Incense: Pray Through Life

Praying, meditating, and resting on Psalm 36.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Revelation 8:2-4Psalm 36Tracks:"In the Twilight" by Moments"What We Give" by Moments"Her Majesty" by Moments

Praying "The Deer's Cry" prayer, attributed to St. Patrick in 433.  (Also referred to as "The Breastplate Prayer.")www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTracks:"In the Night" by Lost Ghosts

A prayer and mediation on Psalm 18.  What if we place infinite value on these things we read and pray — the Word, and the God of the Word?  With such a perspective, the gravity and fullness of God, as well as His deliverance, becomes nearly unbearable in its brightness and glory.  He alone is our fortress, shield, and deliverer  ...from all things.Joshua Zatkoff Testimony and Interview:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDfMAJ33J1M&t=89swww.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 18Ephesians 6:11-13Tracks:"Words for a Good Man" by Lost Ghosts"Lonely Company" by Anthony Catacoli

A meditation on the three most important days in history, for all creation and for every person, ever born.  It is the hidden wisdom of God in a mystery which none of the rulers of that age knew — for if had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord glory.  When we proclaim "He is risen!," let us perceive the majesty of the cosmic King and the full weight of glory he carries as the conqueror of all things, including death itself.  He, alone, is the Resurrection and the Life.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 22Jonah 2Hosea 6:1-3Ephesians 4:8-101 Peter 3:18-20Matthew 28:1-7Tracks:"Aqueducts" by Falls"Kindness" by Outside The Sky"New Beginning" by EVOE

A meditation on the long held Passover feast.  There is prophecy to behold both in the event and in the practice so carefully held by the Israelites, year after year ...for generations.  Jesus is the our Passover Lamb — for all of us.  He is the Lamb that is worthy to praised throughout eternity.  www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Exodus 12:1-32, 43-50John 6:35-40, 52-58Matthew 26:14-29Tracks:"Screaming Through the Walls" by Painted Modern Orchestra"Am I Dreaming" by Adrian Walther"Another Life" by Wild Wonder"Afterwards" by Chelsea McGough

A prayer and meditation with the Psalmist on integrity.  Integrity is a dusty old word and perhaps we've gone so far in our culture it may be seen by some as a meaningless virtue, tossed to the bin with humility, temperance, chastity, etc.  Integrity still remains something we can choose, or will, to have.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Isaiah 40:21-23Psalm 101Isaiah 40:28-31Tracks:"Endless Time" by Adrian Walther"Stay With Me" by Adrian Walther"Life's Mystery" by Adrian Walther

A prayer and meditation, rippling outward, leaning upon the truth of Psalm 61.  We perform our priestly duties, interceding on other's behalf as Christ intercedes for us, in heaven, on our behalf.  Calling from the ends of the earth to the Living God, may those in our home, our neighborhood, and unto the very edges of His kingdom receive his light, mercy, and truth.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 61Tracks:"God Remembers" by Anthony Catacoli

Praying, meditating, and resting on Psalm 73.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 73Tracks:"Lancashire Road" by Moments"Kindness Follows" by Birds of Norway"Music Box" by Stephen Keech

A meditation on being thankful, coming into a right understanding of God, and restoring a correct relationship with Him, even in difficult times.  We are often so inward looking or prone to being a victim of circumstance that we find ourselves far off course or wandering in our faith journey.   In sitting under God's interrogation of Job and revealing "things too wonderful for me," we can begin to look up and out and the Almighty and be lifted out of any circumstance — we can respond as Job does saying "By the ear's hearing I heard of you, but now my eye has seen you."  Let us exalt Him.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Habakkuk 3:17-19Job 38, 39Tracks:"In the Night" by Lost Ghosts"Changing" by Outside the Sky"Across the Desert" by Acreage

