How can we incorporate the principle of incense into our prayer routine? Incense on the Wilderness Altar—The Pattern • “You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense.” • “And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it every morning… When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn the incense again. This will be a perpetual incense before the LORD for the generations to come.” God established: – A dedicated place—small, but positioned right before the veil of His presence. – A dedicated substance—fragrant, pure, prepared exactly as He commanded (vv. 34-38). – A dedicated rhythm—morning and evening, without interruption. Incense as Heaven’s Picture of Prayer • Psalm 141:2: “May my prayer be set before You like incense.” • Luke 1:10: “At the hour of the incense offering, the whole congregation was praying outside.” • Revelation 5:8: “Golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” • Revelation 8:3-4: “The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God.” Scripture equates incense with prayer. Its rising fragrance illustrates how our petitions, praise, and thanksgiving ascend to God, filling His sanctuary with pleasing aroma. Timeless Principles to Bring into Daily Prayer 1. Consistency – Morning and evening rhythm (Exodus 30:7-8). – New-covenant echo: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 2. Consecration – Only the priest could light the altar, pointing to our High Priest (Hebrews 10:19-22). – We approach through Christ’s blood, not casual routine. 3. Purity – No “strange incense” allowed (Exodus 30:9). – Guard motive and heart (Psalm 66:18; James 5:16). 4. Fragrance – Incense was blended from spices (Exodus 30:34-35). – Blend praise, confession, intercession, thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). 5. Sacrifice – The altar stood just outside the Holy of Holies, near blood-sprinkled mercy. – Our lives offered in love become “a fragrant sacrificial offering” (Ephesians 5:2). Practical Ways to Incorporate the Incense Principle • Set fixed times that mirror morning and evening. – Example: brief worship and Scripture before breakfast; reflective thanksgiving before bed. • Create a “prayer place.” – A chair, corner, or walk where you intentionally draw near—your personal “altar.” • Use sensory reminders. – A lit candle or a diffuser’s gentle scent can jog the mind toward the biblical image of rising prayer (Romans 12:1 attention to the body’s role). • Keep prayers scripturally fragrant. – Read a psalm aloud, insert personal petitions, close with praise—letting the Word shape the aroma. • Maintain purity by regular confession. – 1 John 1:9 keeps the altar clean so the fragrance is not hindered. • Incorporate “breath prayers” throughout the day. – Short phrases (“Thank You, Lord,” “Guide me, Father”) drift upward like continual incense while driving, working, waiting in line. • Add weekly “sweet spices.” – Fast, journal, or sing hymns on a chosen day; variety keeps the fragrance fresh. Guarding the Flame • Stay fueled by the Spirit (Romans 8:26-27). • Refuse “strange fire” of selfish ambition or unforgiveness (Mark 11:25). • Let Christ’s intercession assure you your prayers are accepted (Hebrews 7:25). Incense and the Mission of God Malachi 1:11 promises incense offered “in every place.” Each time you pray, you participate in fulfilling that global prophecy, joining saints whose petitions already fill heaven’s golden bowls. Keep the altar tended; let the fragrance rise. |
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