Lord, Teach Us to Pray (Part Three)

The lessons we learn from the priests tending the incense vary by experience, maturity, practice and custom.

A lesson that seems so clear to one person remains clouded by smoke to another. The altar of incense stood in front of the curtain that separated the Holiest of Holy Places from the Holy Place. The Holiest of Holy Places contained the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat that covered the Ark and God’s Glory and Presence. The smoke of the incense rose constantly before the Presence of God. The smoke of the incense permeated the bodies of the priests who took care of the incense in the morning and evening. The incense was a unique formula. The people gathered outside to pray while the priest tended the incense. I imagine some of the smoke and smell of the incense would escape as the doors opened and shut. This brief encounter reassured those gathered for prayer that God heard their prayers.

Scripture teaches us that Jesus, who is our High Priest, constantly intercedes for us. Through Jesus we have access to God’s Presence. When we spend time in prayer, in God’s Presence, something of God permeates our character. Those people who practice entering the Presence of the Lord to tend the incense of prayer remind others that God hears prayer. Scripture teaches us that regular practice of prayer, and maintaining a constant prayer life are necessary for our spiritual health and strength. It is important for the leaders to set the example of regular prayer.

Prayer is simple and it is complex. Because God hears the heart, words do not matter to Him. The words matter to us. Prayer is spiritual warfare. That is something we tend to forget. When we enter prayer, we enter the front lines of the spiritual battlefield. Yet at times, prayer calms this world’s battlefield we call life. I believe our prayer lives should never be boring. Prayer is a constant adventure. Our greatest weapon is the Word of God especially in prayer. However to pray the Promises of God, you have to know the Promises of God.

By Debi Bell