A meditation and prayer positioning ourselves in a stance against the iniquity of pornography.  We cannot turn from this wickedness, shove it aside as if it is nothing, or pretend that it's darkness hasn't infected nearly all of life like a cancer.  We must stand against and intercede with our God to eradicate this spirit and the evil emanating from it.  So many are lost, addicted, deceived, trafficked, and the ramifications should break our hearts to weeping. If you are struggling with pornography and would anonymously like to ask for prayer:https://www.incense-ptl.com/prayerrequestwww.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 24:1-5Tracks:"Words for a Good Man" by Lost Ghosts"Ocean McGough" by Ocean Shadows"Redemption" by Alice in Winter

Are you box-checking your way through your Christian life?  It feels that way sometimes, does it not?  We must fight against this by coming into a correct position and beginning to understand what it means to break.  We meditate on two disparate stories in scripture to gain encouragement in turning away from obligation and toward devotion and adoration.  It is a blessed thing to be wasted for the Lord.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:John 12:1-8Matthew 26:6-13Daniel 3:13-18excerpts from "The Goal of the Gospel" from "The Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee.Tracks:"Deep Thoughts" by Elision"Am I Dreaming" by Moments"Mystic Wind" by Outside the Sky

A meditation and time of prayer being thankful.  We are not only too distracted, but often are too suspicious of our life or too disinterested for real thanksgiving.  God is worthy of our thanks for everything.  Truly everything.  It is good to practice praying our thanks to our Creator and Sustainer.  We gain from giving to Him.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 100Tracks:"All Heart" by Moments"Endless Night" by Moments"Letting Go" by Moments"Pines" by Be Still The Earth

A meditation and time of prayer on being ready  to be a true offering for God's use.  Guided by two February excerpts of Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost for His Highest," we can choose to find our identity in God, with our will choose to be broken, and conclude by telling God we are ready.   It is good to humbly sit in reverence and awe before the God of the Universe.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Phillipians 2:12-182 Timothy 4:1-8February 5 and 6; "My Utmost for His Highest; Oswald Chambers.Tracks:"Beside the Starless Sea" by Moments"Prologue" by Shimmer"In Motion" by Moments"Sincerity" by Acreage

Praying, meditating, and resting on Psalm 37.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 37Tracks:"In the Twilight" by Moments"What We Give" by Moments"Her Majesty" by Moments

A prayer and meditation on what Jesus says about wheat.  In AD 110, Ignatius said "I am the what of Christ."   Though we may not struggle against the threat of outright martyrdom or even much persecution, do we resemble a seed that has fallen to the earth and died?  What are we striving to hold on to in our own will?   We can see that Jesus was the supreme example in even this — being the choicest wheat.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Excerpt from "Foxe's Book of Martyrs" by John Foxe; pg. 11-12.John 12:20-261 Corinthians 15:35-49Psalm 81:10-16Tracks:"Cirrus" by Four Trees"Luminosity" by Outside The Sky"Peaceful Confidence" by Wild Wonder"Pine Frost" by Cody Martin

A prayer and meditation, humbling ourselves before God's mighty throne.  The Word speaks to humility many times and is consistent throughout: we must humble ourselves.  He promises we will be exalted and receive grace.  We must repent of all kinds of pride and find ourselves with knees bent before Him.  As old Lewis said, we must not think less of ourselves, but think of ourselves less.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:2 Chronicles 7:12-161 Peter 5:1-7James 4:1-10Luke 18:9-14Excerpt from "Prayer and Humility" in "The Essentials of Prayer"; E.M. BoundsTracks:"Come Home" by Outside The Sky"Beneath a Whisper" by EVOE"The Recovery" by CJ-O"Blue Hour" by The Stolen Orchestra

A prayer and meditation working through some moments from the Sermon on the Mount.  Are we being obedient to the commands of God's Son in dealing with anger, retaliation, enemies, and judgment?  What names and faces come to mind as I work measure my own heart in the light of God?  Can we be fully grown and mature in our dealings with others?  We must be more than just professors of His way, but actively walking in His way.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Matthew 5:21-26, 38-42, 43-48; 7:1-6Tracks:"High Above" by Wild Wonder"Come Home" by Outside the Sky"Emergence" by Outside the Sky

