I was reminded again about the Altar of Incense when I read the book of Exodus. Exodus 30:1-10 was their instruction. Verse 7-8 says, “Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.”

What a great picture of persevering prayer. Note that it was sweet incense. Verse 37 says, “But as for the incense which you shall make, you shall not make any for yourselves, according to its composition. It shall be to you holy for the Lord.”

Psalm 141:2 says, “Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.” Hebrews 13:15 says, “Therefore by Him let us continually office the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Note the prayer is not for ourselves. It is full of thanksgiving for Who He is at all times.