Father, what an incredible vision You gave John!
As he describes the scene and the action, it sounds like a great cosmic video game! But this one does not play out over and over with a reset button when the player fails at the quest.
The revelation John sees here: “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head” and “an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads.”
These are not anime’ characters, but are signs that represent actual happenings. The woman represents Israel, and the red dragon: satan. Satan was hurled down to earth and roams here now to “lead the whole world astray.”
The bad news: “woe to the earth and sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury…”. The good news: “his time is short.”
Because satan roams the earth in his furious state, and has duped people into following him, I need You, Father, to “keep me safe from the hands of the wicked.” It is not only the evil one, but also those under his authority who do his biding that I have seen at work.
I know sometimes I don’t make wise choices and must bear the consequences. In those times Father, I ask for Your forgiveness and Your wisdom to learn from my mistakes.
And other times, I feel attacked; caught by surprise in situations and circumstances I did not anticipate. I feel entrapped, tripped up, led into places, relationships, emotional states, and difficulties that feel like an oppressive force is orchestrating it all.
When I begin to feel discouraged and hopeless, when I find myself doubting Your goodness and Your love, I know there is some element of evil at work. Thank You that You have promised to “shield my head in the day of battle.” Your helmet of salvation protects my thoughts and reminds me of Your truth. It helps me hold what I am feeling up against the truth of Your Word.
Thank You that I can be sure of Your love for me. Thank You that I can know without a doubt, that Your purpose and plan for me are good.
Thank You that I know You will never, ever, leave me or forsake me. And thank You that the devil’s time here on earth is short. And a time will come when You will triumph over all!
In the meantime, I “will praise Your name!”
And “live [my life] in Your presence,” in safety, with You as “my strong deliverer” awaiting Your “end game.” Amen
Father, what an incredible vision You gave John! 
Father, let me be like the woman of Zarephath.
Jairus came to You knowing his daughter was sick unto death. Probably the wisdom of doctors and medical science had done all they could; and still he came, believing, expecting that You could be the source of her healing. Even when he received word that his daughter was dead, You told him not to be afraid, and he responded with faith.
O Father, You are “the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End”. You are faithful to Yourself, by Your Word and by Your actions. You are faithful to Your creation and to me.
Daily Bible Prayer 