And the fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not be put out. And the priest shall burn wood on it every morning and lay the burnt offering in order on it; and he shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. A fire shall always be burning on the altar; it shall never go out. Leviticus 6:12-13
More Fire of Prayer
Recently I had a dream encounter where the Lord spoke to me that there is a greater need for more “fire on the altar.” In this it was apparent that there was a need for prayer to permeate and infiltrate the atmosphere of the region. I could literally sense that the atmosphere was not what it needed to be – more prayer was needed.
When our prayers are fervent and connected to the heart of God, no matter what kind of prayer it is, the spiritual climate is affected. It helps to understand that prayer and worship are very much connected. In one dimension that are “one and the same”, in another they can be different. They always go together. We see the picture of the harp and bowl in heaven where each of the twenty-four elders had a harp with a bowl of incense:
Heaven’s Atmosphere
Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying:
“You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood; Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.”
Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” Revelation 5:8-12
As we look at this view into heaven’s realm we see the atmosphere of heaven – even the picture of how worship and prayer are at the heart of that atmosphere. These go hand in hand as our prayers are as incense to God.
Notice that elders had both the harps and the bowls of incense as it is a picture of worship and prayer – they were engaging in both just as they go together. As we engage in the Spirit in this way, we are creating heaven’s atmosphere on earth.
The Weight of Heaven
There is a certain weight of heaven that is created through our commitment to pray without ceasing – even being carried with a worshipful heart. Another thing that is poured out through our engagement with heaven in prayer is the “spirit of revelation.”
It is no coincidence that the Book of “Revelation” is titled such not only as it is the “Revelation of Jesus Christ” but that the essence of worship, prayer & revelation is captured and seen throughout the book. John (the Beloved) was a “true worshipper”, being one who stayed close to the heart of Jesus. This played a part in him being chosen to see this panoramic vision of the glory of Jesus, the activity of heaven and of things to come.
As we give ourselves over as “living sacrifices” in worship and prayer we also see the weight of His glory released on earth. God uses “breath” – our breath to affect spiritual climates. Right now, you can engage in worship and prayer at home and see your spiritual climate change. It really is that simple.
The Sound of Heaven
The sound of heaven pushes back oppressive atmospheres and ushers in heaven’s glory. The sound of our worship, prayers and decrees of God’s truth all serve to break down demonic spiritual resistance and establish God’s Kingdom wherever we are.
The essence of this “fire on the altar” encounter is an encouragement to us to set our hearts to seek the Lord through worship, prayer, devotion with a whole-hearted commitment. This, knowing that the climate is changing as we engage with God in this way.
Just as a glass is not instantly filled with water but is a process. We also know as we keep pouring out our heart in worship and prayer things will shift in heaven’s direction as there is always a tipping point.
Let the fire of His Spirit burn in your heart as you simply yield to the call to seek the Lord. As you do you will see the spiritual climate of your home, city and nation changed with the glory and for the glory of God!
John Belt
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