Frankincense is the gummy tree sap harvested from the Boswellia sacra tree. A tree doesn't produce resin until it is 10 years old. Each year, beginning in April, local tribesmen will strategically cut the tree bark, and the sap bleeds out and hardens for 10 days. These small 'tears' are then scraped off and collected. The farmers will cut the same spot again, over and over, until the final harvest a few months later produces the palest and purest frankincense. Traditionally, after 5 years of tapping and harvesting, a tree is left to recover for 5 years.

The knarled Boswellia Sacra trees are found only in the southern Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, but the best frankincense is produced in the limestone soil and arid climate of Oman. Elevation, rainfall, and timing of harvest all affect the resin's quality. Some say the resin from Jabal Samhan or Jabal Hasik is the best in Oman. There are many grades of frankincense, determined by color and purity. Royal green/Hojari frankincense is the finest and most valuable, in the past reserved for kings and sultans.

And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased for God people from every tribe and language and people and nation." (Revelation 5:8-9)

• We bless the prayer and intercession arising on behalf of Oman--may it increase until the golden bowls are filled! Jesus, You have redeemed the peoples of Oman, and You are worthy of their praise!
• Please pray today for local believers who may be experiencing the pains of persecution. May their suffering and tears produce sweet worship. When they are 'in the fire', may their lives give off the fragrant aroma of Christ.

Worship with us!: You are Worthy of It All by David Brymer. May worship arise day and night from Oman!  Listen to an Arabic version here.

Matthew 18:14 Focus—‘Your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.’ 

Please bring these towns and villages before the Father:

Tawi Hammam, Izki district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 68

Umm Jahus, Izki district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 68

Al-Tayybi, Izki district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 65

Izz, Manah district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 3,595

Mamad, Manah district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 3,120

Al-Mara, Manah district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 2,429