The Daily Word: Thursday, December 17th, 2020
Nahum 1:1-3:19
Revelation 8:1-13
Psalm 136:1-26
Proverbs 30:7-9
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand. – Rev. 8:3-4
God hears your prayers. They come up to Him as a memorial:
And when [Cornelius] observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.” – Acts 10:4
But it doesn’t stop there. When you pray, your prayers are actually mixed with the things of heaven. Verse 3 (above) says that an angel in heaven added incense to the prayers of the saints. The prayers “ascended before God” with the smoke of the incense (v 4). When you make an offering of prayer, heaven makes an offering right along with you. Everything you pray will come up as a sweet-smelling aroma before God! But in addition, heaven will add to your prayers. The angels will make them even sweeter and more effective.
And do you know what that means? Even when you feel like you have nothing to offer God in prayer, offer it anyway. Help is standing by, no matter how weak or tired you feel! Your prayers – however seemingly feeble – will mix with the incense of heaven and come before God to accomplish what He pleases!
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” – Rom. 8:26
Prayer:
Father, thank You for making my prayers effective! When I don’t know how to pray as I should, you help me. I am so grateful! I will give you what I have in prayer, knowing that You will make my prayers effective and sweet.
© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.