SOAP 12/16/2015; Psalm 141:2

Today's reading: 1 Peter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5*

S) "² May my prayer be ^[a]counted as incense before You;
The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering."

Psalm 141:2 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Psalm 141

O) This is a song of deliverance, with David asking God to hear him and save him from evil men, but also from himself. I left the footnote for the word "counted," because the literal translation is the word "fixed," which actually seems to make more sense, too. Incense was supposed to be continually burning in the temple. So, David was saying that he needed help that his prayers would be continually before God, like the incense is. And, the lifting of his hands like the evening offering, again, seems to be a note about regularity of worship. The evening offering was given daily, without exception. David seemed to be noting that he wanted a life of continual prayer and daily worship to God.

A) While raising my hands in worship is not uncommon, I must admit it is not daily. While I pray everyday, even a few times everyday, I certainly know that it is not constant or "without ceasing" (see 1 Thessalonians 5:17). But, the example David gives me is actually a step further than setting a goal of continual prayer and daily worship. David gave an example of asking God for help in this. So, in addition to being instructive, this verse is also just a prayer that I can repeat. This is exactly the same thing I can ask God.

P) Father, may my prayer be fixed as incense before You; the lifting up of my hands as the evening offering. I want to pray more to You. More than when I study the Bible, or eat a meal, or tuck my kids into bed. I want to be praying at through every stressful situation, and in every blessed moment, and every point in between. I want to worship You, in spirit and in truth, more often than Sunday mornings. I want to have a life of worship, of daily humility that acknowledges Your holiness and might, and Your sovereignty and mercy. In humble confession, let me lift my hands in worship everyday. Be glorified, as I continue to grow in maturity in my relationship with You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.