Prayer Initiative : RevelationSample

Starting in chapter 12 and on to chapters 12, 13, and 14, the story seems to take a detour from the step-by-step narration of the end times. It is like a dance of eras with events from past, present, and future. Seven main figures of the Great Tribulation appear on the stage:

the woman representing Israel,

the dragon representing Satan,

the man-child referring to Jesus,

the angel Michael, head of the angelic host,

the offspring of the woman, referring to the people of Israel (some scholars affirm this also includes the Gentiles who will come to faith during the Tribulation),

the beast out of the sea representing the antichrist,

the beast of the earth representing the false prophet who promotes the antichrist.

Though highly symbolic, these chapters depict real events at the end of times, and more specifically, the period of Tribulation. The spiritual war intensifies. Archangel Michael casts Satan down from heaven to earth. Now he has very little time left, and he is enraged, and all his fury will be directed against mankind, especially Israel. A beast comes out of the sea and is empowered by Satan with nearly unlimited power over every tribe, people, language, and nation. It will persecute and kill believers, blaspheme God, and bring people to idolatrous worship. A second beast comes out of the earth – the False Prophet – who will deceive people by performing false miracles. The second beast will bring a mark – the name of the beast and the number of its name. 666.

Take a moment to ponder on what you've read and respond to God in prayer.

PRAYER

• Pray for believers to remember to wear their spiritual armor.
• Pray for your disciples to be strong in prayer, in faith, clothed in truth and righteousness, confident in their salvation, armed with the sword of the Spirit, and ready to bring the Good News to people.
• Pray that the Lord will remove the spiritual walls and obstacles that hinder people from believing in Jesus Christ.
• Pray for a powerful work of the Holy Spirit to bring revival in the country where you live and worldwide.