Parts of the book are very difficult to interpret. For example, regarding the "Great Tribulation," generally thought to begin in Chapter 9 with one of the angel's trumpet blows, different theologies disagree on whether believers will experience none, some, or all of the tribulation.
I will not wade into these issues of interpretation. Rather, I wish to make two points.
First, we should take Revelation seriously, because Jesus himself endorses its prophesies. To see this, note that Revelation shares much in common with the Old Testament book of Daniel (chapters 7-10). Jesus attests to the inevitability of Daniel's prophesies, and in doing so, Jesus uses imagery that eventually appears in Revelation. Matthew 24: 15-31 (ESV):
So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel ... there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. ... Immediately after the tribulation of those days ... they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.Second, regardless of whether one reads Revelation literally or symbolically, the book issues an important message about our attitude toward God. Throughout the various calamities described in Revelation, many people, due to their hardened hearts, refuse to admit to their sins and repent. During these calamities, God is doing everything he can, short of subverting our free will, to turn hearts toward him.
This second point holds important implications for how we pray. It's our responsibility to open our hearts to God. So regardless of what we actually say when we pray, the most important thing is to open our hearts to him. And do this without ceasing!
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