Thirty Days of Thanksgiving and Worship Sample

Harp and Bowl...

. . . 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. . ."
Revelation 5:8-9

In John’s grand revelation, he is escorted into the heavenly realms of God’s throne room (Revelation 4). The angelic hosts are worshiping Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God. The elders around the throne are holding harps as worship instruments. They are also holding golden bowls containing the prayers of the saints. These are our prayers.

As the curtain is pulled back to reveal this scene, we glimpse a powerful aspect of worship and prayer that takes place when both prayer and worship are combined. This manner of intercession and praise has taken on the name Harp and Bowl Ministry.

When we bless the Lord with our genuine, truth-full, and Spirit-led thanksgiving, praise, and worship, we are the recipients of realizing the greatness of our God in the light of our lives. When our adoration peels back the curtain and we enter the Holy of Holies, our prayers become powerful. The incense of our intercession transforms from the urgency of our need for the greatness of our God. Then, worshipful prayer stands on the platform of who God is, not from our fears that He is not enough.

Harp and bowl worship/intercession is very practical. When sustained prayer is called for, adding to our worship, especially when music is employed, is often easier to maintain than when we only pray. And the impact is immeasurable. Ann Voskamp writes, prayer without ceasing is only possible in a life of continual thanks. How did I ever think there was another way to enter into His courts but with thanksgiving?[i]

Let’s pray . . . and worship.

[i] Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2010) p.60