“the way our prayers rise before God and are accepted by him as some- thing pleasant and sweet” (Let’s Study Revelation, 69).
Pray for the Persecuted Church Another scene of prayer in Rev- elation occurs in chapter 6 where John sees “under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne” (v.9). They are praying, crying out to the Sovereign Lord, asking him how long they must wait until he will judge and avenge their blood (v.10). It is a somber reminder to us of the reality of the persecuted church for whom we should be pray- ing though they may often seem far away. The prayer of the martyrs is also a reminder of the weight of what we mean when we pray “thy king- dom come, thy will be done,” for when the kingdom comes in fullness, so too does the rider on the white horse who comes to “tread the wine- press of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty” (Rev. 19:11-16). We can leave vengeance to the Lord (Deut. 32:35, Rom. 12:19) and still pray for justice to roll down like waters (Amos 5:24) on the enemies of the Lord.
Pray with Hope
After reading and studying the book of Revelation, we should be able to pray in light of what has been revealed to us. Revelation allows us to view “these last days” from a dif- ferent perspective. As we read the report of what John saw and heard, we are reminded of the truth of Jesus’ words in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” The glimpses of Jesus in Revelation ruler of the kings of the earth (1:5), standing in the midst of his churches (1:13), the Lamb who was slain who is worthy to open the scroll (5:6-9). We can pray knowing that he is with his people now and that a glorious future awaits us (Rev. 21:1-7). As we look forward to the creation of the new heaven and new earth, knowing that the day is coming when every tear shall be wiped away and there will be no death, mourning, crying, or pain, we can pray with John, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (22:20).
November/December 2022
ARP Women’s Ministry: Prayer Emphasis 2022
ARP Women’s Ministries encourages the women of the denomination to par- ticipate in an annual Prayer Emphasis program or event in their local church. The Prayer Emphasis programs at our churches all look different and vary from year to year. Perhaps a dinner is held and your pastor or a speaker is invited to address women on the topic of prayer. Or, a day of prayer is set aside for women Maybe a prayer partner initiative is developed, or a prayer-by-letter-writing ministry is revived. It could be as simple as drawing attention to the opportuni- ties for corporate prayer already provided by your church. However you choose to observe it, we hope that a Prayer Emphasis program can be a time for the women in your church to encourage one another toward the regular practice of corporate and personal prayer. Below is an example of a prayer program that you can adapt as needed for private or public use. May we be women of prayer!
Read: Revelation 4:1-11 Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy,”, “Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power” Pray: Praise and adore God for who He is.
Read: Hebrews 4:14-16 Sing: “Before the Throne of God Above” Pray for: Synod, its committees, and ARP agencies and ministries.
Read: Hebrews 11:29-40, Revelation 6:9-10, 19:11-16 Pray for: the witness of the church in the world, the persecuted church, missionaries supported by your church and/or the denomination, your local, state, and national leaders.
Read: Romans 11:33-36 Pray:
Read: Revelation 21:1-7 Sing: “Amazing Grace” Pray:
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