I'll explain. So, point one, the then I'll explain. So, point one, the silence. God is listening. silence. God is listening. silence. God is listening. Let's go back to verse one. When he Let's go back to verse one. When he Let's go back to verse one. When he opened the seventh seal, there was opened the seventh seal, there was opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an silence in heaven for about half an silence in heaven for about half an hour. hour. hour. Keep in mind, this is coming after Keep in mind, this is coming after Keep in mind, this is coming after chapter four. Do you remember chapter 4? chapter four. Do you remember chapter 4? chapter four. Do you remember chapter 4? What was that? That was the holy, holy, What was that? That was the holy, holy, What was that? That was the holy, holy, holy day and night the angels, the holy day and night the angels, the holy day and night the angels, the seraphim, the throne room, the peels of seraphim, the throne room, the peels of seraphim, the throne room, the peels of thunder, the lightning, the And it seems like after chapter 4, And it seems like after chapter 4, heaven is loud heaven is loud heaven is loud until it isn't. until it isn't. until it isn't. For 30 minutes, why?

For 30 minutes, why? For 30 minutes, why? Commentators have lots of opinions on Commentators have lots of opinions on Commentators have lots of opinions on it. Here are a few different on it. Some it. Here are a few different on it. Some it. Here are a few different on it. Some say it's reminiscent of creation since say it's reminiscent of creation since say it's reminiscent of creation since this is the seventh seal, this is the seventh seal, this is the seventh seal, there was a day of rest. there was a day of rest. there was a day of rest. Some say that it's the world's silence Some say that it's the world's silence Some say that it's the world's silence before God as this is where the day of before God as this is where the day of before God as this is where the day of judgment begins. Some say it's the awe judgment begins. Some say it's the awe judgment begins. Some say it's the awe of heaven because it's anticipating of heaven because it's anticipating of heaven because it's anticipating the destruction the destruction the destruction that's necessary for God to be a god of that's necessary for God to be a god of that's necessary for God to be a god of justice. justice. justice. Or Or Or or might I argue, or might I argue, or might I argue, and and and I would say I would say I would say it's quiet it's quiet it's quiet for the prayers of God's people for the prayers of God's people for the prayers of God's people to be heard. I don't just want to talk about what it I don't just want to talk about what it is. I want to talk about what silence is. I want to talk about what silence is. I want to talk about what silence does. When you share with someone and they get When you share with someone and they get silent, silent, silent, sometimes we don't assume that they're sometimes we don't assume that they're sometimes we don't assume that they're listening. We assume a lot else because listening. We assume a lot else because listening. We assume a lot else because of what rises in us in our silence.

of what rises in us in our silence. of what rises in us in our silence. Think again about certain prayers you've Think again about certain prayers you've Think again about certain prayers you've longed for that seem really good, longed for that seem really good, longed for that seem really good, but you don't but you don't but you don't feel feel feel a response. a response. a response. What rises up in us? You feel What rises up in us? You feel What rises up in us? You feel like an absence or maybe like you're like an absence or maybe like you're like an absence or maybe like you're being ignored. being ignored. being ignored. But let me argue this. What if God's But let me argue this. What if God's But let me argue this. What if God's silence silence silence isn't to ignore you, isn't to ignore you, isn't to ignore you, but to hear you. but to hear you. but to hear you. Just yesterday I was talking with some Just yesterday I was talking with some Just yesterday I was talking with some friends about the difference between friends about the difference between friends about the difference between therapy therapy therapy and spiritual direction. and spiritual direction. and spiritual direction. Both are beautiful offerings. Both are beautiful offerings. Both are beautiful offerings. But one of the things we were talking But one of the things we were talking But one of the things we were talking about cuz spiritual direction was new to about cuz spiritual direction was new to about cuz spiritual direction was new to me just in the past few years me just in the past few years me just in the past few years is the value of silence, is the value of silence, is the value of silence, but also how uncomfortable people are but also how uncomfortable people are but also how uncomfortable people are with it. with it. with it. We're like, "Let's get silent before the We're like, "Let's get silent before the We're like, "Let's get silent before the Lord." As a spiritual director, if you Lord." As a spiritual director, if you Lord." As a spiritual director, if you ever see one, they might say like, ever see one, they might say like, ever see one, they might say like, "Let's just wait on the Lord."

"Let's just wait on the Lord." "Let's just wait on the Lord." And most people's like first And most people's like first And most people's like first introduction is like this. introduction is like this. introduction is like this. "Okay, what did you hear?" Like we're not we're really not used to Like we're not we're really not used to silence. Watch, watch, ready? Who's ready for me to speak again? Who's ready for me to speak again? Let's see. Before God acts, Before God acts, he listens. he listens. he listens. Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 29:11, very famous passage very famous passage very famous passage to a people who are in the middle of to a people who are in the middle of to a people who are in the middle of waiting. God speaks to them. He says, "For I know God speaks to them. He says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the the plans I have for you," declares the the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you, not to harm Lord, "plans to prosper you, not to harm Lord, "plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a you, plans to give you hope and a you, plans to give you hope and a future." I like that verse. future." I like that verse. future." I like that verse. The next verse is interesting cuz he The next verse is interesting cuz he The next verse is interesting cuz he compels them to respond to the fact that compels them to respond to the fact that compels them to respond to the fact that God knows everything. God knows everything. God knows everything. He says this, He says this, He says this, "Then you will call upon me and come and "Then you will call upon me and come and "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me."

