CHILDREN like to watch incense burn. In their imagination they see
dancing around in the little columns of smoke strange and wonderful
little shapes. Let us try to cause these smoke columns to tell God's
great message.
Incense is frequently mentioned in the Bible. It ascended from the
golden altar of the Tabernacle and was burning night and day. It was
never out. It stood for prayer, and we will now try and find out what
it says to us about talking to God.
Call to the platform a number of boys and girls each holding a little
plate: a tin plate will answer. Put on each plate about four incense
cones, which can be easily secured in the shops. One cone is not
sufficient to give enough smoke to be seen distinctly by the entire
audience. Say to the children as you light the cones, that incense
reminds us of prayer, because the smoke ascends just as our prayers go
up; and also tell them how to pray and how thoughtful they should be
as they pray, for God hears every word they say. For prayers go up
like incense. In the old Temple the incense was always burning, so
they should pray always as the good Book says "Pray without ceasing."
Now scatter them in various parts of the room. That will represent
_secret prayer._ Call them all to the platform and place them as close
to each other as possible; that will represent _united prayer._ While
they are standing in that position a large volume of smoke will be
ascending which will appeal to their little eyes and make a lasting
impression upon them. This you can call _the prayer meeting_ of one
accord.
As you call the children to the platform you can name them after the
various denominations, and thus illustrate how all the churches can
come together for prayer and how beautiful it looks to see them in
united prayer for the world.
The odor of the burning incense will be very evident by this time and
you may let this remind them that it is like the influence which
always emanates from the prayers that go up to God from believing
hearts.
=CHAPTER V
THE BURNING OF THE IDOL=
_Objects: Denatured Alcohol; White of an Egg_