The Power of Prayer, The Sacred Bond Between You and God: Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the transformative power of heartfelt prayer

Is prayer to you just words?

Or have you ever felt, even once, that you were standing before God with your whole being… and your heart was embracing heaven?

In this rare and powerful sermon, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks to us about the greatest spiritual relationship a human being can ever live: Prayer.

Prayer is not just a form of piety…

Not a routine…

Not an obligation…

Not even a request…

Prayer is an encounter… a connection… a love… a divine presence.

It is the golden bridge that links heaven to earth.

It is Jacob’s ladder, stretching from your heart to the throne of God.

The Bible says:

“Let my prayer be set before You like incense, the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2)

“With my whole heart I seek You; do not let me wander from Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:10)

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42:2)

“My house shall be called a house of prayer.” (Isaiah 56:7)

Prayer is not only spoken words…

Prayer can be:


- A tear
- A glance
- A silent ache
- A sacred silence

Pure prayer is:


- Comfort for the suffering
- Rest for the lonely
- A weapon for the spiritual warrior
- A terror to demons
- A breath of life for the saints

Even Christ Himself prayed…

He would withdraw and spend long hours in prayer, teaching us:

“Men ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)

“Enter into your inner room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret.” (Matthew 6:6)

Prayer is:


- A spiritual incense rising from the heart
- A dialogue of love from the soul to the Spirit of God
- The longing of the limited toward the embrace of the Infinite.