“When God Seems Silent” | Megan Fate Erickson

is redoing what I did a few years back, is redoing what I did a few years back, going through the Psalms. going through the Psalms. going through the Psalms. So, here's what I do. So, here's what I do. So, here's what I do. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> I read a Psalm, >> I read a Psalm, >> I read a Psalm, catch the tone, catch the tone, catch the tone, then I'll sit with my life then I'll sit with my life then I'll sit with my life before before before praying the Psalm. praying the Psalm. praying the Psalm. Every day, one Psalm a day, Every day, one Psalm a day, Every day, one Psalm a day, and it's really effective to searching and it's really effective to searching and it's really effective to searching my heart with the Lord and bringing my heart with the Lord and bringing my heart with the Lord and bringing before him an assortment of things. before him an assortment of things. before him an assortment of things. Sometimes it's lament. Sometimes it's Sometimes it's lament. Sometimes it's Sometimes it's lament. Sometimes it's grief. grief. grief. Sometimes it's confession. Sometimes Sometimes it's confession. Sometimes Sometimes it's confession. Sometimes it's it's it's crying [snorts] crying [snorts] crying [snorts] out to the Lord on behalf of a friend out to the Lord on behalf of a friend out to the Lord on behalf of a friend because that's who the Lord brings up as because that's who the Lord brings up as because that's who the Lord brings up as a It's a beautiful offering. And here's a It's a beautiful offering. And here's a It's a beautiful offering. And here's what I found in doing this is that God what I found in doing this is that God what I found in doing this is that God moves me as I pray. moves me as I pray. moves me as I pray. But, here's an interesting question. But, here's an interesting question. But, here's an interesting question. What happens to the prayers? What happens to the prayers? What happens to the prayers? Like, the prayers themselves. Like, the prayers themselves. Like, the prayers themselves. I love I love what God does in me as I I love I love what God does in me as I I love I love what God does in me as I pray. pray. pray. But, where do the prayers go?

maybe you actually have thought about maybe you actually have thought about that question before because there was a that question before because there was a that question before because there was a season in which you prayed for a very season in which you prayed for a very season in which you prayed for a very long time for something and it felt as long time for something and it felt as long time for something and it felt as though though though the prayers just the prayers just the prayers just diminished diminished diminished or they hit the ceiling. or they hit the ceiling. or they hit the ceiling. And maybe you stopped praying. And maybe you stopped praying. And maybe you stopped praying. >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> [clears throat] >> And it's not because you stopped >> And it's not because you stopped >> And it's not because you stopped believing that God could believing that God could believing that God could answer them. answer them. answer them. You just lost a little drive because you You just lost a little drive because you You just lost a little drive because you hadn't seen that he had. hadn't seen that he had. hadn't seen that he had. So, what So, what So, what What about What about What about What happens to our prayers? This is why I love Revelation chapter 8. This is why I love Revelation chapter 8. What John does is he doesn't explain What John does is he doesn't explain What John does is he doesn't explain prayer. prayer. prayer. He lets us watch what happens to it. He lets us watch what happens to it. He lets us watch what happens to it. In fact, the entire book of Revelation, In fact, the entire book of Revelation, In fact, the entire book of Revelation, which is the series that we've been in which is the series that we've been in which is the series that we've been in as a church, is pulling back this as a church, is pulling back this as a church, is pulling back this curtain of what is and what will happen curtain of what is and what will happen curtain of what is and what will happen in heaven as history is unfolding on in heaven as history is unfolding on in heaven as history is unfolding on earth. And I loved week one when earth. And I loved week one when earth. And I loved week one when Sean talked about when you approach the Sean talked about when you approach the Sean talked about when you approach the book of Revelation, you have to come in book of Revelation, you have to come in book of Revelation, you have to come in with your assumptions. For instance, the with your assumptions. For instance, the with your assumptions. For instance, the book of Revelation, while it's not book of Revelation, while it's not book of Revelation, while it's not written to us, it is obviously written written to us, it is obviously written written to us, it is obviously written for us. Or how the entire point of the for us. Or how the entire point of the for us. Or how the entire point of the book of Revelation is to reveal book of Revelation is to reveal book of Revelation is to reveal Revelation, to reveal Revelation, to reveal Revelation, to reveal God.

God. God. And so as we study and at where we're at And so as we study and at where we're at And so as we study and at where we're at in the series, chapter 8, I hope is that in the series, chapter 8, I hope is that in the series, chapter 8, I hope is that we see those two things. One, to see we see those two things. One, to see we see those two things. One, to see what God actually does with prayer, and what God actually does with prayer, and what God actually does with prayer, and second, to find out who God is in the second, to find out who God is in the second, to find out who God is in the middle of that picture. middle of that picture. middle of that picture. So, So, So, let's get a little bit of context. let's get a little bit of context. let's get a little bit of context. John's audience, keep in mind, is John's audience, keep in mind, is John's audience, keep in mind, is experiencing persecution because they experiencing persecution because they experiencing persecution because they were refusing to call the Roman emperor were refusing to call the Roman emperor were refusing to call the Roman emperor the king because they believed that that the king because they believed that that the king because they believed that that title was strictly reserved for Jesus. title was strictly reserved for Jesus. title was strictly reserved for Jesus. And in Revelation, And in Revelation, And in Revelation, we see God's response. But know, as we see God's response. But know, as we see God's response. But know, as we're in Revelation 8, if you've been we're in Revelation 8, if you've been we're in Revelation 8, if you've been here the past few weeks, you feel the here the past few weeks, you feel the here the past few weeks, you feel the anticipations building. anticipations building. anticipations building. Why? Because to this point, six out of Why? Because to this point, six out of Why? Because to this point, six out of the seven seals have been opened. The the seven seals have been opened. The the seven seals have been opened. The seventh is about to begin. One chapter seventh is about to begin. One chapter seventh is about to begin. One chapter before, you have the the martyrs crying before, you have the the martyrs crying before, you have the the martyrs crying out to the Lord. out to the Lord. out to the Lord. How long? How long? How long? If you remember the If you remember the If you remember the If you remember the If you remember the If you remember the picture, picture, picture, the people that have been murdered for the people that have been murdered for the people that have been murdered for their faith, one chapter, two chapters their faith, one chapter, two chapters their faith, one chapter, two chapters earlier, 6:10, earlier, 6:10, earlier, 6:10, are crying out to the Lord. They're are crying out to the Lord. They're are crying out to the Lord. They're looking at Earth and looking at Jesus looking at Earth and looking at Jesus looking at Earth and looking at Jesus and going, "How long until your justice and going, "How long until your justice and going, "How long until your justice is going to come to pass?"

is going to come to pass?" is going to come to pass?" They're lamenting. They're lamenting. They're lamenting. And in chapter 8, you hear the answer to And in chapter 8, you hear the answer to And in chapter 8, you hear the answer to those prayers. And just as an aside, those prayers. And just as an aside, those prayers. And just as an aside, that verse has always been highlighted that verse has always been highlighted that verse has always been highlighted to me, especially in the past 5 years. to me, especially in the past 5 years. to me, especially in the past 5 years. Especially one moment in the past 5 Especially one moment in the past 5 Especially one moment in the past 5 years, I remember when it rattled my years, I remember when it rattled my years, I remember when it rattled my theology. theology. theology. Because Because Because when my late husband, Randy, went to when my late husband, Randy, went to when my late husband, Randy, went to heaven, heaven, heaven, I was convinced that he was busy I was convinced that he was busy I was convinced that he was busy worshiping the Lord and had completely worshiping the Lord and had completely worshiping the Lord and had completely forgotten forgotten forgotten about us. It's just just weird like when about us. It's just just weird like when about us. It's just just weird like when you're in the middle of you're in the middle of you're in the middle of deep and heavy emotion, deep and heavy emotion, deep and heavy emotion, suddenly just different questions come suddenly just different questions come suddenly just different questions come up and I'll just tell you this. up and I'll just tell you this. up and I'll just tell you this. Don't ignore the stuff that comes up. Don't ignore the stuff that comes up. Don't ignore the stuff that comes up. It's actually those tensions that lead It's actually those tensions that lead It's actually those tensions that lead you to the intimacy that you need in the you to the intimacy that you need in the you to the intimacy that you need in the middle of them. In fact, there's a middle of them. In fact, there's a middle of them. In fact, there's a moment when I read about the martyrs in moment when I read about the martyrs in moment when I read about the martyrs in chapter 6 when they're looking at Earth chapter 6 when they're looking at Earth chapter 6 when they're looking at Earth and talking to Jesus, I became convinced and talking to Jesus, I became convinced and talking to Jesus, I became convinced of something. Wait a second. of something. Wait a second. of something. Wait a second. People in heaven can see. People in heaven can see. People in heaven can see. I can still remember that night's I can still remember that night's I can still remember that night's journaling time journaling time journaling time when I was convinced as I was lamenting when I was convinced as I was lamenting when I was convinced as I was lamenting to the Lord in grief to the Lord in grief to the Lord in grief that Randy could see it, too.

