Incense has been around since the beginning of time. Its uses are many, but it was primarily used to bring a different aroma to a room because there weren’t the sanitary measures we have in place today. One of the places it is used in the Bible was the tabernacle when Israel was out in the wilderness. After the construction of the Ark, the priests would burn incense before the Lord. In the book of Revelation, incense represents the prayers of the saints. Your prayers are a pleasing aroma to God.
Revelation 5:8
“When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”
Golden Bowls
John is continuing his vision of Heaven I chapter five of Revelation. He sees Jesus take the scroll, which causes the four living creatures to fall before Jesus. In their hands, they have two items, a harp and a golden bowl full of incense. The incense is the prayer of the saints, and these creatures are offering them before the Lord as part of their worship.
Prayers for Those Affected
Some people are convinced that prayers don’t work. Whenever there is a major tragedy, people will often say they are sending up prayers for those affected, which causes people to ask, “Why didn’t God prevent it in the first place?” It can seem strange praying to an unseen God who seems so far away, but your prayers are a pleasing aroma to God. He not only hears them but acts on them.
Your Prayers are a Pleasing Aroma to God
A big part of your worship is the prayers you send up. God wants to know what is burdening your heart. When you pray, it solidifies your relationship with Him by drawing your heart closer. Don’t let discouragement prevent you from praying. Send your requests and questions to Him and watch as He answers.