The altar of incense was made of acacia wood, and stood about a yard high and eighteen inches square. Incense was burnt upon it every morning and evening, and it was used for this purpose only. The altar and incense were symbolic
I. Of the prayers of God's people. (1) In prayer we speak to God and tell Him the thoughts of our minds, the feelings of our hearts, the desires of our spirits. The incense smoke ascended, arrow-like, in a straight and most direct column to heaven. Our prayers ascend immediately and in the directest way to the heart and ear of God. (2) In prayer we stand very near God. The altar of incense was placed "before the mercy-seat." (3) The pleasant odour of the incense is symbolic of the acceptableness of prayer.
II. Of intelligent, unceasing, and reverent prayer. (1) The burning of incense is intelligent prayer. It took place in the light, and our prayers should be presented to God intelligently. (2) Unceasing prayer. It was a perpetualincense before the Lord. (3) Reverent prayer. "Ye shall burn no strange incense thereon; it is most holy unto the Lord."
III. Of prayer offered in Christ's name. Aaron sprinkled the golden horns with the blood of atonement. This act is typical of the offering of prayer in the name of Christ.
IV. Of the power of prayer. The horns of the altar symbolise power. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
D. Rhys Jenkins, The Eternal Life,p. 387.
Reference: Exodus 30:7; Exodus 30:8. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxix., No. 1710.