Prayers as Worship

 Revelation 5:6 And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.”

In this picture of the throneroom in heaven, worship happens. The Lamb is present and worthy of worship. His very presence demands it.  He is even being worshipped by those not physically present: The Saints. As these key participants in worship are there in His presence, the saints are present by way of their prayers; they are brought before Him. When we pray - really trusting in Christ, His love, grace and power, we are in a very real sense brought into his presence. We are accrediting Him with the power, purity and worthiness to receive our requests and our worship. When we say "in Jesus' name", it is not just a rubber stamp or magical wand to make sure we are heard; it is an acknowledgement that His shed blood, sinless life, and sacrificial death all point to His being our only Savior - the only one worthy of such praise.  So, as we pray, let us think of it as it really is - entering into the throne room to worship Him, and trust Him as Savior and King with everything that concerns us today.