The imagery of "golden bowls full of incense" is a significant symbol found in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 5:8. This symbol is rich in meaning and deeply rooted in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as well as in the eschatological visions of the New Testament.

Biblical Reference:

Revelation 5:8 states: "When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

Symbolism and Meaning:

1. Incense as Prayer:
The golden bowls full of incense are explicitly identified as "the prayers of the saints." This connection between incense and prayer is not new to the New Testament but is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Psalm 141:2, David prays, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." Incense, with its rising smoke, symbolizes the ascent of prayers to God, a fragrant offering pleasing to Him.

2. Priestly Function:
The use of incense in worship is closely associated with the priestly functions in the Tabernacle and the Temple. In Exodus 30:7-8, Aaron is instructed to burn incense on the altar every morning and evening, symbolizing the continual prayers of the people. The golden bowls in Revelation suggest a priestly role for the twenty-four elders, who, in the heavenly vision, serve as intermediaries presenting the prayers of the saints before God.

3. Heavenly Worship:
The setting of Revelation 5 is a scene of heavenly worship, where the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is central. The presence of the golden bowls full of incense highlights the importance of prayer in the worship of God. It underscores the belief that the prayers of believers are not only heard but are treasured and valued in the heavenly realm.

4. Golden Bowls:
The use of gold signifies purity, value, and holiness. Gold is a material often associated with divine things in Scripture, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the furnishings of the Tabernacle. The golden bowls, therefore, emphasize the preciousness and sanctity of the prayers offered by the saints.

5. The Role of the Saints:
The saints, in this context, refer to the believers who are faithful to God. Their prayers are depicted as a vital part of the heavenly liturgy, indicating that the prayers of the faithful on earth have a direct impact and presence in the heavenly worship. This reflects the intimate relationship between the divine and the human, where the cries and petitions of believers are integral to God's redemptive plan.

Theological Implications:

The imagery of golden bowls full of incense in Revelation serves as a powerful reminder of the efficacy and importance of prayer in the life of a believer. It assures Christians that their prayers are not in vain but are a cherished part of the worship in heaven. This symbol also reinforces the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, where the practices and symbols of ancient Israel find their fulfillment and ultimate meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ.