Psalms 141:2 – May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting of my hands be like the evening sacrifice
Incenses are the biological substance that when burned produces a sweet smell. Tabernacle was divided into 3 courts, Outer court, Holy place and Holiest of holy. Usually the incense was burned in the holy place by taking the live coals brought from the altar of burnt offering in the outer court. The incense was burnt and offered by the priest alone, in the Holy place — while the people were praying outside. The evening sacrifice was a lamb, to make atonement for the daily sins of the people.
David is petitioning to the living God that his prayer may be sweet aroma like the incense burned in the Holy place and his lifting of hands be like the lamb that was offered for sins. Purest form of prayer is not asking things for personal blessing but just sitting in the presence of almighty God like Mary (sister of Martha).
For New Testament believers the prayers will be acceptable through the sacrifice and intercession of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Before we pray, we need to reconcile with God by confessing our sins so that the prayers may not be hindered.
Prayer: Father God- Please help us to have a desire to be found in your presence and have a rich relationship with you – In Jesus name I pray- Amen!!!