How can we ensure our prayers are a "pleasing aroma" to God? Setting the Scene “May my prayer be set before You like incense, the lifting up of my hands like the evening offering.” (Psalm 141:2) David’s plea pictures prayer as fragrant incense rising toward heaven—an aroma God delights in. Scripture shows what makes that fragrance pleasing and how we can cultivate it today. Incense and Prayer: God’s Original Design • Exodus 30:7-8 – Incense burned morning and evening on the golden altar, a continual symbol of fellowship. • Leviticus 2:2 – The priest “burns it as a memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.” • Revelation 8:3-4 – “The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God.” From tabernacle to throne room, God links incense with prayer that delights Him. Christ: The True Fragrance • Ephesians 5:2 – “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” • 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 – “Through us He spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the sweet aroma of Christ.” Because Jesus is the perfect pleasing aroma, every prayer offered in His name can share that fragrance. Practical Ways to Offer a Sweet-Smelling Prayer 1. Approach on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice • Hebrews 10:19-22 – Enter with confidence because His blood opens the way. 2. Come with a cleansed heart • Psalm 66:18 – “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” • 1 John 1:9 – Confess and be forgiven, removing the stench of sin. 3. Pray in humility and reverence • Isaiah 57:15 – God dwells with “the contrite and humble in spirit.” 4. Align with God’s will and Word • 1 John 5:14 – Confidence comes when we ask “according to His will.” • Romans 12:2 – Renew the mind to discern His good, pleasing, perfect will. 5. Cultivate gratitude and praise • Psalm 50:23 – “He who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me.” • Hebrews 13:15 – Continual praise is a sacrifice pleasing to God. 6. Persevere in faith • James 1:6 – Ask “in faith, without doubting.” • Luke 18:1 – Always pray and never lose heart; persistent faith keeps the incense burning. 7. Walk in obedience and love • 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” • John 15:10 – Remaining in Christ’s love through obedience ensures prayers stay connected to the Vine. Obstacles That Sour the Aroma • Unforgiveness – Mark 11:25 • Selfish motives – James 4:3 • Marital discord – 1 Peter 3:7 • Hypocrisy – Matthew 6:5 Deal promptly with these to keep the fragrance pure. Walking Away with Confidence When prayer is offered through Christ, with a cleansed heart, obedient life, thankful spirit, and steadfast faith, God receives it as a pleasing aroma. Like incense in the sanctuary and bowls of fragrance before His throne, our prayers rise up, delighting the Father and advancing His gracious purposes on earth. |
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