Imagination Prayer: Worshiping with the Saints

November 5, 2017 ~ Prev | Intro | Next

During November we are focusing on imaging and cultivating our desire for God.

One of the deepest desires of our spirits as Christians is the pure and heartfelt worship of God. Worship is central to our faith and to our community. Disputes over worship can disrupt a congregation. Yet powerful worship can connect us not only to God and to those in our physical presence, but also with the saints throughout the ages. This week we will imagine our hearts’ desire for worship using the powerful images from Revelation 5, which describes every creature in heaven and on earth singing the glory of God.

First, ask God to open your mind and heart to visualize your desire for deep worship through this scripture.

Next, read the scripture, picturing the scene in your mind. Pause, then read it again.

Revelation 5:6-14

⁶ Then I saw between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders a Lamb standing as if it had been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. ₇ He went and took the scroll from the right hand of the one who was seated on the throne. ⁸ When he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹ They sing a new song:

"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; ¹⁰ you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth."

¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, ¹² singing with full voice,

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"

¹³ Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing,

"To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"

¹⁴ And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped.

Imagine yourself in this scene. How do you fit among the worshiping multitudes? What sounds do you hear? How does your voice blend with the elders? Can you smell the incense? Can you feel the brush of the wings of the angels?

Can you sense the gentle power of the Lamb infusing you? How do the praises of the saints and angels infuse your own?

When you have finished, thank God for the chance to worship through prayer.

What part of worship is most powerful for you? What fulfills your soul’s desire to praise God? How can your experience with the scripture enhance your connection to God?

Lord, make us what you want us to be.