pray to me." pray to me." And look at the next part. And look at the next part. And look at the next part. "I will listen to you." "I will listen to you." "I will listen to you." Is there a prayer you stopped praying or Is there a prayer you stopped praying or Is there a prayer you stopped praying or haven't been willing to pray because you haven't been willing to pray because you haven't been willing to pray because you didn't want to be disappointed? didn't want to be disappointed? didn't want to be disappointed? Here's the encouragement. Here's the encouragement. Here's the encouragement. Keep praying. Keep praying. Keep praying. But when I asked that question, I'll But when I asked that question, I'll But when I asked that question, I'll confess confess confess there was a prayer that I wasn't willing there was a prayer that I wasn't willing there was a prayer that I wasn't willing to pray because I went into the year and to pray because I went into the year and to pray because I went into the year and did the word of the year. Anyone else do did the word of the year. Anyone else do did the word of the year. Anyone else do a word of the year? a word of the year? a word of the year? Me and her. Me and her. Me and her. Uh we do and um that year it was I Uh we do and um that year it was I Uh we do and um that year it was I remember it was Christmas Eve. This is remember it was Christmas Eve. This is remember it was Christmas Eve. This is or not Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and or not Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and or not Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve and I was with some friends and and they I was with some friends and and they I was with some friends and and they were like, "What's your word of the were like, "What's your word of the were like, "What's your word of the year?" I'm like, "I don't have one yet." year?" I'm like, "I don't have one yet." year?" I'm like, "I don't have one yet." She's like, "I'm doing content." I'm She's like, "I'm doing content." I'm She's like, "I'm doing content." I'm like, "That sounds good. Me too." And so like, "That sounds good. Me too." And so like, "That sounds good. Me too." And so I chose content. I chose content. I chose content. And this is during my like just a few And this is during my like just a few And this is during my like just a few years into grief of my late husband years into grief of my late husband years into grief of my late husband Randy and I'm like, "I want contentment Randy and I'm like, "I want contentment Randy and I'm like, "I want contentment so bad." so bad." so bad." And I remember it was like 3 months And I remember it was like 3 months And I remember it was like 3 months later that I'm at my friend's birthday later that I'm at my friend's birthday later that I'm at my friend's birthday party, the same friend that had the word party, the same friend that had the word party, the same friend that had the word content and I was watching my two little content and I was watching my two little content and I was watching my two little boys play on the beach as a single mom.

boys play on the beach as a single mom. boys play on the beach as a single mom. And I'm like, "Content." And I'm like, "Content." And I'm like, "Content." And I'm sitting there just watching them And I'm sitting there just watching them And I'm sitting there just watching them and I'm like, you know, it's and I'm like, you know, it's and I'm like, you know, it's interesting. interesting. interesting. I really believe in heaven. I really believe in heaven. I really believe in heaven. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> I really believe Jesus' words in the >> I really believe Jesus' words in the >> I really believe Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount when he talks about Sermon on the Mount when he talks about Sermon on the Mount when he talks about heavenly rewards coming from like not heavenly rewards coming from like not heavenly rewards coming from like not this stuff, by the way. this stuff, by the way. this stuff, by the way. The heavenly rewards he talks about are The heavenly rewards he talks about are The heavenly rewards he talks about are like the silent nobody notices moments like the silent nobody notices moments like the silent nobody notices moments in parenting. in parenting. in parenting. So I'm looking at my kids So I'm looking at my kids So I'm looking at my kids and thinking, gosh, being a single and thinking, gosh, being a single and thinking, gosh, being a single parent is really tough. By the way, parent is really tough. By the way, parent is really tough. By the way, notice them around you, the single notice them around you, the single notice them around you, the single parents like church, we need you cuz I parents like church, we need you cuz I parents like church, we need you cuz I know that cuz I did. I'm looking at my know that cuz I did. I'm looking at my know that cuz I did. I'm looking at my little boys and I'm like, little boys and I'm like, little boys and I'm like, "God, I feel This is what I told him in "God, I feel This is what I told him in "God, I feel This is what I told him in a prayer watching my boys on the beach." a prayer watching my boys on the beach." a prayer watching my boys on the beach." I went, I went, I went, "God, "God, "God, I'm content with the challenges I'm content with the challenges I'm content with the challenges because I believe in heaven." because I believe in heaven." because I believe in heaven." And I'm like, And I'm like, And I'm like, "Yeah." "Yeah." "Yeah." And I like, you know, went back. And And I like, you know, went back. And And I like, you know, went back. And then what happened, which was really then what happened, which was really then what happened, which was really interesting timing, within the next interesting timing, within the next interesting timing, within the next couple months God started to stir in my couple months God started to stir in my couple months God started to stir in my heart a longing to get remarried.

heart a longing to get remarried. heart a longing to get remarried. And I'm like, And I'm like, And I'm like, "Those two don't seem to fit together. "Those two don't seem to fit together. "Those two don't seem to fit together. I am content. I am content. I am content. I have a longing and then I got scared I have a longing and then I got scared I have a longing and then I got scared to pray the longing because what's it to pray the longing because what's it to pray the longing because what's it going to do with my contentment? going to do with my contentment? going to do with my contentment? Screw it up. It's my word of the year Screw it up. It's my word of the year Screw it up. It's my word of the year from the Lord. And I'll never forget it. At one point I And I'll never forget it. At one point I found myself on like a prayer walk doing found myself on like a prayer walk doing found myself on like a prayer walk doing a ministry thing and I grabbed all these a ministry thing and I grabbed all these a ministry thing and I grabbed all these gals and I'm like, let's all pray for gals and I'm like, let's all pray for gals and I'm like, let's all pray for our longings and I went and sat on a our longings and I went and sat on a our longings and I went and sat on a rock and I was like, rock and I was like, rock and I was like, not that one. not that one. not that one. I don't want to be disappointed in God. I don't want to be disappointed in God. I don't want to be disappointed in God. So I'd rather not ask. So I'd rather not ask. So I'd rather not ask. And a few weeks later I was with a very And a few weeks later I was with a very And a few weeks later I was with a very dear friends of mine, Daniel and Lisa dear friends of mine, Daniel and Lisa dear friends of mine, Daniel and Lisa Grothly in Grothly in Colorado Springs Grothly in Grothly in Colorado Springs Grothly in Grothly in Colorado Springs and I'm sitting across the table as and I'm sitting across the table as and I'm sitting across the table as we're eating Chick-fil-A and I'm like, we're eating Chick-fil-A and I'm like, we're eating Chick-fil-A and I'm like, can I ask you just a question on can I ask you just a question on can I ask you just a question on something? He's like, sure, sure, sure. something? He's like, sure, sure, sure. something? He's like, sure, sure, sure. I was like, my long my word for the year I was like, my long my word for the year I was like, my long my word for the year is content that I borrowed from my is content that I borrowed from my is content that I borrowed from my friend Brooke and um that's my word. friend Brooke and um that's my word. friend Brooke and um that's my word. And now I'm feeling a longing. And now I'm feeling a longing. And now I'm feeling a longing. How do you reconcile those two things? How do you reconcile those two things? How do you reconcile those two things? How do like do you do you pray it? Do How do like do you do you pray it? Do How do like do you do you pray it? Do you not pray it?

