Sweet Perfume

What comes to mind when you think of prayer? Do you think of prayer as labor, as a sacrifice, or as sweet perfume?  Prayer is all three of these and is the means by which we maintain an intimate relationship with God.

Are you allowing the sweet perfume of prayer to rejoice your heart? The Bible says in Proverbs 27:9 KJV, “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.” King David prayed in Psalm 141:2 KJV, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”  We must sacrifice time in order to pray.

God answers our prayers on behalf of others, and the Bible says it is like the scent of sweet perfume in Philippians 4:18 KJV, “But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.”

Prayer allows us to intercede for the saints, offer our service to the Lord, and discern God’s will for our lives. When we pray to God, he strengthens us when we are weak, guides us back to safety when we are off course, and restores joy to our hearts when we are discouraged. Ah, take a moment to breathe in the sweet perfume of prayer.