Prayer must play a central role in the life of every believer. Under the old covenant, God gave Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense, which stood right outside of the Holy of Holies. The smoke from the Altar of Incense symbolized prayers ascending to God's throne in heaven with a sweet-smelling aroma.
Today, Christians are assured that our prayers are reaching God the Father because they are offered by our great High Priest, Jesus Christ (Mediator of the new covenant). Just as the Altar of Incense carried a perfumed scent, our prayers also are scented with the righteousness of our Savior. In Revelation 8:3-4, apostle John tells us the prayers of the saints ascend to the altar in heaven before the throne of God.
We cannot send prayers to God based on our own false claims of righteousness, but we must offer them sincerely in the name of Jesus, for He is our righteousness.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain God's mercy and grace to help in our times of need (Heb. 4:16).
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †