Prayer Is Like Spiritual Incense

What if your prayers could literally change the atmosphere and bring a sweet aroma to the world around you? In this contemplative and uplifting episode, Andrew Forrest, senior pastor at Asbury Church in Tulsa and author of "Love Goes First," invites you to rediscover the ancient, holy practice of incense—and why it’s so much more than just ritual in the pages of Exodus. As Andrew Forrest takes you into the final chapters of Exodus, you’ll explore the deep symbolism behind the altar of incense in the tabernacle and how scripture connects the act of burning incense to the offering of heartfelt prayers. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical insights, and even his favorite scented candles, Andrew Forrest brings Old Testament instructions to life, revealing how repetitive details in scripture carry profound truths about God’s grace and our spiritual lives. Discover why prayer is likened to incense throughout the Bible, from the Psalms to Revelation, and what it means for your daily walk with God. Uncover the purpose behind each element of tabernacle worship, and reflect on practical ways to make prayer a sweeter, more natural part of your own life—even when distractions abound. Highlights in this episode: The surprising reason why Exodus repeats itself—and why it matters for modern faith The beautiful metaphor connecting your prayers with sweet-smelling incense rising before God A heartfelt challenge to disconnect for a few moments, pray, and make the world a little sweeter today Plus, enjoy the spiritual classic, “Nearer My God to Thee,” as Andrew Forrest shares its inspiring backstory and why it’s a favorite for drawing closer to the divine—no matter where you are on your journey. Ready for a morning wake-up call that will linger with you all day? Hit play and subscribe for more thought-provoking devotionals and soul-stirring conversations like this. CHAPTERS: [00:01:02] Announcing Live Course on "Love Goes First" [00:03:33] Exploring the Purpose of Incense in Worship [00:05:01] Incense as a Symbol of Prayer in the Bible [00:06:07] Prayer Makes the World Spiritually Sweeter [00:07:47] Journal Prompts: Deeper Reflections on Prayer [00:09:52] "Nearer My God to Thee" Hymn and Its Meaning [00:11:42] The Cost and Beauty of Drawing Near to God 👉 Join us throughout Lent for Jesus Asking ► https://seedbed.com/jesusasking/ 🎼 Sing along with us! ► https://seedbed.com/hymnal/ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 🎁 The Wake-Up Call is funded by generous givers like you at https://sowextravagantly.com/ 📩 Get the Wake-Up Call in your email each day ► https://seedbed.com/wakeupcall ⛪️ Are you a pastor? We'd love to connect ► https://seedbed.typeform.com/to/dymjFhUB 🌿 Join the Field Team and help us sow the Wake-Up Call into new hearts ► https://seedbed.typeform.com/fieldteam 🗣 Join the conversation: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/seedbedwakeupcall/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewakeupcall/ 👂 Listen to the podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wake-up-call/id1040184070 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7t5qb5dpC7n0yxdyNsTKzTsi=e87495c982f145f6