A prayer of consecration at the dawn of the year.  I must know Him more this year.  He is my Shield and my Defense.  He is my Physician and Friend.  He is my Creator and Sustainer.  He is my only resolution — none other would suffice in getting to my heart... my nature.  Let us learn this year what God says of Himself and of us, and take Him at His word.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24"Fourth Letter" from "The Practice of the Presence of God"; Nicholas Herman of Lorraine (Brother Lawrence).Psalm 138:8Tracks:"Open to Receive" by Outside the Sky"Waking Us" by Quiet Lake"Intimacy" by Rest Settle

A meditative vigil, waiting and watching for the birth of the Messiah, whose light has come, full of grace and truth.  He is beautiful to behold, and worthy of our watchful adoration.  The advent season brings the space to access a special peace and reflection upon the ancient prophecies regarding the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Isaiah 7:10-14Micah 5:2-5aNumbers 24:15b-17Luke 1:26-35John 1:1-5,14-18Tracks:"Endless Time" by Adrian Walther"Stay With Me" by Adrian Walther"Life's Mystery" by Adrian Walther

A simple opportunity to reverently dwell and meditate upon a deeply meaningful and enriching advent hymn.  "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" - 11th Century (1861 — John Mason Neale)O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel; That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.  O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan's tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, And give them victory o'er the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.  O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer, Our Spirits by Thine Advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.  O come, Thou Key of David, come And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.  O come, O come, thou Lord of Might Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height, In ancient times didst give the law, In cloud, and majesty, and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTracks:"Yamabushi" by Cast of Characters

A meditation and devotional prayer on the incarnation.  Do we approach the baby Jesus in the same way we approach the man Jesus or the victorious Jesus?  Do we treat or thoughts toward Him with the same honor that the visiting Magi did this time of year?  We must see Him and run to Him as He is, regardless of the lowly state, or the cattle stall.  He was the long awaited King of Glory, even as a baby.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Matthew 2:1-11John 12:1-8"Psalm 97 part 2" by Isaac WattsTracks:"Everything and Nothing All at Once" by Acreage"Out of the Darkness" by Moments"In the Twilight" by Moments"Finding Four Leaf Clovers" by Kurtis Parks

A meditation and prayer on uplifting others in prayer.  "The spirit of prayer is a public treasure, though laid up in some few hands.  All cannot pray, therefore all should be prayed for," says William Gurnall.  It is a difficult question to ask ourselves if we have hearts that are bound pray — and pray for others.  Are we too distracted to see, too selfish to hear, and too busy to act on behalf of others in prayer?www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:1 Samuel 12:18-24excerpt - "Purpose in Prayer" by E.M. Bounds: Chapter 1.excerpt - "The Christian in Complete Armour" by William Gurnall: Division Sixth, First Proposition (pg.522) and Second Proposition (pg. 527).Tracks:"Azure" by Alice in Winter"Hit the Ground Running" by Wild Wonder"Mystic Wind" by Outside the Sky"Sundown Motel" by Rest Settle

A prayer and meditation to remember the deeper meaning of the season of advent — to remember He came and tabernacled among us.  Incarnation.  May we make that our anchor and rest in the days ahead as we seek prayerfully to do his will and say to God what Mary said to the visiting angel:"Behold, I am the Lord's servant.  May it happen to me according to your word." www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Luke 1:38Luke 2:8-14John 1: 9-14Tracks:"Woven" by Alice in Winter"Music Box" by Stephen Keech"In the Middle" by Four Trees"Pines" by Be Still the Earth

Let us return once again to Moses to see and pray through what it means to hear and obey.  Endurance of faith and obedience in a continually more distracting world is a serious matter.  Will we be doers in the face of challenges or distractions?  Will I obey his word to me?www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Exodus 17:1-7Numbers 20:1-131 Corinthians 10:1-4James 1:2-25Tracks:"Deep Thoughts" by Elision"Am I Dreaming" by Moments"Mystic Wind" by Outside the Sky

Some Greeks came with the crowds and asked to see Jesus.  He had a response worth dwelling on and praying over.  Are we willing to believe Him and do what he says, and in doing so,to serve him?  What type of grain of wheat will we be?www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:John 12:20-26(Galations 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 2:24, Philippians 1:21, Colossians 3:3)excerpt - "The Normal Christian Life" by Watchman Nee: Chapter 9; pg 149-150.Tracks:"Empty Space" by Sean Daugherty"Those Lost" by Moments"Cirrus" by Four Trees

