In the Old Testament, incense is just that, incense. The New Testament defines incense as prayer – it is mentioned alongside or is a synonym for prayer. So when I read a portion from the Old Testament, I am challenged to look at it as prayer.

Every morning when Aaron comes to take care of the lamps, he is to burn sweet-smelling incense on it. He must do the same when he lights the lamps in the evening. This offering of incense is to continue without interruption for all time to come. – Exodus 30:7-8 GNT

Today I have confidence that God hears and delights in my prayer as one would delight in the smell of expensive perfume. I offer them up morning and evening, but also continually throughout the day. What an amazing privilege. I will imagine my prayers as incense rising to God.

Whom does God hear when they pray?

We know that God does not listen to sinners; he does listen to people who respect him and do what he wants them to do. – John 9:31 GNT

I do know that the blind man who was healed was quoting the Pharisees here and we know that God does indeed listen to sinners. However, it is the sinner who comes to Him humbly ready to do what He asks them to do.

It is best that I enter my world in prayer first, for if I fail to do so, it will be I who will be ending it with prayer asking God for help getting me out of the mess I entered into during the day.

My child, have you promised to be responsible for someone else’s debts? Have you been caught by your own words, trapped by your own promises? Well then, my child, you are in that person’s power, but this is how to get out of it: hurry to him, and beg him to release you. Don’t let yourself go to sleep or even stop to rest. Get out of the trap like a bird or a deer escaping from a hunter. – Proverbs 6:1-5 GNT

If I do not pray about getting into an agreement, then I will certainly pray getting out of it.

“I want your heart to be stirred and guided concerning the thoughts which ought to be comprehended in the Lord’s Prayer. These thoughts may be expressed, if your heart is rightly warmed and inclined toward prayer, in many different ways and with more words or fewer. I do not bind myself to such words or syllables, but say my prayers in one fashion today, in another tomorrow, depending upon my mood and feeling.” – Luther