Is It Heartfelt…..

When you pray is it heartfelt, or is it out of obligation? When God gave Moses the design instructions for everything in the tabernacle, from the ark of the covenant to the altar, and from the outer courtyard to the ephod worn by the priests; every single object had purpose and detail. The chest-piece worn by Aaron when acting as priest, had the twelve tribes of Israel on his chest, as a reminder that he represents the people as he comes before the Lord. He was to carry these symbols close to his heart. This reminded him of the importance of his duty, as well as the responsibility and seriousness of significant role he was to play when he entered into God’s presence. Shouldn’t we do the same? Shouldn’t our prayers be close to our heart? That’s what real intimacy with God is all about, isn’t it?

29 “In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the Lord. 30 Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for His people whenever he goes in before the Lord. Exodus 28:29-30