A prayer and meditation honing in on God's 'knowing,' while resting and praying through Ezekiel 37 and Psalm 139.  Can we posture ourselves in front of an all-knowing God in a way that honors Him and the truth that He is all-knowing?  Does it make us uncomfortable that he "sees" and "knows" us from before our first cell's division to beyond our final synapse firing  — or does it thrill us and comfort us? www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Ezekiel 37:1-6Psalm 139:1-18, 23-24Hebrews 4:12-13Psalm 33:13-15Jeremiah 23:24Tracks:"Come Home" by Outside The Sky"Beneath a Whisper" by EVOE"The Recovery" by CJ-O"Blue Hour" by The Stolen Orchestra

A prayer and meditation asking God to reveal what He says it means to be blessed.  Do I recognize myself as 'blessed?' Does what I say being 'blessed' is align with who Jesus declares as Blessed?  This is a hard prayer and meditation for it uproots our age of desire, accumulation, and comfort and replaces it with Spirit, Truth, and the Kingdom of Heaven.  www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Matthew 5:1-12Tracks:"Open to Receive" by Outside the Sky"Counting Breaths" by Outside The Sky"Floyd's Tomb" by Kevin Graham

A prayer, simply waiting on God.  Just waiting... to fight the noise, to focus our mind, to humble our heart, to find shalom. It is good to wait on the Lord.  Just be still ...and wait.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 130:1-6Psalm 27:7-14Tracks:"Empty Space" by Sean Daugherty"Those Lost" by Moments

A simple opportunity to reverently dwell and meditate upon a deeply meaningful and enriching hymn.  "Day by Day" - 1865, Lina SandellDay by day and with each passing moment, Strength I find to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear. He whose heart is kind beyond all measure Gives unto each day what He deems best-- Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure, Mingling toil with peace and rest.  Ev'ry day the Lord Himself is near me With a special mercy for each hour; All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me, He whose name is Counselor and Pow'r. The protection of His child and treasure Is a charge that on Himself He laid; "As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure," This the pledge to me He made.  Help me then in eve'ry tribulation So to trust Thy promises, O Lord, That I lose not faith's sweet consolation Offered me within Thy holy Word. Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, E'er to take, as from a father's hand, One by one, the days, the moments fleeting, Till I reach the promised land.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTracks:"Yamabushi" by Cast of Characters

A prayer meditating on the Name of God.  It is good to remember that His Name is important throughout the entirety of the scriptures.  Over and over again  we are invited, nay commanded, to remember His Name.  His Name is above all other names, from generation to generation.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:John 17:24-26Exodus 3:1-6, 11-15John 8:54-58Psalm 135:1-13Psalm 145:1-21Tracks:"Cirrus" by Four Trees"Luminosity" by Outside The Sky"Peaceful Confidence" by Wild Wonder"Pine Frost" by Cody Martin

A prayer and meditation looking to the Son of Man and the Lamb of God.  We ask God to bless us with an even clearer vision of His Son, Jesus.  It is Good and necessary to behold the Man upon the cross, to behold the Man outside the tomb, to behold the Man ascending to the heights, and to behold the Man seated at the right hand of the Father.  Let us worship and rest in His presence.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 123: 1-2Isaiah 52:13-15Isaiah 53:1-12John 1:1-5Psalm 121:1-2aLuke 23:46bTracks:"Aqueducts" by Falls"Kindness" by Outside The Sky"New Beginning" by EVOE

A prayer and meditation, rippling outward, not only acknowledging the truth and reality of God's Holiness, but asking for Him to fulfill His promise in Isaiah 55.  The words that go out from His mouth will not return to him without success.  May He deliver that word to us in this time of need as well as to others (friend and foe) in this time of need.  May his eternal word come like the rain and snow, showering righteousness and life upon all.  May it accomplish what He wills in our life, as we submit ourselves to it.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Isaiah 55:8-13Tracks:"Endless Time" by Adrian Walther"Stay With Me" by Adrian Walther"Life's Mystery" by Adrian Walther

