Luke 1:10
“While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying.”
For the Old Testament priest Aaron, his sons, and indeed, for all people, God designed a specific time for prayer. Every morning and evening the priest burned holy incense upon the altar in the tabernacle. This was to be done not only when the people were faced with trials, fears, or death; it was to be offered perpetually—“from generation to generation.” Often, however, we rush to that altar only in times of extremity, anxiety, or perplexity. We don’t practice perpetual praise, and therefore we are not in the habit of giving thanks in all things when trouble comes. But our text from Luke reminds us that the people were praying regularly “while the incense was being burned”—not just in the hour of need!
Jesus told us that his people should pray constantly and never give up. “Keep on praying,” echoed the apostle Paul.
God designed the altar of incense so that it could be carried by the children of Israel in their desert pilgrimage—a perpetual reminder of their perpetual privilege. However, it is worth noting that such prayer was to be a privilege of obedience. God’s rules are rules. He didn’t say, “I’ll meet you there if you like, if you remember, or if you’re desperate!” God told Aaron that “he must burn fragrant incense on the altar.” Such perpetual praise is not merely an option for the child of God. It is a simple, sweet necessity, for it glorifies the Lord.
Thoughtful Questions:
- Consider what might help you become prayerful throughout your days. How can you set up your workspace—your home, your desk—to encourage you toward prayer?
- Do you feel that the incense of your prayer life has burned out? Come to Jesus and ask him to reignite the flame. He is faithful and he will do it!
- How do you think your prayer life might influence others?
- How can prayer be part of our own welcome of others?
Let’s have the conversation you’ve always wanted to have about immigration.