In heaven there are no refrigerators with magnets. There are no filing cabinets with files in them. There are no “Post-It” notes. So, how can you illustrate the lingering, long-term effect on God that the prayer of a righteous man has?
The inspired writer David uses incense. He writes, “Lord, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:1-2).
Long after a portion of incense has been completely consumed by fire, there is an aromatic reminder of its previous existence. What a beautiful way to illustrate the power of prayer and its lingering effect upon God and the future!
The curious mind has to wonder what continued effect a prayer offered days, weeks, months, even years ago by a righteous man may still be having today on the mind and providence of the Sovereign God.
We “always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).