A prayer and meditation on fighting fear with faith.  In humility, let us approach the Almighty God and bow to his sovereignty, choosing to fear Him instead of the world.  When we see Jesus and His works lighting up everything around us, we can take courage and strength to face our fears in this fallen world.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Revelation 5:1-14Exodus 20: 18-20Isaiah 41:10,13Isaiah 43:1-3aPsalm 84:11aLuke 2:8-14Tracks:"Woven" by Alice in Winter"Music Box" by Stephen Keech"In the Middle" by Four Trees"Pines" by Be Still the Earth

A prayer and meditation on the special season of lent and the window of opportunity it provides those of faith to 1) remember the true gospel, 2) fast and pray, and 3) practically match our words and deeds to those of Christ.  Under the authority of the Word and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, let us enter into this season with diligence, seriousness, and with a repentant spirit.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 149:1-61 John 1:1-41 John 2:1-6Tracks:"Screaming Through the Walls" by Painted Modern Orchestra"Am I Dreaming" by Adrian Walther"Another Life" by Wild Wonder"Afterwards" by Chelsea McGough

A meditation and intercession on behalf of brothers and sisters around the world who are in harms way.  So many are, and it will get worse.  Yet we must not be afraid!  Our God is sovereign.  He is a God who sees, who grants courage and strength to those who believe.  Pray for our family around the world.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 122:6-91 Timothy 2:1-4Romans 13:1Daniel 2:20-23Jeremiah 17:7-8Psalm 144:1-15Tracks:"Wilderness" by Wild Wonder"Headwind" by Wild Wonder"Headwind (Reprise)" by Wild Wonder"Pines" by Be Still The Earth

A prayer and meditation through a confession of faith in the almighty God and the realities He alone has created and sustains.  Who is He? Who are we? How do these truths effect our reality, belief, and action?www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 121:1-8Psalm 123:1-2Tracks:"Finding Four Leaf Clovers" by Kurtis Parks"Moonlit Forest" by Outside The Sky"Inspired" by Ian Kelosky

A prayer and meditation on bathing in the Light of God.  God created light, yet He not only claimed to Be light, but also declared his son Jesus to be light.  Even more stunning is that we as followers of Christ are to be light and be filled with light.  Can we let the warm light of God shine brightly on us and through us toward others?www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Genesis 1:3-5Psalm 27:1Isaiah 42:16Matthew 5:14-16John 1:4John 15:5Tracks:"Endless Time" by Adrian Walther"Stay With Me" by Adrian Walther"Life's Mystery" by Adrian Walther

A prayer and meditation, rippling forth, concerning holy ground and sacred space.  Can our hearts and minds be holy ground? Is our house, neighborhood, and city holy ground?  Is our light shining in these spaces to allow Jesus to be seen, heard, and felt?www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Exodus 3:1-6 Tracks:"Woven" by Alice in Winter"Music Box" by Stephen Keech"In the Middle" by Four Trees"Pines" by Be Still the Earth

A prayer and meditation about praying in the necessary faith that God is Good.   God is a rewarder for those who seek Him.  Let us turn our face and attention to Him for He alone is worthy of praise, prayer, and reverent worship.  www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Psalm 36:5-9Revelation 8:3-4Luke 11:9-13Hebrews 11:6Hebrews 13:20-21Tracks:"Screaming Through the Walls" by Painted Modern Orchestra"Am I Dreaming" by Adrian Walther"Another Life" by Wild Wonder"Afterwards" by Chelsea McGough

An introduction to the podcast.A prayer and meditation about praying.   It can be a challenge to focus, listen, and converse with God, but it is necessary.  He desires our attention and devotion.www.incense-ptl.comeric@incense-ptl.comTexts:Revelation 8:3-4James 5:13-18Romans 8:26-28Psalms 115:14-18Tracks:"Wilderness" by Wild Wonder"Headwind" by Wild Wonder"Headwind (Reprise)" by Wild Wonder"Pines" by Be Still The Earth