Fire shall be kept burning continually on the altar; it shall not go out. — Leviticus 6:13 LSB
We are to keep the altar of private prayer burning. This is the very life of all holiness.
Says Spurgeon, the sanctuary and family altars borrow their fires here, therefore let this burn well. Secret devotion is the very essence, evidence, and barometer, of vital and [experiential] religion.
Let your closet times be—if possible, regular, frequent, and undisturbed. Remember, effectual prayer avails much.
You say you don’t know what to pray for? Let us suggest
* the Church,
* the ministry,
* your own soul,
* your children,
* your family,
* your neighbors,
* your country,
* and the cause of God and truth going throughout the whole world.
Let’s ask ourselves, and be honest: Are we lukewarm in our private devotion? Is the fire of devotion burning low in our hearts? Do our chariot wheels drag as in mud?
For many of us, we should answer with yes.
Shouldn’t we be alarmed at this sign of neglect?! We should be, so cry out, and ask for the Spirit of grace and of supplications. Do this daily.
Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it.
And set apart special seasons for extraordinary prayer. This might mean a whole weekend, like start Friday night and go through Sunday evening. Instead of a camping weekend at the lake (or whatever your thing is) go on a prayer retreat.
For if this fire should be smothered beneath the ashes of a worldly conformity, it will dim the fire on the family altar, and lessen our influence both in the Church and in the world.
Spurgeon
The passage will also apply to the altar of the heart, for is a golden altar. Our Lord loves to see the hearts of His people glowing towards Himself. Christians, give to God your hearts, all blazing with love, and seek His grace, that the fire may never be put out—for it will only burn if the Lord keeps it burning.
There will be many enemies attempting to extinguish it; but, says Spurgeon, if the unseen hand behind the wall pour thereon the sacred oil, it will blaze higher and higher.
We must be sure to use our Bible as fuel for our heart's fire, they are as live coals; and attend church teaching, but above all, let us be much alone with Jesus.
This is how to keep the fire burning.
Do you have special seasons, personally or corporately, that are set aside for prayer? What ways do you suggest others keep the fire burning?
Thank you for reading Epaphras Prays, a ministry of intercessors for the people of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Our intent is to pray—and to teach others to pray, Biblical prayers. We all desperately need to be praying more, and yet we do not sense an urgency among believers to do so. Help us reach out with our newsletter to invite and encourage others to their prayer closet.
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Until next time, grace and peace…
