May my prayer be counted as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering. (Psalm 141:2)
We often ask for the blessing of God, and we should. But do you know it’s possible for you to bless God?
The priests in the temple would continuously burn incense, and the sweet smell of this sacrifice would fill the temple. The burnt offerings carried a fragrant aroma (think of a wonderful smell like a barbecue). To walk into the temple was to be surrounded and engulfed by these aromas.
All of these offerings and prayers ascended to God. They were for Him, not merely for the participants.
The Psalmist prays that his prayers and the lifting of his hands would bless God in the same way. That it would be a sweet aroma that honored the Lord.
In his Revelation records, John states that our prayers are stored up before God, blessing Him.
When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. (Revelation 5:8)
Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. (Revelation 8:3-4)
Remember this today: your humble worship and unceasing prayer not only accomplishes eternal activity but honors God. It pleases Him when you look to Him in faith-filled prayer. Each prayer ascends to Him, is heard by Him, and blesses Him. It is not just about you and your needs, but God and His glory.
