21st September, 2025
A Fountain Publication
The Lodestar
Online Magazine for the Thinking Christian
Devotional
Incense Before the Throne
“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Rev 5:8).
By Paulson Pulikottil
I have not yet seen heaven and the throne of God; my sight cannot reach that far. However, John the Apostle had a celestial journey to the presence of God, though in a vision, to report on the scenes in heaven.
One of the reports concerns the prayers of the saints in two accounts. In addition to this account, an identical scene appears in the Book of Revelation: “And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel” (Rev 8:3—4).
We wonder what has happened to the unanswered prayers. Did it reach God, did God deny our longings, or did we pray in vain? Living with unanswered prayers is strenuous; if the prayers are not granted, we will be more comfortable than waiting endlessly.
John reports from heaven that the angels constantly offer our prayers before the Lord, enthroned in heaven, as incense offerings.
None of our prayers may be answered in the way we wish. However, they did not disappear on the way to heaven, nor did the Lord ignore them. The sounds of our cries and pleas for help are being presented in his presence by the angels, accompanied by the music of harp.
The realisation that my prayers have reached the Lord, who is pleased to hear my groaning, is gratifying and encourages me to pray instead of feeling dejected.
(To receive these devotionals daily on WhatsApp, click here.)
Share this Article
Advertisements
Explore More on The Lodestar
Surrender Worries to Make Room for God’s Miracles
Worry thrives where trust fades—but what if surrendering control opened the door to divine provision? Discover how Elijah’s story invites us to rest in God’s unexpected care, even in the driest...
7 Tips for Communicating Christian Faith to Children Who Doubt
Communicating faith with a child who doubts requires love, respect, and understanding. This guide shares heartfelt ways to connect, listen, and inspire hope through Christ’s example and stories,...
Empty Religion versus Transforming Faith
Are religious routines leaving you unchanged? Discover why empty rituals will not transform your life and how true faith leads to genuine, lasting change. Read on to explore the difference!
Subscribe to our free weekly digest.
Join hundreds of others who have subscribed to our free weekly digest for inspiring news, faith, community, family, opinion, and culture content. Stay connected and nurture your spiritual growth with thought-provoking articles delivered straight to your inbox.
Join our growing community of readers today.