So in that prayer So in that prayer and in every prayer I've prayed since, and in every prayer I've prayed since, and in every prayer I've prayed since, what what what happens to them? happens to them? happens to them? Revelation chapter 8. And I don't know Revelation chapter 8. And I don't know Revelation chapter 8. And I don't know about you, but is anyone else about you, but is anyone else about you, but is anyone else wanted an immediate response to those wanted an immediate response to those wanted an immediate response to those prayers? prayers? prayers? Or are you guys just patient and full of Or are you guys just patient and full of Or are you guys just patient and full of the spirit and just wow, it's easy for the spirit and just wow, it's easy for the spirit and just wow, it's easy for you? you? you? You guys ready for an answer to some of You guys ready for an answer to some of You guys ready for an answer to some of your deepest prayers? Here it is. your deepest prayers? Here it is. your deepest prayers? Here it is. Revelation chapter 8. And by the way, Revelation chapter 8. And by the way, Revelation chapter 8. And by the way, I'm going to read it. And I remember I'm going to read it. And I remember I'm going to read it. And I remember when I got handed these passages, I read when I got handed these passages, I read when I got handed these passages, I read it the first time and I was like, "What it the first time and I was like, "What it the first time and I was like, "What has happened?" Can you guys pay has happened?" Can you guys pay has happened?" Can you guys pay attention the first time like so I don't attention the first time like so I don't attention the first time like so I don't have to read it a bunch of times and have to read it a bunch of times and have to read it a bunch of times and make sure that you're paying attention. make sure that you're paying attention. make sure that you're paying attention. Like, just, you know, lock in right Like, just, you know, lock in right Like, just, you know, lock in right away. Here we go. away. Here we go. away. Here we go. When he When he When he That's Jesus. opened the seventh That's Jesus. opened the seventh That's Jesus. opened the seventh of seven seal. There was silence in heaven There was silence in heaven for about half an hour. for about half an hour. for about half an hour. Did you know that that happened? Did you know that that happened? Did you know that that happened? Huh. Huh. Huh. 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, before God, before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

and seven trumpets were given to them. and seven trumpets were 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 of all God's people on the the prayers of all God's people on the the prayers of all God's people on the golden altar in front of the throne. golden altar in front of the throne. 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 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 from the angel's hand. before God from the angel's hand. before God from the angel's hand. Then Then Then the angel took the censer, the angel took the censer, the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, filled it with fire from the altar, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth. and hurled it on the earth. and hurled it on the earth. And there came peals of thunder, And there came peals of thunder, And there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, rumblings, flashes of lightning, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. and an earthquake. and an earthquake. Revelation chapter 8 revolves around Revelation chapter 8 revolves around Revelation chapter 8 revolves around this question, what happens to our this question, what happens to our this question, what happens to our prayers? prayers? prayers? John answers using these images, and John answers using these images, and John answers using these images, and this will be our outline. this will be our outline. this will be our outline. He uses silence. He uses silence. He uses silence. If you've ever wondered why God is If you've ever wondered why God is If you've ever wondered why God is silent. silent. silent. He uses the altar, He uses the altar, He uses the altar, fire, fire, fire, and waiting.

and waiting. and waiting. Anyone else in the middle of waiting? Anyone else in the middle of waiting? Anyone else in the middle of waiting? First, First, First, let's look at the silence. Back to verse let's look at the silence. Back to verse let's look at the silence. Back to verse 1. When he opened the seventh seal, 1. When he opened the seventh seal, 1. When he opened the seventh seal, there was there was 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. Point 1, the silence. So, we'll see the Point 1, the silence. So, we'll see the Point 1, the silence. So, we'll see the image, and then we'll see what we learn image, and then we'll see what we learn image, and then we'll see what we learn about God. So, point one, the silence, about God. So, point one, the silence, about God. So, point one, the silence, we learn that God is listening. we learn that God is listening. we learn that God is listening. In chapter four, so four chapters before In chapter four, so four chapters before In chapter four, so four chapters before you get to eight, if you remember, you get to eight, if you remember, you get to eight, if you remember, there's that heavenly worship scene. Do there's that heavenly worship scene. Do there's that heavenly worship scene. Do you remember it? Sean talked about it. you remember it? Sean talked about it. you remember it? Sean talked about it. It's the moment with all the angels and It's the moment with all the angels and It's the moment with all the angels and all the creatures and everyone's going, all the creatures and everyone's going, all the creatures and everyone's going, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of ring a bell, who was and is and is to ring a bell, who was and is and is to ring a bell, who was and is and is to come." And actually speaks to it, it come." And actually speaks to it, it come." And actually speaks to it, it says, "Day and night, they never stop says, "Day and night, they never stop says, "Day and night, they never stop saying, 'Holy, holy.'" This is the saying, 'Holy, holy.'" This is the saying, 'Holy, holy.'" This is the vision he's getting four chapters vision he's getting four chapters vision he's getting four chapters earlier. It just doesn't stop. It just earlier. It just doesn't stop. It just earlier. It just doesn't stop. It just doesn't stop. It just doesn't stop. And doesn't stop. It just doesn't stop. And doesn't stop. It just doesn't stop. And then in chapter eight, it does. then in chapter eight, it does. then in chapter eight, it does. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Why? >> Why? >> Why? Commentators have an assortment of Commentators have an assortment of Commentators have an assortment of explanations. First one, explanations. First one, explanations. First one, and there's different views. First one and there's different views. First one and there's different views. First one is it's reminis- reminiscent of is it's reminis- reminiscent of is it's reminis- reminiscent of creation.

creation. creation. That this is the seventh seal. So, on That this is the seventh seal. So, on That this is the seventh seal. So, on the seventh day, the seventh day, the seventh day, there's a rest. Another commentator there's a rest. Another commentator there's a rest. Another commentator says, "This is the world's silence says, "This is the world's silence says, "This is the world's silence before God at the day of judgment that before God at the day of judgment that before God at the day of judgment that is beginning in this chapter." is beginning in this chapter." is beginning in this chapter." Another commentator it says, "Everyone Another commentator it says, "Everyone Another commentator it says, "Everyone in the heavenly places is in awe because in the heavenly places is in awe because in the heavenly places is in awe because heaven is anticipating utter heaven is anticipating utter heaven is anticipating utter destruction." destruction." destruction." And And And I don't say or. I don't say or. I don't say or. And heaven gets quiet heaven gets 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. Last night I had a conversation Last night I had a conversation with a friend about the difference with a friend about the difference with a friend about the difference between therapy and spiritual direction.

