Photograph by Barb Wibling
“When Solomon had finished praying, fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple … When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD on the temple, they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD saying: For He is good, For His mercy endures forever.” 2 Chronicles 7:1,3 (NKJV)
“Keep the fire burning on the altar continuously. It must not go out.” Leviticus 6:13 (MSG)
Throughout history, God has demonstrated His approval of people devoted to prayer by sending fire from Heaven. At the dedication of the Temple, this fire burned continuously under the altar of burnt offering, symbolic of God’s presence. Are your hearts burning as you seek Him in prayer and worship?
God lights the fire when the Holy Spirit comes to live in us, and then He tends it so that we will grow in grace as we walk with Him. We can also do our part to cultivate an awareness of His presence in our lives. By sitting often in silence, stoking the embers with His Word, and by seeking Him regularly in solitude, our hearts become one with His, and we can pray without ceasing. If our hidden life with His inner fire is cared for faithfully, it can offer warmth and light to others. Spending frequent time alone with Jesus gives birth to compassion, and we discover our life is a gift to be shared.
The Lord is calling us to carry the holy fire of His presence to the lost of our generation for His glory. Let’s set apart seasons to pursue His power passionately in extraordinary worship and prayer with gratitude for His goodness and grace. Then may there be fire on the altar of our hearts that never goes out.
Barb Wibling