Revelation 8:4
PLUS
Share
Revelation 8:4
smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints ascended
The psalm writer recognized that the prayers of the saints served a similar purpose as incense burnt before the Lord (Ps. Ps. 141:2)—an aroma pleasing to God. The picture of prayer ascending to God is also seen when Hezekiah reinstated the Passover. Even though they were unable to observe the Passover in strict accordance with God’s instructions, God was pleased with their prayers because of the pure motivation of their hearts. “Then the priests, the Levites, arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place to heaven” (2Chr. 2Chr. 30:27). When Cornelius prayed to God and an angel was sent to instruct him to fetch Peter to hear the gospel, it was said, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God” (Acts Acts 10:4).
The psalm writer recognized that the prayers of the saints served a similar purpose as incense burnt before the Lord (Ps. Ps. 141:2)—an aroma pleasing to God. The picture of prayer ascending to God is also seen when Hezekiah reinstated the Passover. Even though they were unable to observe the Passover in strict accordance with God’s instructions, God was pleased with their prayers because of the pure motivation of their hearts. “Then the priests, the Levites, arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place to heaven” (2Chr. 2Chr. 30:27). When Cornelius prayed to God and an angel was sent to instruct him to fetch Peter to hear the gospel, it was said, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God” (Acts Acts 10:4).