The moment I open my eyes, I give thanks! Then, read from the Bible to replenish my soul and get ready for the day.  Finally, I’m off to the kitchen to brew coffee.

Today, while waiting for the coffee to hit my cup…I totally took in the aroma more so than usual, and savored the air in which it was permeating. Of course, to some people it may not necessarily be a “welcome scent.” A good friend of mine, Robin, can  literally keel over from the smell of coffee brewing, or just sitting in a cup.  I ‘ve seen her recoil, and make a hasty retreat on many occasion while covering her mouth. So, now when I see her, I opt to drink green tea. What else would or could a good friend do?

Anyhow, while taking in the delectable scent of  the coffee brewing, a thought entered my mind. When we pray our prayers are a sweet fragrance to the Lord. He delights in our trust and supplication to Him.  The incense in the golden bowls in heaven would seem to indicate prayers of believers are precious in God’s sight. Incense is a pleasant sweet perfume, and scripture describes it as rendering to God’s will and therefore highly acceptable to the Lord.

He is pleased when we pray, and oft times we may think that prayers aren’t heard, but assuredly they are.  He’s holding them in a vial waiting to deliver according to His timing which is always perfect. While He savors the sweet fragrance, we just need to wait on the Lord be still and know “He is God.”  (Psalm 46:10)

Now, where  is my coffee?

by C D  Swanson 

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2)

Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” (Revelations 8:3-4)

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:15-16)