between therapy and spiritual direction. between therapy and spiritual direction. Both Both Both are wonderful. But I was we were talking about one of But I was we were talking about one of the distinctions of the distinctions of the distinctions of of spiritual direction is of spiritual direction is of spiritual direction is there's a lot of silence in it. there's a lot of silence in it. there's a lot of silence in it. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Cuz the whole point is to be directed >> Cuz the whole point is to be directed >> Cuz the whole point is to be directed not just by someone not just by someone not just by someone in front of you, but someone who hasn't in front of you, but someone who hasn't in front of you, but someone who hasn't left. left. left. But what we were talking about is when But what we were talking about is when But what we were talking about is when people first get into spiritual people first get into spiritual people first get into spiritual direction if they don't know what's direction if they don't know what's direction if they don't know what's coming. If you sign up for spiritual coming. If you sign up for spiritual coming. If you sign up for spiritual direction at some point you don't know direction at some point you don't know direction at some point you don't know what's coming. what's coming. what's coming. It's really interesting what happens It's really interesting what happens It's really interesting what happens with silence. with silence. with silence. Like she was she was telling a story. A Like she was she was telling a story. A Like she was she was telling a story. A friend of mine who was a spiritual friend of mine who was a spiritual friend of mine who was a spiritual director was telling the story of like director was telling the story of like director was telling the story of like how common it is for the person in the how common it is for the person in the how common it is for the person in the very first spiritual direction she'll be very first spiritual direction she'll be very first spiritual direction she'll be like, all right, let's wait on the Lord like, all right, let's wait on the Lord like, all right, let's wait on the Lord and just bring our hearts before him. So and just bring our hearts before him. So and just bring our hearts before him. So let's just create a little silence. And let's just create a little silence. And let's just create a little silence. And then the person's like, for sure. then the person's like, for sure. then the person's like, for sure. Do you hear anything? Do you hear anything? Do you hear anything? Like Like Like we're so uncomfortable with silence. And we're so uncomfortable with silence. And we're so uncomfortable with silence. And I wonder if it's true that but it's not I wonder if it's true that but it's not I wonder if it's true that but it's not just like actual silence like this. It's actually how we feel when we feel It's actually how we feel when we feel like God is silent like God is silent like God is silent in response to these honest prayers that in response to these honest prayers that in response to these honest prayers that we've prayed, especially diligently we've prayed, especially diligently we've prayed, especially diligently prayed, right?

prayed, right? prayed, right? Like what silence does in us. I don't Like what silence does in us. I don't Like what silence does in us. I don't just want to look at the fact that's just want to look at the fact that's just want to look at the fact that's what silence is, what silence is, what silence is, but what silence does in us is it makes but what silence does in us is it makes but what silence does in us is it makes us at times almost feel us at times almost feel us at times almost feel ignored. But what if But what if God's silence God's silence God's silence is not to ignore you, is not to ignore you, is not to ignore you, but so that your prayers can be heard but so that your prayers can be heard but so that your prayers can be heard before God acts before God acts before God acts in verse 5. in verse 5. in verse 5. He listens. He listens. He listens. And I know this not just from Revelation And I know this not just from Revelation And I know this not just from Revelation 8, Jeremiah 29:11, the passage that 8, Jeremiah 29:11, the passage that 8, Jeremiah 29:11, the passage that talks about the fact that God knows talks about the fact that God knows talks about the fact that God knows everything. He is sovereign. Do you everything. He is sovereign. Do you everything. He is sovereign. Do you remember it? You put it on every remember it? You put it on every remember it? You put it on every graduation card. graduation card. graduation card. God speaking, for I know the God speaking, for I know the God speaking, for I know the plans I have for you." The one who knows plans I have for you." The one who knows plans I have for you." The one who knows everything. "For I know the plans I have everything. "For I know the plans I have everything. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. God knows for you," declares the Lord. God knows for you," declares the Lord. God knows the plans for everything. "For I know the plans for everything. "For I know the plans for everything. "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." Anyone else like that verse?

future." Anyone else like that verse? future." Anyone else like that verse? Me, too. Me, too. Me, too. The next verse. The next verse. The next verse. He says, "Then He says, "Then He says, "Then So, again, God already knows the plan. So, again, God already knows the plan. So, again, God already knows the plan. 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." How interesting. pray to me." How interesting. pray to me." How interesting. He already knows the plans, but what He already knows the plans, but what He already knows the plans, but what does he do? He invites you to call upon does he do? He invites you to call upon does he do? He invites you to call upon him, to come and pray to him. Why? He him, to come and pray to him. Why? He him, to come and pray to him. Why? He finishes it like this. finishes it like this. finishes it like this. "I will listen to you." "I will listen to you." "I will listen to you." I don't know about you, but like we we I don't know about you, but like we we I don't know about you, but like we we get challenged all the time to pray. get challenged all the time to pray. get challenged all the time to pray. Here's my encouragement. I want to Here's my encouragement. I want to Here's my encouragement. I want to challenge you to realize that he challenge you to realize that he challenge you to realize that he listens. It's an attribute of God that's really It's an attribute of God that's really beautiful. In fact, it's one area I beautiful. In fact, it's one area I beautiful. In fact, it's one area I believe he's wanting to form us to believe he's wanting to form us to believe he's wanting to form us to become more like, to look at our people become more like, to look at our people become more like, to look at our people around us, and genuinely listen to them. around us, and genuinely listen to them. around us, and genuinely listen to them. It is such a gift. It is such a gift. It is such a gift. And it makes me wonder if there's a And it makes me wonder if there's a And it makes me wonder if there's a prayer prayer prayer that because you've felt that because you've felt that because you've felt absence or you've felt silence that absence or you've felt silence that absence or you've felt silence that you've stopped praying. Or maybe there's a prayer that you Or maybe there's a prayer that you 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. Because you feared silence. Because you feared silence. Because you feared silence. I can relate. I I went into a New Year's Eve with my I I went into a New Year's Eve with my friend Brooke and her husband. This friend Brooke and her husband. This friend Brooke and her husband. This would be a couple years back. would be a couple years back. would be a couple years back. And I don't know about Anyone else have And I don't know about Anyone else have And I don't know about Anyone else have like the word of the year? Anyone else like the word of the year? Anyone else like the word of the year? Anyone else do the word of the year? do the word of the year? do the word of the year? Me and her. Me and her. Me and her. Anyone else? Just Thank you. Anyone else? Just Thank you. Anyone else? Just Thank you. Few of us. And I Yeah, yeah. I was like Few of us. And I Yeah, yeah. I was like Few of us. And I Yeah, yeah. I was like I always want to come in with a word, I always want to come in with a word, I always want to come in with a word, but I was just kind of tired, and I was but I was just kind of tired, and I was but I was just kind of tired, and I was in the middle of like deep grief, and in the middle of like deep grief, and in the middle of like deep grief, and I'm like, "I don't have a word this I'm like, "I don't have a word this I'm like, "I don't have a word this year. I don't care." And my friend's year. I don't care." And my friend's year. I don't care." And my friend's like, "I have my word." I'm like, like, "I have my word." I'm like, like, "I have my word." I'm like, "Great." She goes, "My word for the year "Great." She goes, "My word for the year "Great." She goes, "My word for the year is content." is content." is content." I was like, "Mine, too." I was like, "Mine, too." I was like, "Mine, too." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I just like I'm like I just stole her >> I just like I'm like I just stole her >> I just like I'm like I just stole her word. I'm like, "That's [snorts] my word. I'm like, "That's [snorts] my word. I'm like, "That's [snorts] my That's going to be my word, too." And That's going to be my word, too." And That's going to be my word, too." And so, I went into the year content. What I so, I went into the year content. What I so, I went into the year content. What I didn't realize is the word of the year didn't realize is the word of the year didn't realize is the word of the year sometimes isn't just given to you, it sometimes isn't just given to you, it sometimes isn't just given to you, it just reveals how often it's not already just reveals how often it's not already just reveals how often it's not already in you. in you. in you. You know what I mean? So, I walk around You know what I mean? So, I walk around You know what I mean? So, I walk around and I'm realizing my lack of and I'm realizing my lack of and I'm realizing my lack of contentment, but I remember at that same contentment, but I remember at that same contentment, but I remember at that same friend friend friend her son's birthday party was at the her son's birthday party was at the her son's birthday party was at the beach, and we went to the beach. And I beach, and we went to the beach. And I beach, and we went to the beach. And I was looking at my little boys in the was looking at my little boys in the was looking at my little boys in the middle of single parenting.