you not pray it? you not pray it? And his response was so simple. He goes, And his response was so simple. He goes, And his response was so simple. He goes, well, God already knows, you might as well, God already knows, you might as well, God already knows, you might as well let him in. well let him in. well let him in. >> [laughter] >> So I So I [applause] did that night. >> So I So I [applause] did that night. Was the very first time I prayed Was the very first time I prayed Was the very first time I prayed that longing. Now, I'm going to tell you that longing. Now, I'm going to tell you that longing. Now, I'm going to tell you what happened that week. what happened that week. what happened that week. Not to let you Not to let you Not to let you not not to make some big spiritual not not to make some big spiritual not not to make some big spiritual point, point, point, but just to let you know the facts. but just to let you know the facts. but just to let you know the facts. I prayed it on a Friday and I was I prayed it on a Friday and I was I prayed it on a Friday and I was introduced to Scott that week. introduced to Scott that week. introduced to Scott that week. Interesting, but Interesting, but Interesting, but oh, and I got to married a month ago. oh, and I got to married a month ago. oh, and I got to married a month ago. But But But >> [applause] >> I just want you to know something about >> I just want you to know something about this. It's not a reward this. It's not a reward this. It's not a reward for some good behavior. for some good behavior. for some good behavior. But I'll tell you if I hadn't prayed the But I'll tell you if I hadn't prayed the But I'll tell you if I hadn't prayed the prayer, I would have missed God's hand prayer, I would have missed God's hand prayer, I would have missed God's hand in it. And I don't want you to miss God's hand And I don't want you to miss God's hand in your life. It's all over. in your life. It's all over. in your life. It's all over. It in fact, when you get to that like um It in fact, when you get to that like um It in fact, when you get to that like um Jeremiah 29:11 and 12 when he talks Jeremiah 29:11 and 12 when he talks Jeremiah 29:11 and 12 when he talks about how like I know the plans and then about how like I know the plans and then about how like I know the plans and then verse 12 he's like, "So come and pray to verse 12 he's like, "So come and pray to verse 12 he's like, "So come and pray to me.

me. me. I'm going to listen to you." Verse 13 is I'm going to listen to you." Verse 13 is I'm going to listen to you." Verse 13 is when he says, "You will seek me and find when he says, "You will seek me and find when he says, "You will seek me and find me when you what? Seek me with all your me when you what? Seek me with all your me when you what? Seek me with all your heart." Then verse 4 uh 14 he says, "I will be Then verse 4 uh 14 he says, "I will be found by you." Because that's what God found by you." Because that's what God found by you." Because that's what God wants us to be found wants us to be found wants us to be found by us. by us. by us. So what happens to our prayers? So what happens to our prayers? So what happens to our prayers? I loved 2 weeks ago, if you remember the I loved 2 weeks ago, if you remember the I loved 2 weeks ago, if you remember the moment from Shawn when he was talking moment from Shawn when he was talking moment from Shawn when he was talking about, did you catch that moment when he about, did you catch that moment when he about, did you catch that moment when he said, said, said, "Your prayers "Your prayers "Your prayers are in the room are in the room are in the room of place where history is being of place where history is being of place where history is being decided." decided." decided." Do you remember that line? Do you remember that line? Do you remember that line? Or when he's like, Or when he's like, Or when he's like, "That prayer you prayed that you kind of "That prayer you prayed that you kind of "That prayer you prayed that you kind of half-heartedly tossed up to him." half-heartedly tossed up to him." half-heartedly tossed up to him." And in chapter 5 he says, "They're in And in chapter 5 he says, "They're in And in chapter 5 he says, "They're in the bowl." And I just want to add to a few more And I just want to add to a few more little moments like that. The moment little moments like that. The moment little moments like that. The moment that you're um that you're um that you're um desperate and you won't even know if it desperate and you won't even know if it desperate and you won't even know if it even is a prayer, but you know it kind even is a prayer, but you know it kind even is a prayer, but you know it kind of was God's word and you're yelling, of was God's word and you're yelling, of was God's word and you're yelling, "Why?" "Why?" "Why?" It's in the bowl.

It's in the bowl. It's in the bowl. But it's not just in the bowl. But it's not just in the bowl. But it's not just in the bowl. In chapter 8, In chapter 8, In chapter 8, you see what happens to those prayers. you see what happens to those prayers. you see what happens to those prayers. At the picture number two, At the picture number two, At the picture number two, the altar, the altar, the altar, where where where the prayers are received. So not only the prayers are received. So not only the prayers are received. So not only does God listen, does God listen, does God listen, God receives. Verse two, "And I saw the God receives. Verse two, "And I saw the God receives. Verse two, "And I saw the seven angels who stand before God and seven angels who stand before God and seven angels who stand before God and seven trumpets were given to them." seven trumpets were given to them." seven trumpets were given to them." So before I move on into what happens So before I move on into what happens So before I move on into what happens with those prayers, first these seven with those prayers, first these seven with those prayers, first these seven seals opens the seven trumpets. If you seals opens the seven trumpets. If you seals opens the seven trumpets. If you read anywhere in scripture, specifically read anywhere in scripture, specifically read anywhere in scripture, specifically with trumpets, they announce important with trumpets, they announce important with trumpets, they announce important events or warnings or they give light events or warnings or they give light events or warnings or they give light and make people pay attention because and make people pay attention because and make people pay attention because God is stepping into human history. God is stepping into human history. God is stepping into human history. These trumpets, the ones mentioned in These trumpets, the ones mentioned in These trumpets, the ones mentioned in chapter 8, are announcing judgement in chapter 8, are announcing judgement in chapter 8, are announcing judgement in particular. particular. particular. They precede the bowls, which are even They precede the bowls, which are even They precede the bowls, which are even more judgement. Both release judgement. more judgement. Both release judgement. more judgement. Both release judgement. But the judgement comes But the judgement comes But the judgement comes in waves.

