03/09/2024
What I would like to share ....
Psalm 141:2-3. "Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth, keep watch over the door of my lips."
Old testament priests had two responsibilities:
first, they talked to God on behalf of the people and,
second, they talked to the people on behalf of God.
In the New Testament, all Christians are priests.
The apostle Peter declared that we are a "holy" and "royal" priesthood.
(1 Peter 2:5 & 9)
As priests, we speak to God on behalf of the people.
That means we pray.
The psalmist reminded us that our prayers to God are like incense and the evening sacrifice.
Incense was offered every morning in the temple, and a burnt offering was offered every evening.
Our prayer life is a form of worship, and our prayer life should be consistent.
When in worship we lift up our hands, the act symbolizes both surrender and praise.
And genuine, powerful prayer issues forth from a heart surrendered to God and overflowing with praise.
As priests we also talk to people on behalf of God.
Speaking for God is a very serious responsibility and privilege that many have abused throughout history.
In New Testament times, believers were warned to beware of false teachers, false prophets, and vain babblers - and, more important, not to become one of them.
Ask God to set a guard on your mouth and a watch on your lips.
Speaking the truth in love is hard to do in your own strength.
But God is faithful, and He will give you all that you need - the words, the wisdom, confidence in Him - to speak on His behalf.
Father, may my prayers to You be acceptable worship and may I represent You well as I speak with clean lips and from a pure heart.
Amen!
Take care and have a gr8 day!