As Incense

 

     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).

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Author: jchowning

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