in waves. in waves. In fact, when you look at the rest of In fact, when you look at the rest of In fact, when you look at the rest of chapter 8, you see that when it comes to chapter 8, you see that when it comes to chapter 8, you see that when it comes to the trumpets sounding and judgement the trumpets sounding and judgement the trumpets sounding and judgement coming, it comes in thirds. We'll pick coming, it comes in thirds. We'll pick coming, it comes in thirds. We'll pick that back up in a little bit. Verse 3, that back up in a little bit. Verse 3, that back up in a little bit. Verse 3, "Another angel who had a golden censer "Another angel who had a golden censer "Another angel who had a golden censer came and stood at the altar." Here's our came and stood at the altar." Here's our came and stood at the altar." Here's our our second picture. He was given much our second picture. He was given much our second picture. He was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all incense to offer with the prayers of all incense to offer with the prayers of all God's people on the golden altar in God's people on the golden altar in God's people on the golden altar in front of the throne. front of the throne. front of the throne. "The smoke of the incense together with "The smoke of the incense together with "The smoke of the incense together with the prayer of God's people went up the prayer of God's people went up the prayer of God's people went up before God from the angel's hand." before God from the angel's hand." before God from the angel's hand." Maybe you're a visual learner. Maybe you're a visual learner. Maybe you're a visual learner. I put together this sketch. I didn't I put together this sketch. I didn't I put together this sketch. I didn't draw it. draw it. draw it. I used the interwebs. I used the interwebs. I used the interwebs. You have the throne of God. You have the throne of God. You have the throne of God. Then you have the golden altar before Then you have the golden altar before Then you have the golden altar before the throne. You have an angel with the the throne. You have an angel with the the throne. You have an angel with the golden censer. And the censer is like golden censer. And the censer is like golden censer. And the censer is like that little pot right there. And it's that little pot right there. And it's that little pot right there. And it's the incense combined with the prayers of the incense combined with the prayers of the incense combined with the prayers of the saints. And if you notice, there is the saints. And if you notice, there is the saints. And if you notice, there is smoke rising from it because the smoke smoke rising from it because the smoke smoke rising from it because the smoke is a visible representation of the is a visible representation of the is a visible representation of the prayers that are being offered and prayers that are being offered and prayers that are being offered and brought before God. This passage is all brought before God. This passage is all brought before God. This passage is all about prayer.

about prayer. about prayer. In chapter 5, remember that's where the In chapter 5, remember that's where the In chapter 5, remember that's where the elders had the bowls and what was in elders had the bowls and what was in elders had the bowls and what was in them was the collected prayers of the them was the collected prayers of the them was the collected prayers of the saints. Your prayers are truly in the saints. Your prayers are truly in the saints. Your prayers are truly in the physical room where history is being physical room where history is being physical room where history is being decided. And now we're in chapter 8. decided. And now we're in chapter 8. decided. And now we're in chapter 8. Think about it. Chapter 5 was where we Think about it. Chapter 5 was where we Think about it. Chapter 5 was where we first talked about the prayers. Now first talked about the prayers. Now first talked about the prayers. Now chapter 8, there has been three chapters chapter 8, there has been three chapters chapter 8, there has been three chapters and the prayers have not left heaven. If and the prayers have not left heaven. If and the prayers have not left heaven. If you're wondering where they're at. you're wondering where they're at. you're wondering where they're at. These prayers now in These prayers now in These prayers now in 8 are not just there. 8 are not just there. 8 are not just there. They're being offered and received. They're being offered and received. They're being offered and received. That's what happens to the prayers. That's what happens to the prayers. That's what happens to the prayers. They're being received. They're being received. They're being received. In fact, listen to the words of Jesus In fact, listen to the words of Jesus In fact, listen to the words of Jesus as he talks about it in Matthew chapter as he talks about it in Matthew chapter as he talks about it in Matthew chapter 7. 7. 7. He says this, "Which of you, if your son He says this, "Which of you, if your son He says this, "Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? asks for bread, will give him a stone? asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him Or if he asks for a fish, will give him Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, a snake? If you then, a snake? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give though you are evil, know how to give though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much good gifts to your children, how much good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give more will your Father in heaven give more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who what? Ask him."

good gifts to those who what? Ask him." good gifts to those who what? Ask him." The altar in Revelation chapter 8 The altar in Revelation chapter 8 The altar in Revelation chapter 8 reveals a profound truth about God. He reveals a profound truth about God. He reveals a profound truth about God. He is not in a hurry to just act or move is not in a hurry to just act or move is not in a hurry to just act or move past your prayers. He takes the time and past your prayers. He takes the time and past your prayers. He takes the time and we visually get to see we visually get to see we visually get to see he receives them. As I was preparing this, I was living in As I was preparing this, I was living in chapter 8. He receives them. He receives them. And then I was thinking, And then I was thinking, And then I was thinking, all of them? And I went back and forth on whether or And I went back and forth on whether or not to include this part, but I feel not to include this part, but I feel not to include this part, but I feel like it's an act of obedience from the like it's an act of obedience from the like it's an act of obedience from the Lord to answer that question. Lord to answer that question. Lord to answer that question. All of them? how we live how we live affects affects affects our prayers. our prayers. our prayers. Psalm 66:18, Psalm 66:18, Psalm 66:18, God does not receive prayers from hearts God does not receive prayers from hearts God does not receive prayers from hearts holding on to sin instead of holding on to sin instead of holding on to sin instead of surrendering it.

surrendering it. surrendering it. Mark 11:25, God does not honor prayers Mark 11:25, God does not honor prayers Mark 11:25, God does not honor prayers from people who refuse to extend the from people who refuse to extend the from people who refuse to extend the forgiveness they've received. Proverbs forgiveness they've received. Proverbs forgiveness they've received. Proverbs 28:9, God does not delight in prayers 28:9, God does not delight in prayers 28:9, God does not delight in prayers from those who continually ignore from those who continually ignore from those who continually ignore God's word. Isaiah 1:15-17, God's word. Isaiah 1:15-17, God's word. Isaiah 1:15-17, if they're if you're experiencing if they're if you're experiencing if they're if you're experiencing hypocritical worship, the word of the hypocritical worship, the word of the hypocritical worship, the word of the Lord says this, "Though you make many Lord says this, "Though you make many Lord says this, "Though you make many prayers, prayers, prayers, I will not listen." I will not listen." I will not listen." 1 Peter 3:7, God warns that a husband's 1 Peter 3:7, God warns that a husband's 1 Peter 3:7, God warns that a husband's prayers prayers prayers are hindered when he dishonors his wife. are hindered when he dishonors his wife. are hindered when he dishonors his wife. James 4:3, God does not respond to James 4:3, God does not respond to James 4:3, God does not respond to prayers driven by selfish ambition prayers driven by selfish ambition prayers driven by selfish ambition rather than the will of God. Let me ask you this. Let me ask you this. If God were to have said yes to every If God were to have said yes to every If God were to have said yes to every prayer you prayed over the past month, would your life look more comfortable or would your life look more comfortable or would God look more glorified?

Your prayers matter, Your prayers matter, and so does your life. and so does your life. and so does your life. We do not obey God's word We do not obey God's word We do not obey God's word in order to find salvation, salvation in order to find salvation, salvation in order to find salvation, salvation from the consequence of our sin, life from the consequence of our sin, life from the consequence of our sin, life without God forever, salvation from the without God forever, salvation from the without God forever, salvation from the consequence of what we deserve from an consequence of what we deserve from an consequence of what we deserve from an imperfect life. imperfect life. imperfect life. Salvation is a free gift of grace, Salvation is a free gift of grace, Salvation is a free gift of grace, that's why it's called grace, it's not that's why it's called grace, it's not that's why it's called grace, it's not earned. earned. earned. Salvation is a free gift of grace given Salvation is a free gift of grace given Salvation is a free gift of grace given to those who believe not in themselves to those who believe not in themselves to those who believe not in themselves being good enough to be heard by God. being good enough to be heard by God. being good enough to be heard by God. Salvation is given to those who believe Salvation is given to those who believe Salvation is given to those who believe in Christ's work on the cross because in Christ's work on the cross because in Christ's work on the cross because they know they're not good enough for they know they're not good enough for they know they're not good enough for God. God. God. But, But, But, scripture is also clear that our scripture is also clear that our scripture is also clear that our behavior can hinder our prayers. And I behavior can hinder our prayers. And I behavior can hinder our prayers. And I want to say it. The greater emphasis of scripture, The greater emphasis of scripture, though our behavior can inhibit it, the though our behavior can inhibit it, the though our behavior can inhibit it, the greater emphasis is that humble greater emphasis is that humble greater emphasis is that humble repentant repentant repentant people people people have confident access to God because have confident access to God because have confident access to God because they have confidence in Christ Jesus they have confidence in Christ Jesus they have confidence in Christ Jesus through their faith in him.

>> Your prayers do not disappear. God >> Your prayers do not disappear. God listens to them. Your prayers don't just listens to them. Your prayers don't just listens to them. Your prayers don't just rise. They rise. They rise. They are received. And I want to let you know and to And I want to let you know and to consider what's rising in you and tell consider what's rising in you and tell consider what's rising in you and tell you this. you this. you this. Confess it honestly. Confess it honestly. Confess it honestly. Receive forgiveness that Jesus already Receive forgiveness that Jesus already Receive forgiveness that Jesus already paid for. Start there. paid for. Start there. paid for. Start there. And ask him to shape your heart and your And ask him to shape your heart and your And ask him to shape your heart and your life. If the Holy Spirit has brought life. If the Holy Spirit has brought life. If the Holy Spirit has brought something to your mind today, don't run something to your mind today, don't run something to your mind today, don't run from God. Hear the invitation of from God. Hear the invitation of from God. Hear the invitation of scripture, the whole of scripture. Run scripture, the whole of scripture. Run scripture, the whole of scripture. Run to him. The thing that actually inhibits the The thing that actually inhibits the prayers is the thing that needs to be prayers is the thing that needs to be prayers is the thing that needs to be prayed. The third picture is the fire because The third picture is the fire because not only do these prayers offered up in not only do these prayers offered up in not only do these prayers offered up in faith, faith, faith, not only are they listened to, they are not only are they listened to, they are not only are they listened to, they are received, and then they return as received, and then they return as received, and then they return as action. Verse 5, then the angel took the action. Verse 5, then the angel took the action. Verse 5, then the angel took the sensor, filled it with fire from the sensor, filled it with fire from the sensor, filled it with fire from the altar, and altar, and altar, and hurled it on the earth.

hurled it on the earth. hurled it on the earth. And there came peals of thunder, And there came peals of thunder, And there came peals of thunder, rumblings, splashes of lightning, and an rumblings, splashes of lightning, and an rumblings, splashes of lightning, and an earthquake. earthquake. earthquake. Did you notice Did you notice Did you notice what delivered the response? what delivered the response? what delivered the response? Look back at scripture. It start up in Look back at scripture. It start up in Look back at scripture. It start up in I want you to pay attention to the I want you to pay attention to the I want you to pay attention to the censer. censer. censer. Notice from verses 3 to 5 what it holds. Notice from verses 3 to 5 what it holds. Notice from verses 3 to 5 what it holds. Pay attention. Verse 3, "Another angel Pay attention. Verse 3, "Another angel Pay attention. Verse 3, "Another angel This is going up who had the golden This is going up who had the golden This is going up who had the golden censer came and stood at the altar. He censer came and stood at the altar. He censer came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer with the was given much incense to offer with the was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all God's people on the prayers of all God's people on the prayers of all God's people on the golden altar in front of the throne. The golden altar in front of the throne. The golden altar in front of the throne. The smoke of the incense together with the smoke of the incense together with the smoke of the incense together with the prayer of God's people that happens in prayer of God's people that happens in prayer of God's people that happens in the censer went up into smoke before the censer went up into smoke before the censer went up into smoke before God from the angel's hand. Then the God from the angel's hand. Then the God from the angel's hand. Then the angel took that very censer, angel took that very censer, angel took that very censer, filled it with fire from the altar and filled it with fire from the altar and filled it with fire from the altar and hurled it on the earth." Put that hurled it on the earth." Put that hurled it on the earth." Put that picture back up, the sketch. "Hurled it picture back up, the sketch. "Hurled it picture back up, the sketch. "Hurled it onto the earth and there came peels of onto the earth and there came peels of onto the earth and there came peels of thunder, rumbling, splashes of thunder, rumbling, splashes of thunder, rumbling, splashes of lightning, and an earthquake." quake. lightning, and an earthquake." quake. lightning, and an earthquake." quake. You can see that in the bottom right You can see that in the bottom right You can see that in the bottom right corner. The prayers that rise, corner. The prayers that rise, corner. The prayers that rise, the prayers that are offered, the prayers that are offered, the prayers that are offered, first that cense that censer is filled first that cense that censer is filled first that cense that censer is filled with incense, then the same exact censer with incense, then the same exact censer with incense, then the same exact censer is filled with fire. The thing that the is filled with fire. The thing that the is filled with fire. The thing that the prayers rise from is the thing that fire prayers rise from is the thing that fire prayers rise from is the thing that fire falls with.