middle of single parenting. middle of single parenting. And I'm like, "My word for the year is And I'm like, "My word for the year is And I'm like, "My word for the year is content." content." content." This is hard. This is hard. This is hard. How do I How do I get there? How do I How do I get there? How do I How do I get there? And so, I'm just like praying as I'm And so, I'm just like praying as I'm And so, I'm just like praying as I'm looking at these two little boys and looking at these two little boys and looking at these two little boys and running around on the beach. And I'm running around on the beach. And I'm running around on the beach. And I'm I'm thinking actually of heavenly I'm thinking actually of heavenly I'm thinking actually of heavenly rewards, cuz I know how God made me. He rewards, cuz I know how God made me. He rewards, cuz I know how God made me. He made me like want want re- I mean, want made me like want want re- I mean, want made me like want want re- I mean, want rewards. And I rewards. And I rewards. And I I believe so deeply in heaven. In fact, I believe so deeply in heaven. In fact, I believe so deeply in heaven. In fact, especially during that season, I didn't especially during that season, I didn't especially during that season, I didn't stop thinking about it. And then I think stop thinking about it. And then I think stop thinking about it. And then I think about the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus about the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus about the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus talks about what actually gives heavenly talks about what actually gives heavenly talks about what actually gives heavenly rewards, and it's not like this stuff. rewards, and it's not like this stuff. rewards, and it's not like this stuff. It's the secret stuff. It's the secret stuff. It's the secret stuff. It's the stuff that no one sees but him. It's the stuff that no one sees but him. It's the stuff that no one sees but him. And so, I'm looking at these little And so, I'm looking at these little And so, I'm looking at these little boys, and I was like boys, and I was like boys, and I was like "All right, God." "All right, God." "All right, God." And this is what I prayed. I remember And this is what I prayed. I remember And this is what I prayed. I remember the prayer so vividly cuz it was so the prayer so vividly cuz it was so the prayer so vividly cuz it was so shocking to me. I went like this, "Give shocking to me. I went like this, "Give shocking to me. I went like this, "Give me hard cuz I believe in heaven." cuz I believe in heaven." I felt so content. I felt so content. I felt so content. Which then surprised me when just a few Which then surprised me when just a few Which then surprised me when just a few weeks later, I am on a prayer walk with weeks later, I am on a prayer walk with weeks later, I am on a prayer walk with a group of friends, and I'm thinking a group of friends, and I'm thinking a group of friends, and I'm thinking about my contentment. I'm like, "You about my contentment. I'm like, "You about my contentment. I'm like, "You guys should pray for your longing."

guys should pray for your longing." guys should pray for your longing." Like, "What are you guys longing for?" Like, "What are you guys longing for?" Like, "What are you guys longing for?" And I send them all off to pray, and I And I send them all off to pray, and I And I send them all off to pray, and I go sit on a rock, and I and I ask the go sit on a rock, and I and I ask the go sit on a rock, and I and I ask the Lord like, "What's in my heart for, you Lord like, "What's in my heart for, you Lord like, "What's in my heart for, you know, like what am I longing for?" I'm know, like what am I longing for?" I'm know, like what am I longing for?" I'm like, "I'm longing for contentment." And like, "I'm longing for contentment." And like, "I'm longing for contentment." And I'm thanking the Lord for finding it. I'm thanking the Lord for finding it. I'm thanking the Lord for finding it. And then, I notice something rise up in And then, I notice something rise up in And then, I notice something rise up in where silence. It was the first time It was the first time that I felt a longing for remarriage. But here's the weird part. But here's the weird part. I did not pray it on that rock. Felt it. I did not pray it on that rock. Felt it. I did not pray it on that rock. Felt it. And I went, I don't want to be And I went, I don't want to be And I went, I don't want to be disappointed. disappointed. disappointed. See you. See you. See you. And I walked away. And I walked away. And I walked away. And it was like a month later that I was And it was like a month later that I was And it was like a month later that I was in Colorado Springs with my friends in Colorado Springs with my friends in Colorado Springs with my friends Daniel and Lisa and I'm sitting eating Daniel and Lisa and I'm sitting eating Daniel and Lisa and I'm sitting eating Chick-fil-A with them. And we're Chick-fil-A with them. And we're Chick-fil-A with them. And we're talking. I don't know why Chick-fil-A talking. I don't know why Chick-fil-A talking. I don't know why Chick-fil-A matters, but Christian brand closed matters, but Christian brand closed matters, but Christian brand closed today. Always on Sunday. It's the worst. today. Always on Sunday. It's the worst. today. Always on Sunday. It's the worst. It's the only day I actually want it. It's the only day I actually want it. It's the only day I actually want it. But we're sitting there eating on a But we're sitting there eating on a But we're sitting there eating on a Friday Friday Friday and and and I look at them and I went, what do you I look at them and I went, what do you I look at them and I went, what do you do with the fact that like my word of do with the fact that like my word of do with the fact that like my word of the year is contentment and then there's the year is contentment and then there's the year is contentment and then there's a longing. How do they like live a longing. How do they like live a longing. How do they like live together?

together? together? Like I'm kind of scared to pray because Like I'm kind of scared to pray because Like I'm kind of scared to pray because I don't want to lose the contentment I I don't want to lose the contentment I I don't want to lose the contentment I feel like I found. And he goes, well, I feel like I found. And he goes, well, I feel like I found. And he goes, well, I said, so what if I don't? He goes, said, so what if I don't? He goes, said, so what if I don't? He goes, God already knows it, so you might as God already knows it, so you might as God already knows it, so you might as well tell him. well tell him. well tell him. I was like, true. I was like, true. I was like, true. And that night I did. And that night I did. And that night I did. Now, what I'm going to tell you is a Now, what I'm going to tell you is a Now, what I'm going to tell you is a continuation of the story, but I want to continuation of the story, but I want to continuation of the story, but I want to be careful be careful be careful that I'm not telling you that if you that I'm not telling you that if you that I'm not telling you that if you pray what you pray, you get what you pray what you pray, you get what you pray what you pray, you get what you want. But I'll tell you this, But I'll tell you this, he already knows. he already knows. he already knows. You don't have to stop praying. He cares You don't have to stop praying. He cares You don't have to stop praying. He cares about it. about it. about it. And I will tell you as happenstance goes And I will tell you as happenstance goes And I will tell you as happenstance goes that that was the week that I prayed and that that was the week that I prayed and that that was the week that I prayed and it was in that month that I got set up it was in that month that I got set up it was in that month that I got set up with Scott, with Scott, with Scott, who I married a month ago. who I married a month ago. who I married a month ago. >> [applause] >> [applause] >> [applause] >> Now, and he's right over there, but I want I want to be really clear though. I want I want to be really clear though. This isn't some sort of reward. This isn't some sort of reward. This isn't some sort of reward. I don't feel like I deserve it. Oddly, I don't feel like I deserve it. Oddly, I don't feel like I deserve it. Oddly, the day before our wedding I ran into a the day before our wedding I ran into a the day before our wedding I ran into a young girl. She's like, "What does it young girl. She's like, "What does it young girl. She's like, "What does it feel like? What a story."

feel like? What a story." feel like? What a story." I was like, "You know what it feels I was like, "You know what it feels I was like, "You know what it feels like? It's grace." It feels like grace. Doesn't feel like It feels like grace. Doesn't feel like somehow I deserve it because I've been somehow I deserve it because I've been somehow I deserve it because I've been obedient. No. obedient. No. obedient. No. I'm so grateful God gave me content I'm so grateful God gave me content I'm so grateful God gave me content before before before he answered that prayer. he answered that prayer. he answered that prayer. So that my contentment would not be So that my contentment would not be So that my contentment would not be found in the answered prayer. found in the answered prayer. found in the answered prayer. And then And then And then But here's what did happen. Because I But here's what did happen. Because I But here's what did happen. Because I prayed prayed prayed when Scott came on the clouds. when Scott came on the clouds. when Scott came on the clouds. Just kidding. Just kidding. Just kidding. Just kidding. Just kidding. Just kidding. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> When Scott came through a text >> When Scott came through a text >> When Scott came through a text >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I saw God's hand in it >> I saw God's hand in it >> I saw God's hand in it because I prayed. because I prayed. because I prayed. I would have I I could have I would have I I could have I would have I I could have [clears throat] missed his hand in it. [clears throat] missed his hand in it. [clears throat] missed his hand in it. In fact, Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the In fact, Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the In fact, Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you." And for the plan plans I have for you." And for the plan plans I have for you." And for the plan for me was Scott. for me was Scott. for me was Scott. "For I know the plans I have for you, "For I know the plans I have for you, "For I know the plans I have for you, but your plans are prosperity not to but your plans are prosperity not to but your plans are prosperity not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a harm you. Plans to give you hope and a harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and future. Then you will call upon me and future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me. I'm going to listen come and pray to me. I'm going to listen come and pray to me. I'm going to listen to your prayer." Then verse 13 says, to your prayer." Then verse 13 says, to your prayer." Then verse 13 says, "You will seek me and you will find me "You will seek me and you will find me "You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart."

