What strikes me about the requirements for the burnt offering in Leviticus 6 is the command for the fire to burn continually.
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Command Aaron and his sons: This is the rule of the burnt offering.
The burnt offering itself shall remain on the hearth upon the altar all night until the morning, while the fire on the altar shall be kept burning.
The fire on the altar shall be kept burning; it shall not go out. Every morning the priest shall add wood to it, lay out the burnt offering on it, and turn into smoke the fat pieces of the offerings of well-being.
A perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar; it shall not go out. (Leviticus 6:8-9,12-13).
Prayer and Faith
When I think about keeping the fire going continually, I remember one of Jesus’ parables about prayer and faith.
Jesus told a parable to emphasize the importance of continuing in prayer and not losing heart. He spoke of a dishonorable judge who had no regard for God or people.
Yet, a persistent widow repeatedly approached him, seeking justice. Though he initially refused, the judge eventually relented, thinking her persistence would wear him out.
The parable highlights a crucial comparison: God is infinitely more righteous and caring than the unjust judge, assuring us that our persistent prayers will be heard and answered.
For everyone who believes this truth, but fails to pray about everything, Jesus asks: “And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” (Luke 18:8).
Keeping the fire of prayer alive reflects faith. Our failure to pray unfortunately reveals a lack of faith.
God’s Will
The priests knew God’s will was to keep the fire on the altar burning night and day. Let’s look at Paul’s admonition to pray continually in that light.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Praise, prayer, and gratitude are to be the daily attitudes and actions of Jesus’ followers. As Paul wrote, “This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
The combination of thanksgiving and prayer was a theme that Paul lived and taught in the churches he served.
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).
It was inconceivable for a priest to neglect his duty in keeping the fire on the altar burning. Why should we see continual praise, prayer, and gratitude as optional when we learn that this is God’s will for us?
What about difficulties, persecution, and hard times? When Paul thought about spiritual warfare, he reminded the church that continual prayer informed and inspired by the Holy Spirit was a key to victory.
Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints (Ephesians 6:18).
Paul directed the church to trust in God’s activity on their behalf. That is what is meant when we speak of Biblical hope.
Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer (Romans 12:12)
How can we rejoice in hope and be patient in affliction? Prayer – touching the heart of God – is the answer.
Just as the altar represented God’s provision for human encounters with the divine, prayer is God’s gift that opens the door to God’s sufficiency for His children.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 