Sunday, September 19 He will . . . put the incense on the fire before Jehovah.​—Lev. 16:13.

[Áine]

Sunday, September 19

He will . . . put the incense on the fire before Jehovah.—Lev. 16:13.

 

On the yearly Day of Atonement, the nation of Israel came together and animal sacrifices were offered up. Those sacrifices helped to remind the Israelites that they needed to be cleansed of sin! First, though, the high priest had the task of pouring holy incense onto fiery coals and filling the room with a sweet-smelling aroma. What can we learn from that? The Bible indicates that the acceptable prayers of Jehovah’s faithful worshippers are like incense. (Ps. 141:2; Rev. 5:8) It was with great respect that the high priest brought the incense into the presence of Jehovah. Similarly, when we approach Jehovah in prayer, we do so with deep respect. We are in awe of him. We deeply appreciate that our Creator allows us to approach him and draw close to him, as a child to a father. (Jas. 4:8) He accepts us as his friends! (Ps. 25:14) We appreciate this privilege so much that we would never want to disappoint him. w19.11 20-21 ¶3-5

[Vinnie]

In a sense, we are always presenting ourselves before Jehovah. Our prayers allow us to approach Jehovah with freeness of speech  as we pour ourselves out to him each day. May we always be as sweet smelling  incense to him.