Psalms, Incense, Praise

Read: Psalm 150

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. --- Psalm 150:6

The Bible In One Year:
Job 8-10
Acts 8:26-40

The well-known English preacher Charles H. Spurgeon [1834-1892] wrote something that would be good to remember at the start of each day: "Let your thoughts be psalms, your prayers incense, and your breath praise." Let's look at each of these phrases.

Let your thoughts be psalms. The 150 psalms have a variety of themes, including praise, God's character, and expressions of dependence on the Lord. Throughout the day we can turn our thoughts into psalms by meditating on God's holiness, His worthiness of our worship, and how much we need Him.

Let your prayers be incense. In the tabernacle of the Jews, incense was burned continually to offer a sweet savor to the Lord [Exodus 30:7-8]. Our prayers are like incense to God [Psalm 141:2], bringing to His nostrils the pleasing scent of our adoration and need for Him.

Let your breath be praise. The book of Psalms concludes with the words, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!" [Psalm 150:6]. Talking about God and offering Him words of praise should be as natural to us as breathing.

Keep the Lord in your thoughts, prayers, and speech today. --- Dave Egner

Worship, praise, and adoration
All belong to Jesus' name;
Freely give your heart's devotion,
Constantly His love proclaim. --- Anon.

A HEART FILLED WITH PRAISE BRINGS PLEASURE TO GOD.