Prayer Incense

And when he had taken it, 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.

Revelation 5:8

In Revelation chapters 4 and 5 we are caught up in a vision with the Apostle John and are taken up into Heaven where we are given a glimpse inside the throne room. We see lots of interesting things there. We see God on His throne surrounded by four living creatures and by 24 elders on smaller thrones. These creatures and these elders praise God and declare His glory day and night without ceasing. 

But in Revelation 5:8 we are given this interesting little detail that the incense of heaven is the prayers of the saints. You remember what incense are don't you? The sweet smelling stuff you burn. Just as the aroma of incense wafts upward and gives off a pleasing aroma as it burns, so too your prayers waft upward to heaven and are pleasing to God. Our prayers are treasured up in Heaven to be used to bring God glory!

If your prayers were replayed and poured out in Heaven, would they bring glory to God? If not, then you should change the way you pray. Don't just pray "give me, give me, give me" all the time. Sometimes you should pray "forgive me." Take the time to confess specific sins. Often you should pray "thank you." Take the time to consider how much God has blessed you and thank Him for it. And specifically in light of this passage of Scripture, you should make every effort to pray prayers of praise and adoration. You should pray "I love you" prayers and "You are awesome" prayers. Prayer should be a form of worship not just requests. So take time to worship God in prayer. Tell Him how great He is. Tell Him how much you love Him. Glorify God in prayer!