In Exodus 37 In What Ways Can We Ensure That Our Prayers Are Like The Incense Offered On The Altar?
The Altar of Incense in Exodus 37: A Pattern for Prayer
Exodus 37 describes the construction of the Tabernacle’s sacred furnishings, including the altar of incense. This altar, overlaid with pure gold and placed before the veil, played a central role in Israel’s worship. Daily, incense was burned on it as a fragrant offering to God—a symbol with deep spiritual significance. What can we learn from this ancient practice to shape our own prayer lives? How do our prayers become a pleasing aroma before God, like the incense of old?
1. The Design and Purpose of the Altar of Incense
The altar was built according to God’s precise instructions:
And he made the altar of incense of acacia wood: a cubit was the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, foursquare; and two cubits was the height thereof; the horns thereof were of one piece with it. And he overlaid it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof: and he made unto it a crown of gold round about. - Exodus 37:25-26 ASV
The incense altar stood just outside the Holy of Holies, signifying the nearness of prayer to the very presence of God. The incense itself, carefully prepared, was to be offered continually:
And Aaron shall burn thereon incense of sweet spices every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn it. - Exodus 30:7 ASV
2. Incense as a Symbol of Prayer
Both Old and New Testaments connect incense to prayer. The Psalms make this clear:
Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee; The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. - Psalm 141:2 ASV
Likewise, in Revelation, the prayers of God’s people are symbolized by incense:
And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. - Revelation 8:4 ASV
3. Ensuring Our Prayers Are Like Incense: Biblical Principles
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Pray with a Pure Heart
The incense was to be pure, without strange or unauthorized ingredients (Exodus 30:34-38). In the same way, our prayers should come from hearts cleansed by Christ:
If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear. - Psalm 66:18 ASV
Through Christ, we have confidence to approach God, having been forgiven and made new (Hebrews 10:19-22).
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Pray Continually and Faithfully
Just as incense was burned morning and evening, prayer should be a regular part of the believer’s life:
Pray without ceasing. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ASV
Faithful, persistent prayer honors God and keeps our hearts aligned with Him.
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Pray in the Name of Jesus
The altar’s location before the veil reminds us that access to God is a privilege. Today, our access is through Jesus Christ, our High Priest:
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. - John 14:13 ASV
Praying in Jesus’ name is more than a phrase; it means coming to God on the basis of Christ’s finished work, seeking His will.
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Pray with Sincerity and Reverence
The fragrant incense was pleasing, not because of its smell alone, but because it was offered in obedience and reverence. God desires the same from our prayers:
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth. - John 4:24 ASV
4. Christ: The Ultimate Fulfillment
Ultimately, the altar of incense points us to Christ, who intercedes for us and perfects our prayers:
Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. - Hebrews 7:25 ASV
Our prayers become a pleasing aroma to God not because of our own merit, but because they are offered through Jesus, who sanctifies both us and our offerings.
Conclusion
The altar of incense in Exodus 37 teaches us the beauty and privilege of prayer. As we approach God with cleansed hearts, persistence, reverence, and in Jesus’ name, our prayers, like incense, rise before God as a fragrant offering. Let Christ be the center of your prayer life, and trust that through Him, your prayers are heard and treasured.