GREAT PRAYERS OF THE BIBLE

THE PRAYER OF ALL THE INHABITANTS OF HEAVEN

“In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:6-8 NIV

The Praise of the Four Living Creatures They praise God unceasingly Day and night they never stop saying . . . – Revelation 4:6-8 This is the Will of God for all of us! – 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

The Praise of the Four Living Creatures They praise God’s Holiness and Power Notice the triple repetition – Holy, holy, holy . . . – Isaiah 6:1-3 He is the Lord! – the Supreme Ruler and Master of all! He is God! – the Eternal, unchanging, true and living God! He is Almighty! – He has all Authority and Power

“Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” Revelation 4:9-11 NIV

The Praise of the Twenty Four Elders They praise God’s Worthiness and Creativity God is worthy to receive all glory and honor and power . . . He is worthy because He created and sustains all things! – Acts 17:24-28; Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:18-21

“He (Jesus) came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” Revelation 5:7-10 NIV

The Praise of the Twenty Four Elders In chapter 5 they turn their attention to praise Jesus They praise Jesus for His Sacrifice – Revelation 5:9a; Isaiah 53 They praise Him for His Redeeming Work – Revelation 5:9b; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” Revelation 5:11-12 NIV

The Praise of All the Angels in Heaven The Angels also acknowledge that Jesus is worthy! He is worthy because of all that He has done for us! – Philippians 2:5-11 He is worthy because of all He is doing right now and will do in the future! – Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25; John 14:1-3; 2 Thess. 1:6-10

The Praise of All the Angels in Heaven They ascribe to Him power and wealth and . . . This is an acknowledgment of His Deity – John 1:1-3 Jesus is completely equal with God the Father! – Philippians 2:6

“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea and all that is in them, singing: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshipped.” Revelation 5:13-14 NIV

The Praise of Every Living Creature They all join together in praising God and the Lamb Those in heaven and on the earth and under the earth . . . – Philippians 2:9-11; They all offer up praise and honor and glory and power – Romans 14:11

The Praise of Every Living Creature And they praise them for ever and ever! Amen This is what we were created for! – 1 Peter 2:9; Psalm 86:12 Amen!