The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Revelation 8:1-4, “When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
2 And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.
3 Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.
4 And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”

Would you venture a guess as to how many times “prayer” is mentioned in the Scriptures? Don’t bother to count them; let me tell you that the number exceeds 300. Actually, it’s 334 times, starting with Genesis 20:7 and concluding with Revelation 8:4.

The first occurrence comes in Genesis 20:7, when Abraham told Abimelech that Sarah was his sister instead of his wife. Actually, Sarah was both; and Abimelech scolded Abraham when he found out! For he would have sinned in God’s eyes had he taken Sarah as his wife.

The last occurrence is in Revelation 8:4 where the Scripture says, “And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”

We would all do well to research and study the occurrences of “prayer” in the Scriptures. We, who know the LORD Jesus as our Savior, ought to be exceedingly eager to learn all we are able about prayer.

I have opted to eliminate speaking about any of the individuals who are currently seeking to become President of the United States. It is a matter for serious and careful prayer. The Israelites are the LORD’s people, and how the United States supports Israel in all of her endeavors depends largely upon those who believe upon Him!

We will soon know who our Commander-in-Chief is for the next four years. In the meantime, we need to “clean up our act,” thus enabling our prayers to support one who deeply cares for our nation. We do invite, also, our worldwide friends, who will also be effected by our new leader.

It’s the “smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints,” that enables the LORD to know the seriousness with which we pray:
“God bless America!”

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom