Let my prayers rise like incense before you.
(Today’s blog is from Janis Jelke, The Psalms Woman blogger.)
God was very specific about when to use incense and what type to use: it was a big part of the Temple and sacrificial system. What was the role of incense in the old sacrificial system, and why would David relate it to prayer?
The “recipe” for the Temple incense was specific. God gave it to Moses in Exodus 30. It consisted of stacte, a very pure myrrh, onycha, a clam shell, Galbanum, a resin from plants, frankincense, and salt. So this recipe included the same elements given to Jesus by the Wise Men at his birth. The symbolism here is clearly pointing to Jesus and is more evidence of His existence in the Old Testament.
Myrrh was used in embalming, foreshadowing the death of Jesus for our sakes. Myrrh was also used in purification rituals. It is very powerful in treating infections, pain, and swelling. The symbolism points to Jesus, who died to save us from our sin and death, and to purify us. He is the great Healer, both spiritually, emotionally, and physically. He wipes the tears from our eyes after death and heals all pain. (https://psalmswoman.org/praying-prayers-that-rise-like-incense/)
Frankincense is a disinfectant used in fighting bacteria. It’s also a great insect repellent. And it’s also calming and soothing inside the body.
And finally, we have salt, which is a preservative. It is interesting that salt loses its savor in only a couple of ways: mixture and contamination. Salt will never lose its savor with time. It only loses it by mixing with the wrong ingredients or letting the wrong ingredients into its container. We are the same. We lose our savor – our joy in relationship to Jesus and our effectiveness for Him – by allowing ourselves to be drawn into the wrong situations or allowing sin to creep into our lives. (https://psalmswoman.org/praying-prayers-that-rise-like-incense/)
Let my prayers rise like incense before you.
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