May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering. May my prayer be set before You like incense;Incense rose continually before the Lord from the altar of incense in the tabernacle and temple, burned each morning and evening according to God’s command (Exodus 30:7–8). Its costly, holy composition and its placement before the veil portrayed worship offered with reverence and devotion. David asks that his prayer would be received as an acceptable offering before God. Revelation portrays the prayers of the saints as incense before God’s throne (Revelation 5:8; 8:3–4), affirming that faithful prayer is precious to Him. Rev 8:3-4 Then another angel, who had a golden censer,… my uplifted hands, like the evening offering. Raised hands expressed dependence, surrender, and earnest appeal to God. The evening offering included the daily sacrifice of a lamb, together with grain and drink offerings, and reminded Israel that access to God required atonement (Exodus 29:38–41). David joins his personal prayer to Israel’s appointed worship, desiring a life of continual devotion rather than occasional religious activity. The sacrifices anticipated the once-for-all offering of Christ, whose death secured forgiveness and opened the way for believers to draw near to God (Hebrews 10:10–12). 1Ti 2:8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 141, David is expressing a deep desire for his prayers to be pleasing to God. 2. Incense In the context of ancient Israel, incense was used in the tabernacle and temple as a symbol of prayers ascending to God. 3. Evening Offering A specific time of daily sacrifice in the temple, symbolizing devotion and worship to God. Teaching Points Prayer as WorshipJust as incense was a pleasing aroma, our prayers should be offered with a heart of worship and reverence. Consistency in Devotion The evening offering was a regular practice, reminding us of the importance of consistent prayer life. Symbolism of Uplifted Hands Lifting hands in prayer symbolizes surrender and openness to God's will, encouraging us to approach God with humility. Holiness in Prayer Our prayers should be offered with a pure heart, reflecting the holiness of the incense and offerings in the temple. Community of Believers Just as incense was a communal act in the temple, our prayers should also include intercession for others, fostering a sense of community. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of incense enhance your understanding of prayer as a form of worship?2. In what ways can you incorporate the principle of the "evening offering" into your daily prayer routine? 3. How does lifting hands in prayer change your perspective or attitude during prayer? 4. What steps can you take to ensure your prayers are offered with a pure heart, akin to the holy incense? 5. How can you incorporate intercessory prayer into your routine, reflecting the communal aspect of temple worship? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 30:7-8Describes the burning of incense by Aaron, connecting the act of prayer to the ritual of incense as a continual offering before God. Revelation 5:8 Illustrates the prayers of the saints as incense before God, showing the continuity of this imagery from the Old to the New Testament. 1 Timothy 2:8 Encourages believers to lift holy hands in prayer, connecting the physical act of worship with spiritual devotion.
People David, Psalmist, SaulPlaces JerusalemTopics Counted, Evening, Forth, Hands, Incense, Lifting, Oblation, Offering, Ordered, Prayer, Prepared, Present, Sacrifice, Smell, SweetDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 141:2 4933 evening Library The Incense of Prayer'Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.'--PSALM cxli. 2. The place which this psalm occupies in the Psalter, very near its end, makes it probable that it is considerably later in date than the prior portions of the collection. But the Psalmist, who here penetrates to the inmost meaning of the symbolic sacrificial worship of the Old Testament, was not helped to his clear-sightedness by his date, but by his devotion. For throughout … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Evening Hymns And Lest it Should Seem that Necessary Continence was to be Hoped for From... For Acceptance in Prayer, and Daily Guidance. --Ps. cxli. Epistle xxxv. To Eulogius, Patriarch of Alexandria. How Some of the Heavenly Lovers Died Also of Love. That all Hope and Trust is to be Fixed in God Alone In this So Great Conflict, Wherein Man under Grace Lives... The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers. Wherefore Let this be the First Thought for the Putting on of Humility... Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. The Daily Walk with Others (I. ). An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists. Letter xix (A. D. 1127) to Suger, Abbot of S. Denis Prayer Psalms Links Psalm 141:2 NIVPsalm 141:2 NLT Psalm 141:2 ESV Psalm 141:2 NASB Psalm 141:2 KJV Psalm 141:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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