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Revelation 8:4

ESV and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.
NIV The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand.
NASB And the smoke of the incense ascended from the angel’s hand with the prayers of the saints before God.
CSB The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up in the presence of God from the angel’s hand.
NLT The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.
KJV And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.
NKJV And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.

What does Revelation 8:4 mean?

This verse informs us that the smoke from the burning incense that included the prayers of God's people arose to God. God delights in the prayers of His people. Quoting from Psalm 34, 1 Peter 3:12 says, "The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer." It should encourage us to know our prayers please God. Indeed, He invites us to draw near His throne with confidence, "that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

The tribulation saints will avail themselves of God's invitation to pray, and they will call upon Him for grace and mercy. Their prayers and ours ascend to heaven as sweet-smelling perfume. Even Jesus availed Himself of the opportunity to pray in time of need. Hebrews 5:7 reports: "In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence." His being saved from death must refer to His resurrection. Jesus died, but He conquered death by rising from the grave.
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