Revelation 7-8

“And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints …” (8:3).  In a time of great persecution, when it seemed as if the small Christian community would be wiped out, John’s visions assured believers that Jesus victory was theirs, too.  What they saw on the earth wasn’t the whole story.  Their prayers, said John, were going up like incense to the Lord, and at the right time, the power of these prayers would be “thrown to earth” (v5), taking part in God’s work to reclaim the world for Himself.

“For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water” (7:17).  God hears our prayers, and one day every hunger and thirst will be satisfied in Him.