God’s Secret Remedy: Fasting and Prayer
Prayer mixed with fasting sweetens the atmosphere like incense. The Bible tells us that our prayers rise up to God like sweet smelling incense. In the Old Testament, priests placed hot coals with sweet smelling perfume on the Altar of Incense. The Altar of Incense can give us some insight into our prayers today.
Connection Questions
- Describe the events that happened on the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament.
- How was incense used on the Day of Atonement?
- How does Jentezen Franklin say that you should deal with an unbearable situation?
- Have you ever prayed about something and didn’t see an immediate change? How did you deal with that situation?
- What does Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane teach us about praying?
- What would you tell someone who is discouraged because their prayers weren’t answered in the way or at the time they expected?
Conclusion
Sometimes we think that prayer is only effective if it completely transforms the horrible situation we’re praying about right before our eyes. And we want it instantly. But, in reality, one of the greatest results of prayer is that, while we are right in the middle of the horrible situation, we are able to stand it. That’s the power of prayer. That’s the power of talking to God. It may not instantly solve the problem, but it will sweeten up the atmosphere of your life.
Connection Point
Psalms 141:1-2 (NIV): “I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.”
Share