when you seek me with all your heart." when you seek me with all your heart." The goal for you is not the answer to The goal for you is not the answer to The goal for you is not the answer to your prayer. It's finding God in it. your prayer. It's finding God in it. your prayer. It's finding God in it. That's it. That's it. That's it. But I want to let you know where it But I want to let you know where it But I want to let you know where it begins. begins. begins. With him listening With him listening With him listening to your prayers. to your prayers. to your prayers. Don't stop praying, church. Don't We Don't stop praying, church. Don't We Don't stop praying, church. Don't We can't be a church that stops praying cuz can't be a church that stops praying cuz can't be a church that stops praying cuz we'll be a church that stops seeing him. we'll be a church that stops seeing him. we'll be a church that stops seeing him. He wants to be found by us. He wants to be found by us. He wants to be found by us. The silence. So what happens though to The silence. So what happens though to The silence. So what happens though to our prayers? We we pray them and then our prayers? We we pray them and then our prayers? We we pray them and then he's listening and then we're like, he's listening and then we're like, he's listening and then we're like, "Cool." No. "Cool." No. "Cool." No. Keep reading. Keep reading. Keep reading. Verse two. Verse two. Verse two. 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. So the seventh seal opens the seven So the seventh seal opens the seven So the seventh seal opens the seven trumpets. By the way, trumpets, not just trumpets. By the way, trumpets, not just trumpets. By the way, trumpets, not just in scripture, but just trumpets in in scripture, but just trumpets in in scripture, but just trumpets in general, I used to play the trumpet, so general, I used to play the trumpet, so general, I used to play the trumpet, so did Scott. It's weird. did Scott. It's weird. did Scott. It's weird. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> The trumpets always announce important >> The trumpets always announce important >> The trumpets always announce important events in scripture. events in scripture. events in scripture. Oftentimes it's a warning, but almost Oftentimes it's a warning, but almost Oftentimes it's a warning, but almost always it's God stepping into history.

always it's God stepping into history. always it's God stepping into history. These trumpets are announcing These trumpets are announcing These trumpets are announcing the beginning of judgment. the beginning of judgment. the beginning of judgment. They precede the bowls. They precede the bowls. They precede the bowls. Which by the way, the bowls and the Which by the way, the bowls and the Which by the way, the bowls and the trumpets both release judgment, but if trumpets both release judgment, but if trumpets both release judgment, but if you finish reading chapter 8, you'll see you finish reading chapter 8, you'll see you finish reading chapter 8, you'll see it is all done in thirds. We'll get to it is all done in thirds. We'll get to it is all done in thirds. We'll get to that in a bit. Let's keep reading, we'll that in a bit. Let's keep reading, we'll that in a bit. Let's keep reading, we'll come back to it. Verse three verse come back to it. Verse three verse come back to it. Verse three verse three. Another angel who had a golden three. Another angel who had a golden three. Another angel who had a golden censer came and stood at the altar. This censer came and stood at the altar. This censer came and stood at the altar. This is the second picture. The first one is is the second picture. The first one is is the second picture. The first one is the silence that God is listening. The the silence that God is listening. The the silence that God is listening. The second is the altar. second is the altar. second is the altar. And here's what we realize, that God And here's what we realize, that God And here's what we realize, that God doesn't just listen, he receives. doesn't just listen, he receives. doesn't just listen, he receives. 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, the second came and stood at the altar, the second came and stood at the altar, the second picture. picture. picture. 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 of all God's people on the the prayers of all God's people on the the prayers of all God's people on the golden altar. There's the picture again. golden altar. There's the picture again. golden altar. There's the picture again. 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 from the angel's hand.

before God from the angel's hand. before God from the angel's hand. I'm a visual learner, maybe this will I'm a visual learner, maybe this will I'm a visual learner, maybe this will help. We have a sketch. If you notice, help. We have a sketch. If you notice, help. We have a sketch. If you notice, there's a lot of Old Testament imagery there's a lot of Old Testament imagery there's a lot of Old Testament imagery that is happening. You have the altar of that is happening. You have the altar of that is happening. You have the altar of incense. This is where the priests incense. This is where the priests incense. This is where the priests offered their daily prayers all offered their daily prayers all offered their daily prayers all throughout scripture. This altar, throughout scripture. This altar, throughout scripture. This altar, notice, is to to the right of the notice, is to to the right of the notice, is to to the right of the throne. This altar is before the throne. throne. This altar is before the throne. throne. This altar is before the throne. A censer, by the way, is the pan that A censer, by the way, is the pan that A censer, by the way, is the pan that holds the hot coals for burning the holds the hot coals for burning the holds the hot coals for burning the incense. It represents, as it's incense. It represents, as it's incense. It represents, as it's intermingled with the prayers of the intermingled with the prayers of the intermingled with the prayers of the people, as the prayers rising up to God. people, as the prayers rising up to God. people, as the prayers rising up to God. The smoke that you see is a visible The smoke that you see is a visible The smoke that you see is a visible representation of those prayers. This representation of those prayers. This representation of those prayers. This passage is all about prayer. passage is all about prayer. passage is all about prayer. Two weeks ago Two weeks ago Two weeks ago in chapter five, if you remember, the in chapter five, if you remember, the in chapter five, if you remember, the elders had bowls. elders had bowls. elders had bowls. And what was in those bowls? Who And what was in those bowls? Who And what was in those bowls? Who remembers? My man, the prayers. Chapter five, if My man, the prayers. Chapter five, if you remember, it was a really great you remember, it was a really great you remember, it was a really great moment. Remember when Remember, Sean, moment. Remember when Remember, Sean, moment. Remember when Remember, Sean, when he was like, "They're in the bowl."

when he was like, "They're in the bowl." when he was like, "They're in the bowl." Remember that moment? Remember that moment? Remember that moment? You need to come to church consistently. You need to come to church consistently. You need to come to church consistently. I know it's summer. If you missed it, I loved his line right If you missed it, I loved his line right here. He said, here. He said, here. He said, "Your prayers are in the room where "Your prayers are in the room where "Your prayers are in the room where history is being decided." history is being decided." history is being decided." Which prayers? Which prayers? Which prayers? The ones that you thought no one heard. The ones that you thought no one heard. The ones that you thought no one heard. The ones you said in anger, "Why?" The ones you said in anger, "Why?" The ones you said in anger, "Why?" are in the bowl. The ones where you went, "I'm I'm ready, The ones where you went, "I'm I'm ready, God." God." God." They're in the bowl. The ones where you went, "Change them. The ones where you went, "Change them. Change them. Change them. Change them. Change them. Change them. Change them. Change them. Change them. Change them. Change them. Just change them. Change Change them. Just change them. Change Change them. Just change them. Change them. Get them to apologize." And now we're in chapter eight. And now we're in chapter eight. If chapter five is where the prayers If chapter five is where the prayers If chapter five is where the prayers were collected, were collected, were collected, chapter eight is where we see what God chapter eight is where we see what God chapter eight is where we see what God does with them. But notice, that's three does with them. But notice, that's three does with them. But notice, that's three whole chapters.

whole chapters. whole chapters. And the prayers have not left God's And the prayers have not left God's And the prayers have not left God's presence. presence. presence. The prayers are now with the censer and The prayers are now with the censer and The prayers are now with the censer and the incense and the smoke. They're now the incense and the smoke. They're now the incense and the smoke. They're now being not just heard, but received. being not just heard, but received. being not just heard, but received. And that's an important distinction. And that's an important distinction. And that's an important distinction. They're in the bowl, They're in the bowl, They're in the bowl, but they're also offered to be received but they're also offered to be received but they're also offered to be received at the altar. at the altar. at the altar. Your prayers do not disappear. Your prayers do not disappear. Your prayers do not disappear. And by the way, this answers that quiet And by the way, this answers that quiet And by the way, this answers that quiet fear. I don't know about you, but I've fear. I don't know about you, but I've fear. I don't know about you, but I've had like, does God actually hear me? At the altar, the angel offers the At the altar, the angel offers the prayers of God's people, and the prayers prayers of God's people, and the prayers prayers of God's people, and the prayers rise and they're received. I sat with that picture. Like, "Whoa." I sat with that picture. Like, "Whoa." And then I asked a hard question, and I And then I asked a hard question, and I And then I asked a hard question, and I came up with really challenging answer came up with really challenging answer came up with really challenging answer from scripture, and I went back and from scripture, and I went back and from scripture, and I went back and forth on whether or not to bring it up. forth on whether or not to bring it up. forth on whether or not to bring it up. I'm going to bring it up, and I'm going I'm going to bring it up, and I'm going I'm going to bring it up, and I'm going to trust that the Holy Spirit's going to to trust that the Holy Spirit's going to to trust that the Holy Spirit's going to do in you what he needs to through it.

