The Most Holy Place located in the Tabernacle and then later in the Temple in Jerusalem, was the focus of worship in Israel.  The inner room was known as the “Most Holy Place” or “Holy of Holies.” This room contained the Ark of the Covenant.  The lid of the ark was called, “The Mercy Seat” or “The Atonement Cover,” which had two cherubim of gold over it. There was a thick curtain or veil to separate the Holy Place which had the lamp stand, the altar of incense, and the table of showbread from the Most Holy Place.

“You shall put the Altar of Incense in front of the curtain that is near the ark of the testimony, in front of the Mercy Seat that is over the ark of the testimony, where I will meet with you. Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; he shall burn it every morning when he trims the lamps. When Aaron trims the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense. There shall be perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.”Exodus 30:6-8

In Revelation chapter four, the Apostle John is translated to the throne room of God which is an incredible scene. In Revelation chapter five God has a scroll that no one could open.  John wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy to open the scroll or look inside.  One of the elders told John, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals” (Rev 5:5b).

Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. Revelation 5:6-7

After the Lamb that was slain took the scroll from God the Father on the throne, verse 8 declares that the angels fell down and worshipped Jesus.  In the hands of the angels were bowls of incense which are the prayers of the saints!

The prayers of God’s people rise in the face of the Risen Lord and the Father Himself!

Also in Revelation 8:4 it says that the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.

King David said in Psalm 141:1-2: “O Lord, I call upon You; hasten to me!  Give ear to my voice when I call to You!  May my prayer be counted as incense before You.”

Why would God want to have incense in His throne room?  To enjoy the sweet fragrance of it!!!  The incense of our prayers continuously rises before the very face of God and they are a pleasing aroma to Him.

Wouldn’t it be marvelous to be a part of this heavenly scene?  Well, our prayers are! With this in mind, the question arises, what could be more important than prayer? When we compare all of the events of our daily life, what compares to this?

Do you hear the Spirit of God calling you to the pinnacle privilege of prayer?

Article submitted by Pastor Eric Young of Shepherds Heart Ministries

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