When Jesus was at the home of Simon the leper, a woman named Mary approached Him with a long-necked alabaster jar of costly perfume. This fragrant oil, made of pure nard, was considered a luxury item. Mary opened the jar and anointed the perfume over Jesus’ head. The house was filled with the sweet aroma of the ointment. However, some people in the room considered it an expensive waste – but not Jesus. He praised Mary for her sacrificial act of worship as she poured out her love for Him.

Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

Mark 14:6

Worshipping Christ means a willingness to sacrifice what is most precious. David understood this as he wrote, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!” (Psalm 141:2) He described his prayers as fragrant smoke that floats up to God’s throne like the offerings he presented on the altar in the Tabernacle.

As pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father each day, visualize your prayers as a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God. Remember this, also, as you unselfishly intercede for your local and national leaders.

Recommended Reading: I Timothy 2:1-8