do in you what he needs to through it. do in you what he needs to through it. But just know that the Holy Spirit is But just know that the Holy Spirit is But just know that the Holy Spirit is kind. kind. kind. So, if you hear this, what I'm about to So, if you hear this, what I'm about to So, if you hear this, what I'm about to say, in any other tone but kindness, say, in any other tone but kindness, say, in any other tone but kindness, cuz it's his kindness that leads to cuz it's his kindness that leads to cuz it's his kindness that leads to repentance. I asked this question, are repentance. I asked this question, are repentance. I asked this question, are all prayers heard? Is there a time when God does not Is there a time when God does not receive our prayers? 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, Mark 11:25, Mark 11:25, God does not honor prayers from people God does not honor prayers from people God does not honor prayers from people who refuse to extend forgiveness that who refuse to extend forgiveness that who refuse to extend forgiveness that they've already received. they've already received. they've already received. Proverbs 28:9, God does not delight in Proverbs 28:9, God does not delight in Proverbs 28:9, God does not delight in prayers from those who continually prayers from those who continually prayers from those who continually ignore his word. ignore his word. ignore his word. Isaiah 1:15-17, Isaiah 1:15-17, Isaiah 1:15-17, hypocritical worship, hypocritical worship, hypocritical worship, says this in that verse, "Though you says this in that verse, "Though you says this in that verse, "Though you make many prayers, make many prayers, make many 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, James 4:3, James 4:3, God does not respond to prayers driven God does not respond to prayers driven God does not respond to prayers driven by selfish ambition rather than his by selfish ambition rather than his by selfish ambition rather than his will. will. will. Selfish ambition might be like when we Selfish ambition might be like when we Selfish ambition might be like when we ask for things just so that life feels ask for things just so that life feels ask for things just so that life feels easier or more comfortable. Let me ask easier or more comfortable. Let me ask easier or more comfortable. Let me ask this. this. this. If God were to have said yes If God were to have said yes If God were to have said yes to every prayer you prayed over the past to every prayer you prayed over the past to every prayer you prayed over the past month, month, month, if he said yes, if he said yes, if he said yes, would your life be more comfortable or would your life be more comfortable or would your life be more comfortable or would God be more glorified? Your prayers matter Your prayers matter and so does your life. Hear me very clearly. We do not obey the Hear me very clearly. We do not obey the Lord, listen to his word in order to Lord, listen to his word in order to Lord, listen to his word in order to find salvation or relationship with God.

find salvation or relationship with God. find salvation or relationship with God. It is our belief in Christ Jesus and his It is our belief in Christ Jesus and his It is our belief in Christ Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross to take all sacrifice on the cross to take all sacrifice on the cross to take all of our sin. of our sin. of our sin. To take the consequence for all of it. To take the consequence for all of it. To take the consequence for all of it. Friends, you have not, cannot, will not Friends, you have not, cannot, will not Friends, you have not, cannot, will not out sin the cross of Jesus Christ where out sin the cross of Jesus Christ where out sin the cross of Jesus Christ where it was paid in full. The wages of our it was paid in full. The wages of our it was paid in full. The wages of our sin is death. He goes to the cross and sin is death. He goes to the cross and sin is death. He goes to the cross and he dies to pay that penalty. On the he dies to pay that penalty. On the he dies to pay that penalty. On the third day he rises to prove that he has third day he rises to prove that he has third day he rises to prove that he has defeated any weapon the enemy sends defeated any weapon the enemy sends defeated any weapon the enemy sends against us and not only that did he take against us and not only that did he take against us and not only that did he take our sin. There's a great exchange. He our sin. There's a great exchange. He our sin. There's a great exchange. He offers us his life the moment we believe offers us his life the moment we believe offers us his life the moment we believe on him for salvation. on him for salvation. on him for salvation. You do not receive salvation because You do not receive salvation because You do not receive salvation because you've been good. You receive salvation you've been good. You receive salvation you've been good. You receive salvation because Jesus was good on your behalf. because Jesus was good on your behalf. because Jesus was good on your behalf. And he went to the cross to take what And he went to the cross to take what And he went to the cross to take what you deserve and then offers you by grace you deserve and then offers you by grace you deserve and then offers you by grace through faith that which he deserved through faith that which he deserved through faith that which he deserved which is an intimate personal which is an intimate personal which is an intimate personal relationship with God who already knows relationship with God who already knows relationship with God who already knows everything.

everything. everything. And you are welcomed into the throne And you are welcomed into the throne And you are welcomed into the throne room of the throne room of grace with room of the throne room of grace with room of the throne room of grace with confidence the moment you believe. So, confidence the moment you believe. So, confidence the moment you believe. So, hear me. hear me. hear me. We don't obey for salvation. Salvation We don't obey for salvation. Salvation We don't obey for salvation. Salvation is a free gift of grace given to those is a free gift of grace given to those is a free gift of grace given to those who believe in Christ's work on the who believe in Christ's work on the who believe in Christ's work on the cross, but cross, but cross, but >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> scripture is clear that our behavior can >> scripture is clear that our behavior can >> scripture is clear that our behavior can hinder our prayers. But the greater But the greater emphasis in scripture is that humble emphasis in scripture is that humble emphasis in scripture is that humble repentant repentant repentant people people people have confident access to God because of have confident access to God because of have confident access to God because of their need for Christ. their need for Christ. their need for Christ. Through their faith in Christ. The thing that is hindering your prayers The thing that is hindering your prayers needs to be prayed. needs to be prayed. needs to be prayed. The solution to the things that are The solution to the things that are The solution to the things that are hindering your prayers We have silence where God listens. We We have silence where God listens. We have the altar have the altar have the altar where God receives.

where God receives. where God receives. Prayer does not disappear. Prayers though Prayers though don't just rise. How cool is this? This don't just rise. How cool is this? This don't just rise. How cool is this? This is where the action begins. is where the action begins. is where the action begins. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> They return. Verse 5. >> They return. Verse 5. >> They return. Verse 5. Then the angel took the censer. Then the angel took the censer. Then the angel took the censer. Remember the censer? Remember the censer? Remember the censer? You can put the picture back up. We got You can put the picture back up. We got You can put the picture back up. We got it. Censer. There it is. it. Censer. There it is. it. Censer. There it is. But look at the bottom right corner as I But look at the bottom right corner as I But look at the bottom right corner as I read these verses. Then the angel took read these verses. Then the angel took read these verses. Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the the censer, filled it with fire from the the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth, and altar, and hurled it on the earth, and altar, and hurled it on the earth, and there came peels of thunder, rumblings, there came peels of thunder, rumblings, there came peels of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. I'm going to read back starting in verse I'm going to read back starting in verse I'm going to read back starting in verse 3. I want you to pay attention to what's 3. I want you to pay attention to what's 3. I want you to pay attention to what's in the censer in the censer in the censer because it changes. Verse [snorts] 3, because it changes. Verse [snorts] 3, because it changes. Verse [snorts] 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. He was came and stood at the altar. He was came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense. What is a censer? given much incense. What is a censer? given much incense. What is a censer? Remember, it's the pan that holds the Remember, it's the pan that holds the Remember, it's the pan that holds the incense and the prayers. incense and the prayers. incense and the prayers. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> With the prayers of all God's people on >> With the prayers of all God's people on >> With 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 prayers of God's people from the the prayers of God's people from the the prayers of God's people from the censer went up before God from the censer went up before God from the censer went up before God from the angel's hand. Then, the angel took the angel's hand. Then, the angel took the angel's hand. Then, the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the censer, filled it with fire from the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth, and altar, and hurled it on the earth, and altar, and hurled it on the earth, and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, there came peals of thunder, rumblings, there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.

flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. flashes of lightning, and an earthquake. First, it is filled with incense. Then, First, it is filled with incense. Then, First, it is filled with incense. Then, same censer filled with fire. Prayer same censer filled with fire. Prayer same censer filled with fire. Prayer rises, fire falls. rises, fire falls. rises, fire falls. God's action when the day of judgment God's action when the day of judgment God's action when the day of judgment comes is not some random destruction. comes is not some random destruction. comes is not some random destruction. Yes, thunder and lightning, and yes, Yes, thunder and lightning, and yes, Yes, thunder and lightning, and yes, those images represent God's judgment. those images represent God's judgment. those images represent God's judgment. Why? Because he is just. He's answering the prayers and the He's answering the prayers and the generation upon generation upon generation upon generation upon generation upon generation upon generation of prayers that are praying generation of prayers that are praying generation of prayers that are praying what Jesus taught us to pray, "May your what Jesus taught us to pray, "May your what Jesus taught us to pray, "May your kingdom come on earth as it is in kingdom come on earth as it is in kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven." What are those prayers? The heaven." What are those prayers? The heaven." What are those prayers? The prayers that I hope we have prayed for prayers that I hope we have prayed for prayers that I hope we have prayed for evil to come to an end. evil to come to an end. evil to come to an end. For things that are wrong to be made For things that are wrong to be made For things that are wrong to be made right. right. right. And for justice. And friends, my 150 And for justice. And friends, my 150 And for justice. And friends, my 150 Psalms, my 150 days of prayer, there are Psalms, my 150 days of prayer, there are Psalms, my 150 days of prayer, there are a lot of calls for justice because a lot a lot of calls for justice because a lot a lot of calls for justice because a lot of the justice that we want to hold of the justice that we want to hold of the justice that we want to hold against people, only God can hold, and against people, only God can hold, and against people, only God can hold, and he makes promises through his scripture he makes promises through his scripture he makes promises through his scripture that one day things that are wrong will that one day things that are wrong will that one day things that are wrong will be made right. Don't stop praying.

be made right. Don't stop praying. be made right. Don't stop praying. George Beasley-Murray put it this way. George Beasley-Murray put it this way. George Beasley-Murray put it this way. He said, "God has willed that the people He said, "God has willed that the people He said, "God has willed that the people that the Sorry. God has willed that the that the Sorry. God has willed that the that the Sorry. God has willed that the prayers of his people should be part of prayers of his people should be part of prayers of his people should be part of the process by which the kingdom comes." the process by which the kingdom comes." the process by which the kingdom comes." So, hear me. So, hear me. So, hear me. The third picture is the fire The third picture is the fire The third picture is the fire because God responds. because God responds. because God responds. Put simply, what's prayed Put simply, what's prayed Put simply, what's prayed and brought to heaven moves, eventually, and brought to heaven moves, eventually, and brought to heaven moves, eventually, in God's timing, on earth. And prayer is not convincing God to just And prayer is not convincing God to just join our agendas. Rather, join our agendas. Rather, join our agendas. Rather, he's inviting us all into his agendas he's inviting us all into his agendas he's inviting us all into his agendas that the wrongs of the world would be that the wrongs of the world would be that the wrongs of the world would be made right. made right. made right. And he alone is the perfect judge. Silence, God is listening. The altar, Silence, God is listening. The altar, God receives. The fire, God responds. God receives. The fire, God responds. God receives. The fire, God responds. But then, another tricky question we But then, another tricky question we But then, another tricky question we come up with a lot in prayer is, come up with a lot in prayer is, come up with a lot in prayer is, what do we do about the wait?

And the scripture speaks to that, too. And the scripture speaks to that, too. The wait The wait The wait is because God is patient is because God is patient is because God is patient because because because he loves. he loves. he loves. So, in the picture we have in Revelation So, in the picture we have in Revelation So, in the picture we have in Revelation chapter 8, prayers go up before God. And chapter 8, prayers go up before God. And chapter 8, prayers go up before God. And what prayers? The prayers of all God's what prayers? The prayers of all God's what prayers? The prayers of all God's people for all of time. But we have some people for all of time. But we have some people for all of time. But we have some written out. Remember the one in chapter written out. Remember the one in chapter written out. Remember the one in chapter 6, verse 10? How long until you right 6, verse 10? How long until you right 6, verse 10? How long until you right what went wrong? what went wrong? what went wrong? And in Revelation In Revelation 8, God And in Revelation In Revelation 8, God And in Revelation In Revelation 8, God answers. answers. answers. And his answer is not immediate. But And his answer is not immediate. But And his answer is not immediate. But notice what God doesn't do. notice what God doesn't do. notice what God doesn't do. He does not wipe out everything at once. He does not wipe out everything at once. He does not wipe out everything at once. If you keep on reading through the rest If you keep on reading through the rest If you keep on reading through the rest of chapter 8, you will read this phrase of chapter 8, you will read this phrase of chapter 8, you will read this phrase a lot. a lot. a lot. A third. A third. A third. Let me just read. Ready? Let me just read. Ready? Let me just read. Ready? It's verse 7. A third of the earth was It's verse 7. A third of the earth was It's verse 7. A third of the earth was burned up. Verse 8. A third of the sea burned up. Verse 8. A third of the sea burned up. Verse 8. A third of the sea turned into blood. Verse 9. A third. And turned into blood. Verse 9. A third. And turned into blood. Verse 9. A third. And the second one in verse 9. A third. Then the second one in verse 9. A third. Then the second one in verse 9. A third. Then verse 10. A third. Verse 11. A third. verse 10. A third. Verse 11. A third. verse 10. A third. Verse 11. A third. Verse 12. A third. A second one in that Verse 12. A third. A second one in that Verse 12. A third. A second one in that same verse. A third. A third one in that same verse. A third. A third one in that same verse. A third. A third one in that verse. A fourth one in that verse. A verse. A fourth one in that verse. A verse. A fourth one in that verse. A fifth one in that verse. A sixth one in fifth one in that verse. A sixth one in fifth one in that verse. A sixth one in that A third. A third. A third. A third.

that A third. A third. A third. A third. that A third. A third. A third. A third. A third. A third. And anytime you see A third. A third. And anytime you see A third. A third. And anytime you see repetition start to pay attention. If repetition start to pay attention. If repetition start to pay attention. If you read through chapter 8, you would you read through chapter 8, you would you read through chapter 8, you would see a third, a third, a third. God is see a third, a third, a third. God is see a third, a third, a third. God is unleashing his wrath at this point in unleashing his wrath at this point in unleashing his wrath at this point in history. God unleashes wrath in thirds, history. God unleashes wrath in thirds, history. God unleashes wrath in thirds, and every time you read the third, I and every time you read the third, I and every time you read the third, I want you to remember this word, mercy. Everything left untouched is an Everything left untouched is an opportunity to repent. God's judgment is real, church. God's judgment is real, church. But so is his patience. But so is his patience. But so is his patience. And the reason he is patient in And the reason he is patient in And the reason he is patient in responding to your prayers is because he responding to your prayers is because he responding to your prayers is because he loves the world. He's giving opportunities for more to He's giving opportunities for more to know him. know him. know him. It's easy for us to pray and then It's easy for us to pray and then It's easy for us to pray and then mistake God's delay for a lack of care. mistake God's delay for a lack of care. mistake God's delay for a lack of care. Revelation proves otherwise. Revelation proves otherwise. Revelation proves otherwise. When we remember God's mercy, here's When we remember God's mercy, here's When we remember God's mercy, here's what happens. It softens our demands for what happens. It softens our demands for what happens. It softens our demands for speed.

because he loves. because he loves. At the beginning, when we first started At the beginning, when we first started At the beginning, when we first started and I read the first verse, I wonder if and I read the first verse, I wonder if and I read the first verse, I wonder if you were like me and on first reading you were like me and on first reading you were like me and on first reading wondered about that silence. Like it wondered about that silence. Like it wondered about that silence. Like it felt confusing. felt confusing. felt confusing. I [snorts] hope as you just got to verse I [snorts] hope as you just got to verse I [snorts] hope as you just got to verse 5 5 5 that by the end you see that by the end you see that by the end you see that it's love. that it's love. that it's love. It's a remarkable scene in Revelation It's a remarkable scene in Revelation It's a remarkable scene in Revelation chapter 8 that gives us a whole lot of chapter 8 that gives us a whole lot of chapter 8 that gives us a whole lot of confidence. confidence. confidence. Because when we, the people of God, pray Because when we, the people of God, pray Because when we, the people of God, pray he hears and responds. he hears and responds. he hears and responds. And when you don't know what God's And when you don't know what God's And when you don't know what God's doing, remember the truth revealed in doing, remember the truth revealed in doing, remember the truth revealed in this passage. this passage. this passage. He listens. He listens. He listens. He also wants to search your heart so He also wants to search your heart so He also wants to search your heart so that anything that's hindering it can be that anything that's hindering it can be that anything that's hindering it can be brought before him brought before him brought before him to listen to it. to listen to it. to listen to it. He receives it. He receives it. He receives it. He responds in his timing because he He responds in his timing because he He responds in his timing because he also waits in love. And so we don't want to have any prayer And so we don't want to have any prayer unhindered and I'll bring another unhindered and I'll bring another unhindered and I'll bring another couple of verses before you that I don't couple of verses before you that I don't couple of verses before you that I don't want to ignore.

