Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Wednesday's Devotion: The Fragrance of Prayer

Ephesians 5:1-2  Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

As I walked down my street yesterday evening the air was redolent with the sweet, sweet fragrances of honeysuckle, magnolia, gardenia and mimosa. I just wanted to stand and breathe deeply.  Thank goodness I don’t have terrible allergies.  The Old Testament speaks a lot of the fragrant incenses used in worship. Maybe the smoke of the burning incense was meant to carry our worship to God.  In this new age of the Kingdom we don’t need burning incense, although some churches still go for smells and bells. I believe our prayers go up as fragrant offerings. Maybe sometimes we feel they just get lost in space but we have a hint of what happens to them in Revelation 5:8.
“And when he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”  This shows the wonderful regard which God holds for our prayers. Will this encourage you to pray more?
Loving God, thank you for encouraging and hearing our prayers.  May we never lift them in vain but humbly and with the confidence that you will listen and answer according to your divine will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have a great Wednesday!
Paige

No comments:

Post a Comment