A Fragrant Offering of Prayer
Evening Peace: A Quiet Time of Prayer and Reflection Before Sleep
Tonight’s Verse
Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Psalm 141:2
Reflection
Psalm 141:2 presents a beautiful image of prayer, likening it to incense rising before God - a fragrant offering pleasing to him. As incense fills a room with its soothing aroma, so our prayers rise to God, bringing him delight and drawing us closer to his presence. This verse reminds us that prayer, especially in the quiet of the evening, is more than a mere request; it is an act of worship, a humble surrender, and a way to honor God with our whole heart.
In the Old Testament, the evening sacrifice was a sacred time of devotion, a daily reminder of reliance upon God. By lifting our prayers to him at the close of each day, we offer our thoughts, worries, and thanksgiving as a fragrant offering of trust. Oswald Chambers once said, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” In moments of prayer, we commune with God himself, entrusting our burdens to him and inviting his peace into our hearts.
Tonight, as you settle in for rest, lift up your prayers to God, offering them as incense before him. Let go of any anxiety, guilt, or fear, and allow your heart to be filled with gratitude and awe. God is pleased with your prayers and draws near, offering his peace as you rest in his presence.
Prayer
Holy Father, may my prayer rise before you tonight as a fragrant offering. I bring my thoughts, my concerns, and my gratitude, surrendering them to you in faith. Thank you for hearing me, for welcoming my prayers as an act of worship, and for the peace you give in return. As I prepare for sleep, let your presence fill my heart and calm my spirit. I entrust this night to you, knowing that you watch over me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This Evening Peace devotional encourages us to see our prayers as a pleasing offering to God. By lifting up our hearts to him, we find peace in his presence, knowing that our prayers are precious to him and that his peace will guard us through the night.