
Revelation 5:8 “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. (emphasis mine)
In Revelation 5 we see John’s vision of heaven’s throne room and in this passage the “prayers of the saints” are symbolized as golden bowls of incense.
There is much more to understand about our prayers being as Incense, but today I want to focus on just one aspect – our prayers are precious to God. The golden bowls show us that our prayers are precious to the Lord. We do not store worthless things in golden bowls. We only keep what we cherish in such a valuable vessel. The Lord treasures it when His children speak to him. He hears every word. Every single utterance and cry to God, even those that seem to fall on deaf ears; are heard and cherished by the Lord.
When the followers of God pray, it is as if a little bit of incense has been added to the collection of golden bowls that are held by those who surround the throne of God himself. The “offering” of the prayers of His people, are collected and rise as a sweet smelling sacrifice before the Sovereign Lord of the universe. He hears, He cares and He is pleased.
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for this scripture, reminding us that each one of our prayers are heard and cherished by You. In moments when we feel disheartened, may we bring to mind this image of the golden bowls filled with incense that depict our prayers. And be strengthened to keep praying continuously and consistently because even if we do not see a tangible response in the now, we know they are carried to you, and you will work all things for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose. Amen.
God Bless
Hey Manu! I love visualizing my prayers being kept safe and secure by The Lord in those golden vessels. Some of my prayers The Lord responds to w/a Yes or No…and others…He says “Tam, just hold on a little while longer…I got you and it is going to work our for your Good and For My Glory.”🙏🏾
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I agree Tam 😊
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Amen!
Our prayers are precious to God. 🙌🏼
I always take comfort as well in knowing that God hears it all just as He has promised us in His word that He does. On days or seasons that it feels I didn’t get a response or answer to my request.
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There is indeed so much comfort in knowing that what we pray is held as precious to God. Thank you 💙
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♥️🤗
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How wonderful that our prayers are precious to God Our Heavenly Father 🙂
He loves to hear from us and spend time with us
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Absolutely, Matt. I am so thankful for this
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Thank you for this, Manu! This really spoke to me. How amazing it is to know that God loves our prayers that much. And this should motivate us to pray all the more! I really loved this post and the prayer. God bless, my friend! ♥️
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Thank you my friend, I too valued this reminder. when I happened to dwell on this verse, it really spoke to me. Although we know this truth, at times we need reminders to fuel our own journey.
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I am very thankful that we can pray anytime or anywhere. Thanks for the encouragement to keep praying and trusting God to work things out for good. Have a blessed weekend, Manu. 💕
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Thank you so much Dawn 💙🙏🏽
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Thanks, Manu. Our adult Sunday school class is actually doing a study of Revelation, and we recently came to this verse. I’m usually pretty outspoken in that class (hard to imagine, I know 😏), but when our teacher said that even when we don’t think our prayers are being heard, they are, and they’re precious to God, I just sat there and almost cried. There is a major request I have been praying for over 50 years now, and while I am encouraged by all the myriad prayers that HAVE been answered, every once in a while I let discouragement get to me. That once in a while had just happened, and it was so good to know that God HAS been hearing my prayers, and they are like incense to Him. 💕
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Thank you for sharing this Ann, the Lord gave you that when you were feeling discouraged- love that.
When I read these verses, it was so affirming that each and every prayer of mine is heard and held precious by God and that helped me to keep on praying
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Amen. Knowing that we’re being heard and cared about makes all the difference. ❤
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God hears, He cares, and He is pleased. Amen! It is uplifting and affirming to know that God listens to our prayers and that they are precious to Him.
I believe in the power of prayer; God cares for us and cherishes our prayers! A comforting post, Manu!
💖🌟🌺
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Thank you so much Jeanne 💙🙏🏽
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I’m going to copy on a 3 x 5 that scripture-segment about the golden bowls holding our prayers, then tuck it in my prayer box where I keep my prayer-request cards. Such a lovely visual to encourage us when it feels like our prayers don’t matter that much. That is NEVER the case! But sometimes we need a reminder. Thank you, Manu!
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Aww thank you Nancy. I so agree that is never the case but we all need such reminders to not let discouragement take a seat in our hearts.
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Amen 🙏🏾. I love that image and what great reminders that God cherishes our prayers. Our father God is so great and regards his children with such love. Oh to be loved by him. 🥰😊😁💗
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Amen 🙏🏽
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Such a beautiful image! Sometimes, it’s hard
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It’s hard to persist in prayer over certain things. This post is what want to remember when I feel that way. Thank you, Manu!
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Thank you so much Colleen. We need these reminders especially at times when we feel discouraged 💙🙏🏽
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Thank you Manu for the reminder that our prayers are precious to God. Sometimes we need to be reminded that our prayers are heard and we are treasured. God bless.
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So true that we all need these reminders. Thank you Marie 💙
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Prayer can be a discouraging thing when we don’t see results. Thank you for reminding me that my prayers are precious to God♥️
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So true, and we all need these reminders when discouragement or doubt hits.
Thank you Simba 💙🙏🏽
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This is a beautiful post! It reminds us how intimately God connects with each of us. Hugsss…
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Thanks you Chandra 💙
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