falls with. falls with. God's answer to our kingdom-centered God's answer to our kingdom-centered God's answer to our kingdom-centered prayers is not, in this instance when prayers is not, in this instance when prayers is not, in this instance when he's bringing about judgment, it is not he's bringing about judgment, it is not he's bringing about judgment, it is not random destruction. random destruction. random destruction. It's specific. You see thunder, you see It's specific. You see thunder, you see It's specific. You see thunder, you see lightning. It does represent God's lightning. It does represent God's lightning. It does represent God's judgment. He's answering generation judgment. He's answering generation judgment. He's answering generation after generation after generations of after generation after generations of after generation after generations of prayers that of Jesus teaching us to prayers that of Jesus teaching us to prayers that of Jesus teaching us to say, "May your kingdom come. May your say, "May your kingdom come. May your say, "May your kingdom come. May your kingdom come." In other words, make evil kingdom come." In other words, make evil kingdom come." In other words, make evil end. end. end. Bring justice. Bring justice. Bring justice. Make wrong things right. Make wrong things right. Make wrong things right. What you see in Revelation chapter 8 What you see in Revelation chapter 8 What you see in Revelation chapter 8 verse 5 verse 5 verse 5 is that what's prayed in heaven is that what's prayed in heaven is that what's prayed in heaven moves on earth. moves on earth. moves on earth. I like the way George Beasley-Murray put I like the way George Beasley-Murray put I like the way George Beasley-Murray put it. He said this, it. He said this, it. He said this, "God has willed "God has willed "God has willed that the prayers of his people should be that the prayers of his people should be that the prayers of his people should be part of the process by which the kingdom part of the process by which the kingdom part of the process by which the kingdom comes." comes." comes." Your prayers Your prayers Your prayers for the world to be made right for the world to be made right for the world to be made right matter.

And our prayers, by the way, are not And our prayers, by the way, are not just trying to convince God to join my just trying to convince God to join my just trying to convince God to join my agenda of having a comfortable life. agenda of having a comfortable life. agenda of having a comfortable life. He's inviting us to join him, not He's inviting us to join him, not He's inviting us to join him, not through manipulation of him just for through manipulation of him just for through manipulation of him just for what we want. what we want. what we want. It's participation It's participation It's participation with him in what with him in what with him in what he wants. he wants. he wants. And this begins to shape our prayers, And this begins to shape our prayers, And this begins to shape our prayers, cuz God listens, he receives, he cuz God listens, he receives, he cuz God listens, he receives, he responds. responds. responds. But I want to address another hard But I want to address another hard But I want to address another hard reality that Revelation chapter 8 reality that Revelation chapter 8 reality that Revelation chapter 8 reveals. reveals. reveals. And it's this. And it's this. And it's this. God also God also God also waits. Fourth point, the wait. Fourth point, the wait. First the silence, then the altar, then First the silence, then the altar, then First the silence, then the altar, then the fire, then the wait. the fire, then the wait. the fire, then the wait. And God is patient And God is patient And God is patient because he loves. The prayers go before because he loves. The prayers go before because he loves. The prayers go before God. Remember the prayer of the martyrs, God. Remember the prayer of the martyrs, God. Remember the prayer of the martyrs, 6:10, "How long, oh Lord?" 6:10, "How long, oh Lord?" 6:10, "How long, oh Lord?" And in Revelation chapter 8, God And in Revelation chapter 8, God And in Revelation chapter 8, God answers, but it's not immediate. God, answers, but it's not immediate. God, answers, but it's not immediate. God, notice, if you read the rest of the notice, if you read the rest of the notice, if you read the rest of the chapter, God doesn't do or respond and chapter, God doesn't do or respond and chapter, God doesn't do or respond and wipe everything out at once. Again and wipe everything out at once. Again and wipe everything out at once. Again and again, I actually underlined it so just again, I actually underlined it so just again, I actually underlined it so just you can hear how many times in one you can hear how many times in one you can hear how many times in one chapter it says this, "A third a third chapter it says this, "A third a third chapter it says this, "A third a third of the sea, a third of the living of the sea, a third of the living of the sea, a third of the living creatures, a third of the ships, a third creatures, a third of the ships, a third creatures, a third of the ships, a third of the rivers, a third of the waters, a of the rivers, a third of the waters, a of the rivers, a third of the waters, a third of the sun, third of the moon, third of the sun, third of the moon, third of the sun, third of the moon, third of the stars, third of them, third third of the stars, third of them, third third of the stars, third of them, third of them, third of the night."

