Prayers like Incense/Perfume/Fragrance before God
“May my prayer be set before you like incense”…….(Psalms 141:2).
INCENSE: A combination of aromatic spices, herbs, and oils. (Exodus 30:34-38). It brought a sweet smell/fragrance in the temple of God.
It had to be burnt always (morning &evening) by the priest, and the golden incense altar was near the curtain separating the most holy place and the holy of holies (Exodus 30:1-10).
The prayers of God’s People are like sweet smelling perfume before God. Prayers should be offered to God always.
“The four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” (Revelation 5:8)
“Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all God’s people, on the golden altar in front of the throne. v4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” (Revelation 8:3-4).
The incense which was accepted for burning had to be SALTED (salt adds flavour, quality and value) and PURE (clean and not mixed with other things) and SACRED (for God only, and not for personal gratification). (Exodus 30:35)
Nadab and Abihu (Aaron’s sons), died for using unauthorized fire to burn incense. They dishonoured God; for only fire from the altar of the burnt offering/bronze altar (representing Christ’s sacrifice for our sin) was to be used.
Everything you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus – Colossians 3:7. Including prayers.
When we pray (offer incense that is SALTED, PURE and SACRED), our prayers go before God’s throne like a sweet aroma/perfume/fragrance; our prayers PERFUME the heavens.
Incense had to be offered only by the priest offering the sacrifices on behalf of the people. Only him who could approach the mercy seat of God in the Holy of Holies to plead for the people, and once in a year.
But now through Christ, we can approach God’s throne of Grace where we obtain Mercy. (Hebrews 4:16).
