Podcast Summary: The Wake-Up Call

Host: Andrew Forrest (Seedbed)
Episode: Prayer Is Like Spiritual Incense
Date: February 14, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode explores the biblical imagery of prayer as spiritual incense, as found in Exodus and echoed throughout the Bible. Host Andrew Forrest reflects on the ritual of incense in worship, how it points to the sweetness of prayer, and invites listeners to make the world “a little bit sweeter” through simple, intentional prayer. The episode blends scripture readings, personal anecdotes, and practical prompts for spiritual growth.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Context: Bible Reading and Tabernacle Furniture

• Andrew Forrest introduces the day’s theme:
  • The episode falls near the end of studying Exodus, specifically focusing on the construction and symbolism of the altar for incense (00:00–03:22).
  • Forrest notes the often-overlooked richness in the repetitive sections of Exodus and encourages digging deeper for theological insights (03:44).

2. Scripture Reading & Meaning of Incense (03:30–05:02)

• Scripture Read: Exodus 37:25–29—detailed account of building the incense altar.
• Core question: "What is the point of incense? Why is it in the Bible?" (05:09)
• Methodology:
  • Forrest advocates reading the Bible in context and comparing passages to uncover meaning:

    "One of my principles is that you understand the Bible through reading the Bible." (05:33)

• Incense symbolizes prayer:
  • Cites several key passages:
    • Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you..."
    • Luke 1:10: "The people were praying outside at the hour of incense."
    • Revelation 5:8 & 8:3–4: “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints…” and “the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God…” (06:10–07:00)

3. The Sweetness of Prayer: Personal Reflections (07:02–08:30)

• Candle lighting as metaphor:
  • Forrest lights a scented candle as an object lesson:

    "I'm a sucker for a nice scented candle... I light the candle and then I’ll blow it out, you know, and I’ll watch the smoke twist and curl and then vanish." (07:30)

  • Prayers, like incense or the candle, rise up and fill the space with sweetness pleasing to the Lord.
• Encouragement:
  • Forrest calls listeners to stillness and prayer:

    "Why don't you turn off your darn phone today, sit still and offer up prayers for a few minutes, make the world a little bit sweeter and thereby please the Lord." (08:32)

4. Theological Significance & Practical Takeaways (08:35–10:25)

• Communal and personal application:
  • Prayer is not just duty—it transforms and “sweetens” the world and God's presence.
  • The detailed furniture and rituals of the tabernacle serve to teach us about "proper worship" and the significance of prayerful devotion.
• Notable quote:

  "Our prayers please the Lord and make things sweet and lovely. I think this is just the most glorious idea." (07:52)

5. Reflection Questions / Journal Prompts (10:26–11:09)

• What does the tabernacle furniture teach us about worship?
• Why is prayer equated with spiritual incense?
• What makes prayer difficult for you right now, and what might make it easier?
• Forrest emphasizes the value of wrestling with “tough” biblical passages for spiritual insight.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On incense as a metaphor:

  "Incense is meant to represent prayer rising up to the Lord, as it says in the Psalms..." (06:12)

• On the beauty of prayer:

  "There's something, I think, particularly spiritually sweet about prayer. It pleases the Lord and makes the world pleasant and aromatic." (07:50)

• On reader engagement:

  "I know that this part of Exodus is nobody’s favorite, but I really do think there’s value in kind of digging into the scripture and paying attention to what these things actually mean." (10:53)

Closing Hymn: “Nearer, My God, to Thee” (11:11–13:00)

• Forrest introduces and sings several verses from hymn #345 of the Seedbed hymnal.
• He explains its biblical imagery draws from Jacob’s ladder in Genesis, symbolizing the longing to be closer to God in all circumstances.
• Favorite lyric:

  "Even though it be a cross that raises me, I want to be close to you like whatever it takes, Lord, it's a gorgeous hymn." (12:05)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–03:15: Episode intro, personal updates, and church context.
• 03:22–05:02: Scripture reading (Exodus 37:25–29).
• 05:08–07:00: Biblical connections: incense and prayer in Psalms, Luke, and Revelation.
• 07:02–08:30: Candle-lighting illustration and the sensual/spiritual sweetness of prayer.
• 08:32–09:43: Practical call to prayer and reflection.
• 10:26–11:09: Reflection/journal prompts for deeper engagement.
• 11:10–13:00: “Nearer, My God, to Thee” hymn and spiritual commentary.

Final Thoughts and Tone

Andrew Forrest’s tone is warm, gentle, and encouraging, inviting listeners not only to understand, but to enter into the spiritual reality the text points to. He stresses simple, embodied practices of prayer and careful attention to Scripture, all colored by a sense of wonder over the beauty of what God offers in worship and everyday life.

Useful for Listeners Who Haven't Tuned In

Whether or not you are familiar with Exodus or the tradition of incense in worship, this episode provides an accessible, practical, and reflective meditation on making prayer a fragrant offering in everyday life, rooted in biblical reflection and meaningful practice.