want to ignore. want to ignore. Jesus' half-brother James Jesus' half-brother James Jesus' half-brother James same mom different dad. same mom different dad. same mom different dad. But uh ch If anyone among you is in trouble If anyone among you is in trouble let them pray. let them pray. let them pray. If anyone happy, let them sing songs of If anyone happy, let them sing songs of If anyone happy, let them sing songs of praise. praise. praise. Is anyone Willow folks who are in the Is anyone Willow folks who are in the Is anyone Willow folks who are in the room? room? room? >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Is anyone among you sick? >> Is anyone among you sick? >> Is anyone among you sick? Let them call all the elders of the Let them call all the elders of the Let them call all the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them church to pray over them and anoint them church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. with oil in the name of the Lord. with 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 If they have sinned If they have sinned they will be forgiven. Therefore they will be forgiven. Therefore they will be forgiven. Therefore church, confess your sins to each other church, confess your sins to each other church, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may and pray for each other so that you may and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

be healed. be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is The prayer of a righteous person is The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. powerful and effective. powerful and effective. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> Because God has chosen to accomplish his >> Because God has chosen to accomplish his >> Because God has chosen to accomplish his kingdom purposes through prayer and kingdom purposes through prayer and kingdom purposes through prayer and through the prayers of ordinary people. through the prayers of ordinary people. through the prayers of ordinary people. We're going to switch it up a little We're going to switch it up a little We're going to switch it up a little bit. Can I invite all of you to stand? I know we've done this in I know we've done this in various weeks. various weeks. various weeks. But it's interesting because no every But it's interesting because no every But it's interesting because no every week there's an opportunity Willow South week there's an opportunity Willow South week there's an opportunity Willow South Barrington for you to come forward and Barrington for you to come forward and Barrington for you to come forward and receive prayer. receive prayer. receive prayer. That's always an opportunity. That's always an opportunity. That's always an opportunity. And I always wonder what it is that And I always wonder what it is that And I always wonder what it is that stops us. stops us. stops us. But there is something really vulnerable But there is something really vulnerable But there is something really vulnerable about getting out of your seat and then about getting out of your seat and then about getting out of your seat and then having to walk toward your greatest having to walk toward your greatest having to walk toward your greatest source of strength. source of strength. source of strength. I want to give us a little bit of a I want to give us a little bit of a I want to give us a little bit of a different picture. I want to I want to different picture. I want to I want to different picture. I want to I want to deploy the people of God to pray. deploy the people of God to pray. deploy the people of God to pray. I don't want us to How silly would it be I don't want us to How silly would it be I don't want us to How silly would it be if we just studied prayer and we're if we just studied prayer and we're if we just studied prayer and we're like, "That was interesting." and then like, "That was interesting." and then like, "That was interesting." and then moved on? moved on? moved on? When he literally says, "Don't ignore my When he literally says, "Don't ignore my When he literally says, "Don't ignore my word."

word." word." If you're sitting there actually one If you're sitting there actually one If you're sitting there actually one commentator made the made this comment commentator made the made this comment commentator made the made this comment about Revelation. It said this, about Revelation. It said this, about Revelation. It said this, "Revelation, the book of Revelation, is "Revelation, the book of Revelation, is "Revelation, the book of Revelation, is best understood by people who are going best understood by people who are going best understood by people who are going through it." through it." through it." If that's you, I'm going to invite I'm going to invite you to receive prayer, but in a unique you to receive prayer, but in a unique you to receive prayer, but in a unique way. way. way. Right where you're at. If that's you, Right where you're at. If that's you, Right where you're at. If that's you, I'm going to invite you to have a seat. I'm going to invite you to have a seat. I'm going to invite you to have a seat. And we're going to allow the people of And we're going to allow the people of And we're going to allow the people of God to come around you. God to come around you. God to come around you. And they're going to do the work and And they're going to do the work and And they're going to do the work and intercede on your behalf. Maybe if intercede on your behalf. Maybe if intercede on your behalf. Maybe if you're sitting there or standing there you're sitting there or standing there you're sitting there or standing there and you don't even know what to pray or and you don't even know what to pray or and you don't even know what to pray or you don't even have the faith to pray, you don't even have the faith to pray, you don't even have the faith to pray, let the church step in. It's time. let the church step in. It's time. let the church step in. It's time. Or maybe there's just confession between Or maybe there's just confession between Or maybe there's just confession between you and the Lord that needs to be done. you and the Lord that needs to be done. you and the Lord that needs to be done. Which actually is all of us. Which actually is all of us. Which actually is all of us. We still need a prayer team, so. We still need a prayer team, so. We still need a prayer team, so. Can I invite you right now where you're Can I invite you right now where you're Can I invite you right now where you're at just to have a seat? at just to have a seat? at just to have a seat? If you know that you know that you need If you know that you know that you need If you know that you know that you need to receive prayer to receive prayer to receive prayer this morning. this morning. this morning. And here's where it's going to be sweet. And here's where it's going to be sweet. And here's where it's going to be sweet. If you just saw someone nearby you If you just saw someone nearby you If you just saw someone nearby you seated, seated, seated, welcome to the prayer team.

welcome to the prayer team. welcome to the prayer team. I want you to get I want you to get I want you to get I want you to move I want you to move I want you to move toward them. I don't want a single toward them. I don't want a single toward them. I don't want a single person seated without a hand on their person seated without a hand on their person seated without a hand on their shoulder. shoulder. shoulder. Now, people seated, you don't have to Now, people seated, you don't have to Now, people seated, you don't have to say anything, though you can. say anything, though you can. say anything, though you can. You don't have to, but you can. You don't have to, but you can. You don't have to, but you can. And people who are moving, yes, moving, And people who are moving, yes, moving, And people who are moving, yes, moving, getting out of your chair and moving getting out of your chair and moving getting out of your chair and moving toward them to lay a hand on them. toward them to lay a hand on them. toward them to lay a hand on them. You may pray out loud, you may pray You may pray out loud, you may pray You may pray out loud, you may pray silently, or you may pray from a silently, or you may pray from a silently, or you may pray from a distance with one of those extended distance with one of those extended distance with one of those extended hands. hands. hands. Freedom is yours. But I love that people Freedom is yours. But I love that people Freedom is yours. But I love that people are moving right now. are moving right now. are moving right now. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Friends, we are the body of Christ. >> Friends, we are the body of Christ. >> Friends, we are the body of Christ. And if you hear a passage like this, And if you hear a passage like this, And if you hear a passage like this, the prayer of a righteous person. the prayer of a righteous person. the prayer of a righteous person. And by the way, your righteousness is And by the way, your righteousness is And by the way, your righteousness is not cuz of your obedience. not cuz of your obedience. not cuz of your obedience. The prayer of a righteous person is The prayer of a righteous person is The prayer of a righteous person is [music] the person who knows they've [music] the person who knows they've [music] the person who knows they've been right by the blood of the lamb, and been right by the blood of the lamb, and been right by the blood of the lamb, and some people need to be reminded afresh. some people need to be reminded afresh. some people need to be reminded afresh. So, church, let's move toward each So, church, let's move toward each So, church, let's move toward each other, and let's pray. And as you move, other, and let's pray. And as you move, other, and let's pray. And as you move, let me pray over all of us. Heavenly let me pray over all of us. Heavenly let me pray over all of us. Heavenly Father, I pray that people would be loved I pray that people would be loved this morning.

this morning. this morning. Hear our [snorts] prayers. Hear our [snorts] prayers. Hear our [snorts] prayers. Receive them, Receive them, Receive them, and give us eyes to see how you respond and give us eyes to see how you respond and give us eyes to see how you respond in your time and your way. in your time and your way. in your time and your way. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> And give us faith to trust you as we >> And give us faith to trust you as we >> And give us faith to trust you as we wait. wait. wait. We pray all this, and so much more. We pray all this, and so much more. We pray all this, and so much more. Let's pray for one another.