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| A scented candle--one of my favorite things--burning on the mantel. |
Paul speaks boldly on prayer. He writes to the Thessalonians to "pray without ceasing." He writes to the Philippians that "in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God". He instructs the Colossians to "continue in prayer", and tell Timothy, "I will therefore that men pray every where".
Prayer can take place anywhere, about anything, at any time. In other words, prayer is more than a ritual to be performed in church, or in a special place dedicated to prayer in our homes. God works in us and through us by means of prayer. I want to take full advantage of this privilege as a child of God.
Normally, I think of prayer as something I need to do for myself and for the needs of others. But, I read some Scriptures a while back that I had not taken to heart before. To some extent, they struck me because of my own delight in sweet fragrances. I love scented candles and the lovely smell of incense in my church. But these verses are so intriguing that they have caused a shift in my perspective on prayer.
Our prayers are a sweet smelling fragrance to God and an offering to Him.
"Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense," Psalm 141a.
"And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints," Revelation 5:8 (KJV).
"And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer, and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne," Revelation 8:3 (KJV).
This is a mystery worthy of contemplation. God's blessings and prayers be with you.
My front porch--I wish you could come sit awhile with me.
I love today's blog, Rose. Certainly worthy of contemplation.
ReplyDeleteI have struggled with prayer lately. How silly that sounds, to "struggle" with prayer. But, I often find myself almost too busy to pray! I will begin a prayer and in will run one of my children or the phone will ring and the prayer is left unfinished. At night I am so worn-out I collapse in bed exhausted & am asleep before my head hits the pillow. I needed to read this blog today to be reminded that prayer can be done any where and any time and that it not only benefits us, but our Lord and Savior, as well. Thank you, Rose.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you! I've had on my heart to start a prayer group at the "new" church (it's been three years), so this is so encouraging to me. Thank you, Rose.
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