A Sweet-Smelling Fragrance to the Lord
Our prayers are an offering to God. They are A Sweet-Smelling Fragrance to the Lord and pleasing to Him.
May my prayer be set before you like incense. May the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice. Psalms 141:2
The Candle Business
The candle business is booming. I usually pause in candle shops to smell the numerous fragrances. Some match the season, and others my mood.
When I burn a candle, it produces a scent, which literally means fragrant smoke. This aromatic smoke creates a pleasant and calming atmosphere, which is pleasing to the senses.
A Sweet-Smelling Fragrance to the Lord
In the Bible, there is a connection between incense and our prayers. Our prayers are like incense and A Sweet-Smelling Fragrance to the Lord.
Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. Revelation 8:3-4
Our Prayers Are an Offering
As I prayed with a friend, gentle tears streamed down her face. She was undone by the emotions of bringing her deepest needs before a Holy God. At this moment, I was thinking about how the Lord loves our prayers. He receives them as an offering and a sacrifice to Him. He is well-acquainted with the pain and the sacrifice because Jesus is our example.
Walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:2
Prayer
Dear Jesus, may I never hesitate to bring my prayers and requests before your throne of grace. Thank you for accepting them in tenderness and love. Amen.
Questions to Consider
- What are you offering to the Lord when you pray?
- Think about how Jesus views your prayers. Why do you think He understands the sacrifice?