of them, third of the night." of them, third of the night." He releases it in thirds. God unleashes He releases it in thirds. God unleashes He releases it in thirds. God unleashes his wrath in his timing in thirds. And his wrath in his timing in thirds. And his wrath in his timing in thirds. And here's how I want you to hear it. here's how I want you to hear it. here's how I want you to hear it. Every third mentioned is God's act of Every third mentioned is God's act of Every third mentioned is God's act of mercy. is God's loving opportunity for is God's loving opportunity for repentance. But so is his patience. But so is his patience. God is patient God is patient God is patient because he loves because he loves because he loves and offers mercy. and offers mercy. and offers mercy. And he wants to give time for everyone And he wants to give time for everyone And he wants to give time for everyone to have the opportunity to know him. to have the opportunity to know him. to have the opportunity to know him. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> It's easy for us, and here's a timeless >> It's easy for us, and here's a timeless >> It's easy for us, and here's a timeless truth you can pull when it comes to all truth you can pull when it comes to all truth you can pull when it comes to all of our prayers, for all of our longings, of our prayers, for all of our longings, of our prayers, for all of our longings, for all of our wrongs to be made right. for all of our wrongs to be made right. for all of our wrongs to be made right. It's easy to mistake God's delay for his It's easy to mistake God's delay for his It's easy to mistake God's delay for his lack of care.

lack of care. lack of care. And revelation proves otherwise. When we And revelation proves otherwise. When we And revelation proves otherwise. When we remember God's mercy, I'll tell you remember God's mercy, I'll tell you remember God's mercy, I'll tell you this, it softens our demand for speed. because he loves. because he loves. At the beginning of this chapter, at the At the beginning of this chapter, at the At the beginning of this chapter, at the beginning of this message, I wonder if beginning of this message, I wonder if beginning of this message, I wonder if the on the first reading you heard about the on the first reading you heard about the on the first reading you heard about silence, and it might have felt silence, and it might have felt silence, and it might have felt confusing. I hope that by the end you confusing. I hope that by the end you confusing. I hope that by the end you see see see any amount of silence any amount of silence any amount of silence as love. as love. as love. It's a remarkable scene in chapter 8 It's a remarkable scene in chapter 8 It's a remarkable scene in chapter 8 because it gives confidence that when because it gives confidence that when because it gives confidence that when people pray, when God's people pray, God people pray, when God's people pray, God people pray, when God's people pray, God hears our prayers and responds. Don't hears our prayers and responds. Don't hears our prayers and responds. Don't let that wash over you too fast. let that wash over you too fast. let that wash over you too fast. He hears our prayers and responds. And when you don't know what God's And when you don't know what God's doing, remember his character as doing, remember his character as doing, remember his character as revealed in chapter 8. Remember the revealed in chapter 8. Remember the revealed in chapter 8. Remember the silence.

silence. silence. God is listening. Remember the altar, God is listening. Remember the altar, God is listening. Remember the altar, God receives. Remember the fire, God God receives. Remember the fire, God God receives. Remember the fire, God responds. responds. responds. And remember the wait, God is patient And remember the wait, God is patient And remember the wait, God is patient because he loves. But most importantly, because he loves. But most importantly, because he loves. But most importantly, church, church, church, can we remember to pray? Let's take these words from James before Let's take these words from James before I invite us to respond in chapter 5 I invite us to respond in chapter 5 I invite us to respond in chapter 5 verses 13 to 16. verses 13 to 16. verses 13 to 16. And I pray that during my little breaks And I pray that during my little breaks And I pray that during my little breaks of silence that you would allow the Lord of silence that you would allow the Lord of silence that you would allow the Lord to rise up anything in you that he to rise up anything in you that he to rise up anything in you that he wills. And bring it to him. Do not And bring it to him. Do not run from him. run from him. run from him. He loves you. He loves you. He loves you. James chapter 5. James chapter 5. James chapter 5. If anyone among you is in trouble, If anyone among you is in trouble, If anyone among you is in trouble, let them pray. let them pray. let them pray. Is anyone happy? Is anyone happy? Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Let them sing songs of praise. Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Is anyone among you sick? Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church Let them call the elders of the church Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with to pray over them and anoint them with to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

oil in the name of the Lord. oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will And the prayer offered in faith will And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well. make the sick person well. make the sick person well. The Lord will raise them up. The Lord will raise them up. The Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be If they have sinned, they will be If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. forgiven. forgiven. Therefore, Therefore, Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray confess your sins to each other and pray confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be for each other so that you may be for each other so that you may be healed. healed. healed. The prayer of a righteous person is The prayer of a righteous person is The prayer of a righteous person is powerful [music] powerful [music] powerful [music] and effective. Because God has chosen to accomplish his Because God has chosen to accomplish his kingdom through the prayers of ordinary kingdom through the prayers of ordinary kingdom through the prayers of ordinary people, I would love in response for us people, I would love in response for us people, I would love in response for us to take God at his word. In fact, would to take God at his word. In fact, would to take God at his word. In fact, would you all stand with me? you all stand with me? you all stand with me? You know, oftentimes when we go to pray You know, oftentimes when we go to pray You know, oftentimes when we go to pray in response, in response, in response, there's those who have that desperate there's those who have that desperate there's those who have that desperate place. place. place. I even heard this a commentator said, I even heard this a commentator said, I even heard this a commentator said, "Revelation is best understood by people "Revelation is best understood by people "Revelation is best understood by people going through it." And typically in worshipful response, we And typically in worshipful response, we have the prayer team line up at the have the prayer team line up at the have the prayer team line up at the front or at times we'll have that front or at times we'll have that front or at times we'll have that opportunity to come forward for prayer. opportunity to come forward for prayer. opportunity to come forward for prayer. Like you're already desperate, you're Like you're already desperate, you're Like you're already desperate, you're already struggling. Like, "Come on, get already struggling. Like, "Come on, get already struggling. Like, "Come on, get up and just move in front of everybody."

