B.H. Clendennen emphasizes that prayer is a form of spiritual warfare, drawing parallels between the distinctiveness of prayer and the evening sacrifice in the Old Testament. He reflects on his experiences in Vietnam, illustrating how prayer can rise above the chaos and darkness of life, much like the fragrance of incense amidst the stench of a fish market. Clendennen argues that true prayer requires total surrender and is essential for spiritual victory, as it is the primary battleground against the forces of evil. He warns that the enemy's greatest strategy is to undermine the prayer life of believers, as effective prayer is crucial for manifesting the life of Christ in the world. Ultimately, he calls for a return to fervent prayer as the means to combat spiritual darkness and fulfill the mission of the church.

In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the altar of incense in the tabernacle. The altar of incense represents prayer and worship, where believers offer their praise, thanksgiving, and requests to God. The speaker emphasizes that worship cannot be made pleasing to the natural man and should be done in spirit and truth. The altar of incense also symbolizes Christ as our intercessor, who prays and worships on our behalf. The sermon highlights the importance of settling the sin question before approaching God in worship and emphasizes the centrality of the word of God in church services.

This sermon emphasizes the importance of returning to the power of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the decline of the church when the Holy Spirit is not central, the need for individuals to be filled with the Holy Ghost daily, and the significance of seeking God's presence and leadership through the Holy Spirit in order to overcome the challenges of the world.

In this sermon, Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of grounding ourselves in the realities of God's Word. He references Mark 4:14, highlighting the power of the Word of God to divide the soul and spirit. Daniel encourages listeners to examine their own spirituality, questioning whether their religion is soulish or spiritual. He shares a personal anecdote about a prayer meeting where someone honestly confessed their hypocrisy, emphasizing the need for humility before God. Daniel also addresses the danger of materialism and self-exaltation, urging listeners to prioritize the glory of God. He concludes with a prayer for forgiveness and strength for preachers to be faithful and courageous in their calling.

St. Theophan the Recluse emphasizes the importance of progressing in the art of prayer beyond using prayer books, urging believers to develop a personal, heartfelt connection with God. He highlights the need for continuous ascension to God throughout the day, not just during designated prayer times, by incorporating short, sincere prayers in daily activities. St. Theophan instructs on the significance of contemplating God's attributes and actions, encouraging believers to reflect on His goodness, righteousness, wisdom, and grace to cultivate a constant awareness of God's presence and glory in all aspects of life.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound truth of God's acceptance of the believing sinner, highlighting that our personal acceptance in Christ is essential before our offerings can be accepted. He contrasts the acceptance of Abel's offering with Cain's, illustrating that it is our relationship with Christ that grants value to our sacrifices. Winslow encourages believers to approach God with their prayers, praises, and offerings, reminding them that these are sweet savors to God when presented through the merits of Jesus. He calls for a deeper understanding of this acceptance, which brings peace and joy to the believer's heart. Ultimately, he reassures that God delights in the offerings of those who are accepted in the Beloved.

Philip Doddridge preaches about the importance of Christians aiming high in their spiritual life, not settling for mediocrity, but striving for a deep and intimate relationship with God. He emphasizes the reasonableness of such a life, considering our identity as God's creation and Christ's redemption, highlighting the comfort, usefulness, and eternal impact it brings. Doddridge also discusses the positive effects of this life on dealing with afflictions, facing death with peace, and preparing for eternity, stating that a lack of desire for improvement would indicate a lack of true religion.

St. Benedict of Nursia provides detailed instructions on the arrangement of psalmody for the Night and Morning Offices, as well as the remaining Hours, emphasizing the structure of each Hour with specific prayers, hymns, Psalms, lessons, and concluding prayers. He highlights the importance of reciting Psalms, lessons, and prayers in a specific order for Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vesper, and Compline Offices, whether sung with antiphons for large communities or straight through for smaller groups. St. Benedict's guidance ensures a disciplined and orderly approach to daily prayer and worship.

Jonathan Edwards preaches about the significance of Christians being a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. He emphasizes how believers are distinct from the world, chosen by God from eternity, and of heavenly descent. Edwards delves into the concept of Christians offering spiritual sacrifices to God, such as dedicating their hearts in repentance and love, offering praise, obedience, charity, and prayers of faith. He highlights how believers, as a spiritual priesthood, have the privilege of near access to God, freedom to offer sacrifices, and the duty to live lives dedicated to God's service.

J.R. Miller reflects on the poignant moment when Mary Magdalene and other women prepared spices for Jesus' body after His crucifixion, highlighting their deep love and devotion despite their despair. He emphasizes that their act of honoring the dead Christ serves as a powerful reminder of the love we should show to the living Christ, who is now resurrected and alive. Miller encourages believers to bring their heartfelt worship, service, and endurance in suffering as fragrant offerings to honor Christ, just as the women did in their sorrow. He illustrates that true worship and acts of love, even in trials, are precious to God and should be a continuous part of a Christian's life. Ultimately, he calls for a life of self-sacrifice and service, reflecting the love of Christ in all circumstances.

Henry Law preaches about the significance of the Golden Altar in the Tabernacle, symbolizing the Incense of the courts above and pointing to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice and intercessor. The Altar's position outside the inner curtain, opposite the Ark of the Covenant, signifies a link between the cross and the crown, urging believers to examine their hearts and seek forgiveness and remission. The Altar's design, with gold overlaying wood, and its square shape, represents the strength and welcoming nature of salvation through Christ, the God-man who redeems sinners' souls.

Ralph Erskine delivers a powerful sermon using the metaphor of smoking tobacco to reflect on the transient nature of life, the vanity of worldly pursuits, the reminder of sin and mortality, and the ultimate return to dust. He encourages the congregation to contemplate on their spiritual state and the need for divine inspiration to ignite their hearts. Through tobacco smoking, Erskine draws parallels to the deeper spiritual truths of life, faith, and the promises of God.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's faithfulness as we enter a new year, encouraging believers to trust in His unwavering support through life's uncertainties. He reminds us that Christ's grace and presence are sufficient for our needs, urging us to approach God with a broken and contrite heart, seeking His mercy and strength. Winslow highlights the necessity of prayer and self-examination, asserting that true faith is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus, who is our mediator and source of life. He calls for a continual dedication to God, emphasizing that our lives should reflect our commitment to Him, living not for ourselves but for His glory.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound nature of prayer as a sacred act of drawing near to God, likening it to the sweet incense offered at the altar. He explains that true prayer arises from a heart transformed by grace, where the believer's struggles and sincerity are known and cherished by God. Winslow highlights that even the simplest expressions of prayer, such as a sigh or a tear, are fragrant offerings to the Lord, who sees beyond outward appearances to the heart's true condition. The sermon encourages believers to recognize the beauty and value of their prayers, as they are accepted by God with delight. Ultimately, it is a reminder of the intimate relationship between the believer and God, where prayer becomes a means of communion and connection.