What happens to our prayers?

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 the saints. Revelation 5:8


The above passage of Scripture is a scene laid out for us by the Apostle John in the book of Revelation of what he had seen through a vision of heaven. He has a vision of the Lamb, Jesus. But also four living creatures (representing all of creation) and 24 elders, (representing all of God's people, before Christ and after). And the scene in heaven is these creatures and these saints bowing before Jesus and worshiping Him. If you are wondering what heaven is like, this is it. If you have wondered what you will do when you get to heaven, this is it. Jesus is the center of attention in heaven.

But the words here that struck me the most when I was reading this week were the last part "Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." The prayers of God's people were held in bowls before Jesus and they were wafting up before Him like the smoke of incense! What a great picture of what happens to our prayers when they leave our mouths in faith and trust! They do not hit the ceiling and bounce back. They are before the throne of Jesus. He smells them. He savors them. You may be thinking, "Well Jesus you must not have gotten my message! You must not be listening! Is there really any point in praying? Am I wasting my time? What happens to my prayers between me and You Lord?" Let me assure you, if you have a right relationship with God, your sincere prayer of faith is heard by the Lord. It is "in the bowl!" And it is rising before Him like incense. He loves it. He hears it. And He will not forget it. He is just waiting to work His perfect work at the perfect time.