up and just move in front of everybody." up and just move in front of everybody." And I want to switch it up just for this And I want to switch it up just for this And I want to switch it up just for this one. one. one. Cuz there's something happening that's Cuz there's something happening that's Cuz there's something happening that's There's something happening in the There's something happening in the There's something happening in the prayers of God's people. There's prayers of God's people. There's prayers of God's people. There's something happening with angelic beings. something happening with angelic beings. something happening with angelic beings. There's something happening with God. There's something happening with God. There's something happening with God. There's something happening with the There's something happening with the There's something happening with the smoke. There's something happening. And smoke. There's something happening. And smoke. There's something happening. And the best part is all all this action the best part is all all this action the best part is all all this action that we're reading about that we're reading about that we're reading about is happening whether or not you join in. is happening whether or not you join in. is happening whether or not you join in. But I want to invite you to join, but But I want to invite you to join, but But I want to invite you to join, but here's what I would love to do here's what I would love to do here's what I would love to do to switch it up a little. to switch it up a little. to switch it up a little. If you need prayer this morning, I'm If you need prayer this morning, I'm If you need prayer this morning, I'm going to invite you going to invite you going to invite you to rest in the truth to rest in the truth to rest in the truth by even having a seat by even having a seat by even having a seat in this next song. You can do it right in this next song. You can do it right in this next song. You can do it right now, right where you're at. You can just now, right where you're at. You can just now, right where you're at. You can just have a seat. If there's something deep have a seat. If there's something deep have a seat. If there's something deep in your heart that you know needs to be in your heart that you know needs to be in your heart that you know needs to be prayed, would you just have a seat right prayed, would you just have a seat right prayed, would you just have a seat right where you're at? And we're going to where you're at? And we're going to where you're at? And we're going to deploy God's people to obey his word. deploy God's people to obey his word. deploy God's people to obey his word. I felt deep conviction when I was I felt deep conviction when I was I felt deep conviction when I was looking at all the prayers that weren't looking at all the prayers that weren't looking at all the prayers that weren't answered and there's that moment that's answered and there's that moment that's answered and there's that moment that's like like like people who ignore God's word. I'm like, people who ignore God's word. I'm like, people who ignore God's word. I'm like, "I don't want to ignore God's word "I don't want to ignore God's word "I don't want to ignore God's word anymore." So when it says, "If there's anymore." So when it says, "If there's anymore." So when it says, "If there's sin that's rising up, confess it." Which sin that's rising up, confess it." Which sin that's rising up, confess it." Which by the way should make everybody sit by the way should make everybody sit by the way should make everybody sit down. But down. But down. But we need some of you to be the prayer we need some of you to be the prayer we need some of you to be the prayer team.

team. team. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> If there's something rising up in you >> If there's something rising up in you >> If there's something rising up in you that's like, "Man, that's like, "Man, that's like, "Man, I've stopped longing for anything good I've stopped longing for anything good I've stopped longing for anything good in my life." in my life." in my life." Cuz I don't know if I trust the goodness Cuz I don't know if I trust the goodness Cuz I don't know if I trust the goodness of God. Tell him that. He can handle of God. Tell him that. He can handle of God. Tell him that. He can handle right where you're at and he knows it right where you're at and he knows it right where you're at and he knows it anyways. anyways. anyways. He may not answer in the way that we He may not answer in the way that we He may not answer in the way that we long for. long for. long for. But friends, that gives us the But friends, that gives us the But friends, that gives us the opportunity to build faith to trust his opportunity to build faith to trust his opportunity to build faith to trust his goodness, to trust his timing goodness, to trust his timing goodness, to trust his timing and to trust his kingdom purposes as we and to trust his kingdom purposes as we and to trust his kingdom purposes as we offer ourselves offer ourselves offer ourselves for them. for them. for them. So, there's people seated all throughout So, there's people seated all throughout So, there's people seated all throughout this room across all the campuses and this room across all the campuses and this room across all the campuses and I'm just going to deploy I'm just going to deploy I'm just going to deploy the people of God to be the prayer team the people of God to be the prayer team the people of God to be the prayer team of God and to move toward them. of God and to move toward them. of God and to move toward them. This is going to be our time of prayer. This is going to be our time of prayer. This is going to be our time of prayer. We're not just going to read about We're not just going to read about We're not just going to read about prayer. prayer. prayer. We're going to pray. We're going to pray. We're going to pray. So, if there's someone seated around So, if there's someone seated around So, if there's someone seated around you, you can walk up and simply lay a you, you can walk up and simply lay a you, you can walk up and simply lay a hand on them. You could pray out loud or hand on them. You could pray out loud or hand on them. You could pray out loud or quietly to yourself. quietly to yourself. quietly to yourself. If some of you need to be stretched, let If some of you need to be stretched, let If some of you need to be stretched, let me push you a little. Pray out loud.

me push you a little. Pray out loud. me push you a little. Pray out loud. If you're seated, you have the choice If you're seated, you have the choice If you're seated, you have the choice whether or not you want to share what whether or not you want to share what whether or not you want to share what needs to be [music] prayed for or you needs to be [music] prayed for or you needs to be [music] prayed for or you can just go like just pray. can just go like just pray. can just go like just pray. It's time to be the church. Let's obey It's time to be the church. Let's obey It's time to be the church. Let's obey God, take him at his word. Let me pray for us as a community. Let me pray for us as a community. And then community, let's prayer and And then community, let's prayer and And then community, let's prayer and then we'll go into a time then we'll go into a time then we'll go into a time of worship and join the heavenly hosts. of worship and join the heavenly hosts. of worship and join the heavenly hosts. So, heavenly Father, [music] I pray over So, heavenly Father, [music] I pray over So, heavenly Father, [music] I pray over everyone seated and everyone standing. everyone seated and everyone standing. everyone seated and everyone standing. First, those who are seated. Thank you that they can open themselves Thank you that they can open themselves to you. I pray, Lord, that they would encounter I pray, Lord, that they would encounter you you you this morning. this morning. this morning. And I pray for those who are standing And I pray for those who are standing And I pray for those who are standing right now. Would you lay someone on right now. Would you lay someone on right now. Would you lay someone on their heart, whether it's someone seated their heart, whether it's someone seated their heart, whether it's someone seated around them or someone that needs prayer around them or someone that needs prayer around them or someone that needs prayer or if it's themselves? or if it's themselves? or if it's themselves? I pray for intimacy and confession. I pray for intimacy and confession. I pray for intimacy and confession. Lord, I pray for this next few minutes.

Lord, I pray for this next few minutes. Lord, I pray for this next few minutes. Have your way in us. Have your way in us. Have your way in us. We pray. We pray. We pray. And all God's people said, And all God's people said, And all God's people said, "Amen." Let's move towards those people "Amen." Let's move towards those people "Amen." Let's move towards those people seated seated seated and let's all and let's all and let's all join in in prayer.