Prayer: As Shown by the Pattern of the Altar of Incense

“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands a
the evening sacrifice” Psalms 141:2

“And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there
was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all
saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.” Revelations 8:3

“And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell
down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of
ordours, which are the prayers of saints.” Revelations 5:8

• Measurement of Altar – Altar of incense was the highest piece of furniture

in the temple – which speaks to us that intercession and prayer is the highest
ministry Christ had. He ever lives to make intercession (Hebrews 7:26).
• Altar was Foursquare – four is the number of the earth, symbolic of the
North, South , East & West. You work of intercession is worldwide; its global.
Christ died for the whole world. Thus, your work of prayer is for the World.
• Four Horns – Horns speak of power and authority in the earth realm. The
effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much, because he prays
with authority.
• The Crown of Gold – A crown speaks of divinity and royal majesty. Your
prayer is kingly. Christ is a king. He is ruler, and prayer, when perfected, will
give you royal authority.
• Only One Altar of Incense - This speaks prophetically that there is only
one place of prayer and one person through whom ALL prayer must ascend to
the Father and that is through Christ Jesus.
• Sweet Incense – The smell of favor; Ingredients of incense are
1. Sweet – Christ was sweet, are prayers are to harbor no ill will towards
others.
2. Pure – Christ was without spot. Our prayers are to be full of purity
3. Holy – Christ was holy. Our prayers are to be set apart and Holy.
4. Perpetual – Christ ever lives to make intercession. True prayer must
never cease.
5. Perfume – Christ’s whole life was a wonderful fragrance to the Lord.
Thus, when we pray prayers of sweetness, purity, and holiness, we
begin to smell of favor.

• Daily Ministrations – The altar of incense was dressed and serviced daily –
taking place in the morning and evening. We are to present ourselves to God
in prayer daily, sacrificing in prayer both morning and evening.

• Strange incense – this is incense that is foreign to God and contrary to his
Word – i.e praying for someone’s husband to be your husband; praying to
another God beside Christ. Reference Leviticus 10: 1-3. There is only one
type of incense that is to be a swell fragrance before the Lord.

• Types of Prayer:
1. Supplications – entreaty to the Lord
2. Prayers – making known our requests
3. Intercession –standing in the gap for someone else
4. Thanksgivings –appreciation, gratefulness, thanks, praise
5. Meditations – contemplation, worship, musings.