The outer court of the Tabernacle was about access and atonement. The inner sanctuary was about abiding and adoration. Inside, three sacred furnishings illuminated the ministry of worship: The Golden Lampstand – the light of the Spirit. The Table of Showbread – the nourishment of Christ. The Altar of Incense – the fragrance of prayer. Together they reveal that worship is not an event; it’s a continual ministry of light, communion, and intercession before the Lord.  

 

Put It into Practice: Light a candle or turn on a lamp during your devotional time, and ask: “Holy Spirit, illuminate my life today.” Pray and ask Jesus to nourish your soul as you read His Word.

 

Day 1 Exodus 25:23-30; John 6:35-51

Reflect: Why did God instruct the bread to remain continually before Him, and what does that reveal about His desire for fellowship? How does Jesus’ teaching in John 6 deepen your understanding of spiritual hunger and satisfaction? What does it mean that Jesus offers Himself as your sustenance?

Apply: Where have you been feeding on “lesser bread” — things that cannot truly satisfy? What area of life is Jesus inviting you to trust Him for nourishment instead of relying on yourself?

Pray: Holy God, thank You for sending Jesus, the true Bread of Life, down from heaven to satisfy my deepest hunger and thirst. I confess my tendency to seek fulfillment in temporary things, but I declare that only You can give eternal life and lasting satisfaction. 

 

Day 2 Exodus 25:31-39; 27:20-21; 1 John 1:5-7

Reflect: What do you think is the significance of the design and materials for the Lamp? Why was it essential that the lamp never go out, and what does that teach us about dependence on the Spirit? 

Apply: What area of your life needs the Light of God to expose confusion, sin, or next steps? What practices help you keep your heart lit with God’s presence daily and avoid walking in darkness?

Pray: Help me, Lord, I pray, to walk in Your light, just as You are in the light, so that I may have true fellowship with You and with other believers. Shine Your light in my heart, guide my steps, and empower me to be a vessel of Your love, reflecting Your truth and hope to those still in darkness. 

 

Day 3 Exodus 30:1-9; Revelation 8:3–4

Reflect: Why did God design incense to rise continually before Him, and what does that teach us about prayer? How does Revelation’s imagery shape how you view your own prayers?

Apply: What would it look like to begin and end your day with intentional prayer this week? What distractions or habits are thinning the “fragrance” of your prayer life, and what needs to change?

Pray: Thank You, Jesus, for receiving my prayers – even the imperfect ones – as sweet incense! I pray that You strengthen me to pray persistently, knowing You are storing these prayers to answer in Your perfect timing, for Your purposes.

 

Day 4 Hebrews 7:23-28

Reflect: What stands out to you about Jesus being “holy, blameless, pure, set apart” on your behalf? Why is His once-for-all sacrifice essential for a worship-filled life?

Apply: Where do you need to rest in Jesus’ intercession instead of trying to earn God’s approval? How can remembering that Jesus prays for you shape your prayer life and decisions this week?

Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus, my perfect and eternal High Priest, who fulfills the Law’s promise in a way no human priest ever could. I thank You that He lives forever to intercede for me, making my salvation complete and secure.

 

Day 5 Ephesians 5:1–20

Reflect: Read this text in light of the idea of abiding in the Holy Place. Which contrasts Paul makes stand out to you?  How does Spirit-filled living overflow into worship, gratitude, and community? 

Apply: What behaviors, habits, or influences is God asking you to “expose” and leave behind as you walk in the light? What practical steps can you take this week to remain filled with the Spirit?

Pray: Lord, I want to be an imitator of You, my beloved Father. By Your Spirit, empower me to walk in love, just as Christ loved me and gave Himself as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.