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Can the Devil, That Old Serpent, Block Your Prayers from God According to the Book of Revelation (KJV)?

A deep theological study of the Book of Revelation, exploring the absolute sovereignty of the One on the throne, the defeated status of the devil, and the unhindered access believers have to God through prayer.

1. The Sovereign One on the Throne

1.1 The One on the Throne

Verses: Revelation 4:2; Revelation 4:8
  • There is only one throne in heaven, and One who sits upon it, representing the absolute oneness of God.
  • The Almighty God is the sole recipient of all worship and prayer, leaving no room for rival deities or powers.

1.2 Jesus as the Alpha and Omega

Verses: Revelation 1:8; Revelation 1:17-18
  • Jesus Christ is revealed as the Almighty, the first and the last, who holds ultimate authority.
  • Because Jesus has the keys of hell and death, no demonic force can intercept communication between Him and His people.

2. The Defeated Serpent and His Limited Power

2.1 The Cast Down Accuser

Verses: Revelation 12:9; Revelation 12:10
  • The devil, called the great dragon and that old serpent, is cast down and stripped of his heavenly standing.
  • While he is the accuser of the brethren, his accusations are powerless against those redeemed by the blood.

2.2 The Victory of the Saints

Verses: Revelation 12:11
  • Believers overcome the adversary by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
  • The devil cannot block prayers when believers stand in the authority of the name of Jesus.

3. The Unhindered Ascent of Prayers in Revelation

3.1 Prayers as Sweet Incense

Verses: Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3-4
  • The prayers of the saints are kept in golden vials and offered directly before the throne of God.
  • An angel offers the prayers with much incense, showing they rise directly to God's presence without demonic interference.

3.2 The Immediate Response of the Throne

Verses: Revelation 6:9-10; Revelation 8:5
  • The souls under the altar cry out directly to God, and their voices are heard instantly.
  • The response to prayer is cast to the earth, demonstrating that God's sovereign answers cannot be intercepted by the enemy.

4. True Hindrances to Prayer (Internal vs. External)

4.1 The Necessity of Faith and Obedience

Verses: Revelation 3:19-20; Revelation 22:14
  • The primary barrier to fellowship with God is spiritual lukewarmness or unrepentant sin, not the devil's power.
  • Jesus knocks at the door of the heart, showing that the barrier is on the human side, which must be opened through repentance.

4.2 Keeping the Commandments and the Name

Verses: Revelation 3:8; Revelation 14:12
  • Keeping God's word and not denying His name ensures an open door that no man or devil can shut.
  • Spiritual endurance and faith in Jesus guarantee direct access to the throne of grace.