The concept of the daily sacrifice, also known as the "continual burnt offering," holds a significant place in the religious life of ancient Israel as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. These sacrifices were not merely ritualistic practices but were deeply intertwined with the spiritual discipline of prayer, serving as a constant reminder of the people's relationship with God.

Biblical Foundation

The daily sacrifices were instituted by God as part of the covenantal worship system given to the Israelites. In Exodus 29:38-39 , the Lord commands, "This is what you are to offer regularly on the altar: two lambs a year old, day by day continually. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight." These offerings were to be made every day, without fail, symbolizing the perpetual need for atonement and communion with God.

Times of Offering

The daily sacrifices were offered twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. The morning sacrifice was typically offered at the third hour of the day, around 9 a.m., while the evening sacrifice took place at the ninth hour, around 3 p.m. These times were not arbitrary but were divinely appointed, creating a rhythm of worship and devotion that structured the daily life of the community.

Seasons of Prayer

The times of the daily sacrifices were also designated as seasons of prayer. The offering of the morning and evening sacrifices was accompanied by the burning of incense, which symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. Psalm 141:2 reflects this connection: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

The prophet Daniel exemplifies the practice of prayer during these times. In Daniel 6:10 , it is noted that "three times a day he got down on his knees to pray, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." This practice aligns with the times of the daily sacrifices, indicating that these were established moments for seeking God's presence and favor.

Spiritual Significance

The daily sacrifices served as a continual reminder of the need for atonement and the grace of God. They pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, offered Himself once for all. Hebrews 10:11-12 contrasts the repeated nature of the Old Testament sacrifices with the singular, sufficient sacrifice of Christ: "Day after day every priest stands to minister and to offer again and again the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God."

For the faithful, the times of the daily sacrifices were not only moments of ritual but also opportunities for personal and communal prayer, reflection, and renewal. They provided a framework for a life centered on God, fostering a spirit of continual dependence and devotion.Ezra 9:5
And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to the LORD my God,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 9:20,21
And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 3:1
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... deeper interest in every benevolent effort of the times. ... of the monthly concert to
our daily devotions ... presenting their bodies a living sacrifice, and offering ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... evils, he should, at the same times have recourse ... correct their faults, that they
may daily approach nearer ... says David, "and accept thy burnt sacrifice," (Ps.20 ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!'
... this began about 2.30 pm - the daily Evening-Sacrifice ... that afternoon in three sections,
broken three times by the ... was burnt for the Evening Sacrifice, or yet ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the fifth day.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... in the plural""Give us this day our daily bread." "Forgive ... offer to God, the very
fat of thy sacrifice. ... stretched himself upon the child seven times, and the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

The Inwardness of Prayer
... Where all is forgiven to seventy times seven there is ... also so engage ourselves to
service and sacrifice for it ... is mockery, like the prayer for daily bread from ...
/.../forsyth/the soul of prayer/chapter i the inwardness of.htm

"Pray Without Ceasing"
... now be sure to keep up this daily prayer without intermission ... of the morning and
the evening sacrifice, and let ... an ordinance with you, that your times of prayer ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/pray without ceasing.htm

The Doxology
... took advantage in the heathen in old times, and tempted ... doing but offering their
daughters in sacrifice, not even ... that you cannot earn your daily bread without ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon x the doxology.htm

Exodus iii. 6
... done in our behalf in past times; and with ... another, upon partaking together the
memorials of his sacrifice. ... the reality of God, as this daily worshipping in ...
/.../arnold/the christian life/lecture xxviii exodus iii 6.htm

Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion
... to cry, "Give us this day our daily bread." It ... I will, with you, "Bind the sacrifice
with cords ... restoration that we have ourselves received, times of increasing ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/praises and vows accepted in.htm

The Swiss Reformer.
... rebuked the evils and corruptions of the times. ... an eternal sacrifice, and everlastingly
effectual to ... Notwithstanding this, Zwingle received daily a faithful ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /9 the swiss reformer.htm

Why is daily prayer important? | GotQuestions.org

Is it important for a Christian to have daily devotions? | GotQuestions.org

What did Paul mean when he said, “I die daily” in 1 Corinthians 15:31? | GotQuestions.org

Daily: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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