Welcome back to Praying God’s Word Wednesday! I had some help this week from a wise and dear friend. Here’s the story. I texted her today’s scripture and said, “Praying God leads you in triumph in the areas of your weakness.” She texted back, finishing the prayer with the second half of the scripture: “Love this! Also praying you and I will spread the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ in every aspect of our lives. ”
The Believer’s Bible Commentary says of the passage, “Paul here borrows a figure from the triumphal processions of Roman conquerors. Returning home after glorious victories, they would lead their captives along the streets of the capital. Incense bearers would march along both sides, and the fragrance of the incense would permeate the scene. So Paul pictures the Lord marching as a conqueror from Troas to Macedonia, and leading the apostle in His train.
F.B. Meyer writes: “Wherever they [Paul and the other missionaries] went men knew Jesus better; the loveliness of the Master’s character became more apparent. Men became aware of a subtle fragrance, poured upon the air, which attracted them to the Man of Nazareth.” I want my life, and the lives of those I love, to look like this!
So I put all that together and expanded the original prayer I sent to my friend.
Replace the pronouns with the appropriate ones for the person (or yourself) that you are praying for.
Praying for you in this. And don’t forget to share this on social media or with a friend who could benefit. It would mean so much to me. And if you don’t want to miss a Praying God’s Word Wednesday, subscribe over on the right hand side of this page.
Amen! God doesn’t call us to be on His team and sit us on the bench because there are better players – He calls us to be on His team (leading the procession) – and wants us all to be interactive players – all with an important job – to let others see, know Him through us! There are so many layers to the scripture you’ve chosen – and the prayer you’ve prayed!
I agree. So many layers!
Amen!
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you for praying with me, Jennifer.
Lauren, I love the FB Meyer quote. Praying I make Him more apparent in every place I go!
Thank you for sharing that, Joanne!
I love this. The beauty of fragrance is it travels and lingers. You don’t smell it once and it’s gone. By having the lingering fragrance of God, we can delight others with His presence if they are willing to lift up their noses and inhale. Thank you for sharing.
I love the imagery here. Thank you, Lisa.
I absolutely love this fragrance aspect! When you really think about that it is incredible!
It is, isn’t it?
Beautiful prayer, Lauren. Although I do not follow Christ in the same exact way as you do, I do strive to live a life that reflects his love and kindness in all things. Thank you for sharing your beautiful words and mission!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Thank you, Shelbee.
What a beautiful prayer, Lauren! I do find it so comforting and effective to incorporate scripture in my prayers. Thank you for sharing and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you so much, April.