Susanne Udvari     

PRAYER

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I Thessalonians 5:16-18.

I have been thinking about prayer and what importance God places on this communication with Him. God tells us to pray without ceasing. In a recent study I was involved in, it came to my attention that our prayers are a sweet aroma to God. What a wonderful image! In Revelation 5:8, it talks about the golden bowls of incense which are filled with the prayers of the saints. Amazing that they are so precious to Him that he stores them.

In Psalm 141 David says, "Let my prayers be counted as incense before you." So all our prayers, assuming they are heartfelt, authentic and faith filled, are such a pleasing aroma to our Lord.

In Old Testament times, the priests were the intermediaries between God and His people. They were the ones to make the fragrant offerings. But now the privilege of coming right to God is open to each of us. What a gift we have been given because of the blood of Jesus. May each of us thank Him for the privilege of direct communication with Him.

Prayer:  Lord, make me aware each day of the blessing I have of being able to talk with you directly and listen for the answer in your perfect timing. Help me to always be aware of your constant presence and unbounding, radical love for me. Amen