278. Which are the prayers of saints, signifies thoughts which are of faith, from affections which are of charity, with those who worship the Lord from spiritual goods and truths. By "prayers" are meant the things which are of faith, and at the same time things which are of charity, with those who pour forth prayers, because prayers without them are not prayers, but empty sounds. That "saints" mean those who are in spiritual goods and truths, may be seen above (n. 173). The reason why incense is called "the prayers of saints" is because fragrant odors correspond to the affections of good and truth; hence it is, that "a grateful odor" and "an odor of rest to Jehovah," so often occur in the Word (as in Exodus 29:18, 25, 41; Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17; 2:2, 9, 12; 3:5; 4:31; 6:15, 21; 8:28; 23:13, 18; 26:31; Numbers 15:3, 7; 28:6, 8, 13; 29:2, 6, 8, 13, 36; Ezekiel 20:41; Hosea 14:7). "Prayers" which are called "incense" have a similar signification in the following passages in Revelation:
An angel stood at the altar having a golden vial, and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar; And the smoke of the incense with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand (Rev. 8:3-5). And in David:
Give ear unto my voice; my prayers have been accepted before Thee as incense (Ps. 141:1-2).
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