The Reason
The Incense of My Praise
Copyright 2006.
Written for an Advent Story project I'm working on. This is from the perspective of Zacharias, who was to be the father of John the Baptist. Being very old, his wife also, he doubted the angel's message and therefore was struck dumb.
This is a fun song for the kids because in the 2nd chorus, Zacharias can't say anything, so all you can do is hummm the tune.
Lyrics
Verse 1:
The sweet smell of incense hung thickly in the air
I was offering the incense on the altar of my prayers
Though I stood within the temple, in my heart I saw a throne
Where the One who heard my prayers sat alone.
Chorus:
And I offer up the incense of my praise to You
And I offer up thanksgiving, Lord, for everything You do!
Almost everything I've asked for, Lord, You've given willingly.
And I've pushed aside the bitterness
For the one thing, the one thing
That one thing that You withheld from me.
Verse 2:
Through the cloud of cloying incense hanging thickly in the air
These ancient eyes beheld a shining angel standing there.
And he said, "The child you've prayed for will be yours within a year."
But I didn't quite believe, since I was so full of years.
He could tell that I was doubting, by the look upon my face
And he said, "You will not speak at all till all of this takes place
For you didn't trust my message, and you doubted God could do
What He told me to tell you He'd accomplish now for you."
Chorus: (mumbles only)
Verse 3:
Well, his name is John, and he will be a prophet for the Lord
And he will make a level path for God's incarnate Word
And I will offer praise to God for this one thing He has done
For He wiped away the bitterness, and He gave to me a son!
Chorus:
And I offer up the incense of my praise to You
And I offer up thanksgiving, Lord, for everything You do!
Everything I've ever asked for, Lord, You've given willingly.
And You've wiped away the bitterness
For the one thing, the one thing
That one thing that You gave to me.