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Answer
The scene in Revelation 5 depicts John’s vision of heaven’s throne room. After the Lamb took the scroll of God’s judgment into His own hand, “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 represent the prayers of God’s people” (verse 8). Revelation is highly symbolic, and in this passage, the “prayers of the saints” are symbolized as golden bowls of incense, held by twenty-four elders. Symbolism in Revelation allows for various interpretations, but it is crucial to grasp the essence of these prayers of the saints—and what they signify.
God established incense as part of the priestly system (and thus as symbolism) in Exodus 30:1–10 when Moses was instructed to construct the altar of incense. The prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8, particularly symbolized by incense within the temple imagery, should be seen in the light of the incense’s role in the temple, which was to present a pleasing aroma to God and symbolize prayer. The prayers of the righteous are a delight to Him. Psalm 141:2 captures this prayer element beautifully: “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” «Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; And the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. », (Psalm 141:2).
Prayer is also associated with incense in other temple passages. For instance, when Gabriel appears to Zechariah in the temple and announces that his prayers have been heard, Gabriel is “standing at the right side of the altar of incense” «And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. », (Luke 1:11). This occurred when “the entire multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense” (verse 10).
There are various types of prayers. Prayers of supplication are the most common type that people are familiar with, as that is when we ask God for help! However, there are also other types, such as prayers of imprecation «Give ear to my prayer, O God; And do not hide yourself from my supplication.», (Psalm 55:1:15) and prayers of intercession «Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing. And they divided his garments and cast lots.», (Luke 23:34). The mention of “prayers of the saints” in Revelation 5:8 without specifying the type or details—and their collection in an incense bowl—suggests that they should be viewed collectively. God regards prayer in general as incense—a pleasing fragrance to Him.
The reference to these prayers as “of the saints” in Revelation 5:8 indicates that God listens to the prayers of His people. Psalm 65:2 refers to God as “You who answer prayer.” Our Lord “listens to the prayer of the righteous” «The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.», (Proverbs 15:29), which means He pays attention to the prayers of the saints. The “saints” in Revelation 5:8 are not a special group of people who are holier than others; they are not intermediaries for our prayers «For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;», (see 1 Timothy 2:5), and they do not ask us to pray to them. The term saint in Scripture signifies equality, not hierarchy. We all are.One in Christ «There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. », (Galatians 3:28). The saints are all believers in Jesus, whether living or deceased, saved by grace through faith. The church is “loved by God and called to be saints” «to all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. », (Romans 1:7, ESV), and when we pray, it’s as if a golden bowl of incense is being carried to the very throne of God in heaven.
For whom are these prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8? Since these prayers represent all believers’ prayers throughout history, they encompass everyone and everything aligned with God’s will. If you pray for someone’s salvation, that prayer is included. If you pray for the safety and relief of individuals after a natural disaster, that prayer is included. If you pray for God to mold you into the likeness of Jesus Christ, that prayer is included. Such prayers are pleasing to Him.
Does Revelation 5:8 support the practice of praying for the deceased? Not at all. The deceased have already determined their destiny, whether for good or evil (see Luke 16:19-31). There is no plan for salvation after death. Today is the day of salvation «(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) », (2 Corinthians 6:2). After death, individuals face judgment, not another chance «And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this theJudgment: », (Hebrews 9:27). Therefore, praying for God to save or relieve someone who has already passed away would not be effective. Such prayers are futile.
In Revelation 5, God’s plan is on the verge of completion. The judgment of the sinful world is about to begin, and the ultimate redemption of God’s people is about to come to fruition. The living creatures and elders sing a hymn of praise to the Lamb: “With your blood, you have purchased for God individuals from every tribe, language, people, and nation. You have made them a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:9-10). The golden vessels filled with incense are presented to God, whose word will endure, whose will is accomplished, and who will affirm the final “Amen!” to the prayers of the saints.
