Within the book of Revelation we have numerous examples of heavenly worship. We may not think of them as prayer, but that is truly what they are. How might we better learn how to pray now by learning from the heavenly examples of prayer?
Key Verses: Revelation 11:15-19; 15:1-4; 16:5-7
Sermon OutlinE
“After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting: ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments.’” (Revelation 19:1-2)
Prayer as Seen from the Other Side (Revelation 8:1-5)
- God hearing our prayers
- Earth-shaking prayers
Prayer That Never Ends (Revelation 4:1-11; 5:8-14; 7:11-17; 12:10-12; 15:1-5; 19:1-8; 22:20-21)
- Prayer as the framework of Revelation
- Prayer that never ends in Revelation (5:8-14)
- The final word of Revelation (22:20-21)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What do you think our prayers sound like or look like to God? What do you think about how the heavenly beings, like angels, see or hear our prayers?
- This week we conclude our “Great Prayers of the Bible” series by looking at the life of prayer within the final book of the Bible, Revelation. Ask God to speak to you and then continue with the study.
- Background: The book of Revelation provides both pastoral encouragement to a suffering church and theological instruction on the end of all things. It is full of symbols and things that are often hard to understand, but is intended to both
- Read Revelation 8:1-5. What do you notice about human prayer from this passage?
- How does the heavenly view of human prayer in Revelation 8 inform or inspire you about prayer?
- The entire book of Revelation is infused and framed with prayers and scenes of worship.
- Many scholars see this as an intentional structure by which the message of the book is guided and framed. Regardless, prayers of thanks and adoration are an important part of this book of the Bible. We will look at some of them here. Question for studying these passages:
- What is happening in the context of this passage?
- Who is involved with these prayers in this passage?
- What is said about God in this passage?
- What stands out to you about prayer and worship from this passage?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.