I had a thought regarding our (lost) loved ones in who we have invested many prayers.  This thought rests on the pre-tribulation rapture.  I can’t help to see hope for them in the mention of the bowls of prayers that will be released on earth before calamities begin.  Could it be that our prayers have been saved up by the Lord – for them in the time when they will need them the most?  So that when they are poured out, it will be like a shield about them?  And this covering of prayer will be how they come to their senses and see the truth? I don’t know about you, but sometimes I become weary in praying for them as I see nothing to say the prayers have been heard!  Looking at it from this angle certainly motivates me to continue to pray but also for them – being left behind and what they will have to endure. 

Let me know what are your thoughts regarding this thought!

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. Full passage: Revelation 5. 

When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.  And I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.  Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it to the earth. And there were noises, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake. Full passage: Revelation 8.