The Tabernacle Experience - Altar of Incense

Exodus 30:1-10 tells about God's instructions to Moses regarding the Altar of Incense. This altar was located inside the tent just outside the Most Holy Place. The incense was to be burned on the altar day and night. Then one day a year the high priest took coals from the altar and two handfuls of the finely ground incense into the Most Holy Place. This created a cloud of smoke which concealed the Atonement Cover on the Ark of the Covenant from the priest. If the priest was to look upon the Glory of God he would die, so this cloud of smoke protected him. (see Leviticus 16:12-13)

What I find most meaningful regarding this altar is that the smoke was to represent the prayers of the people, rising up to God's ears.

May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
~Psalm 141:2

The priests were considered to be mediators between the people and God. They would bring the prayers of the people before the presence of God.

Leviticus 1:9 tells of how the aroma's from the sacrifices (including the incense) was a pleasing fragrance to the Lord. So just imagine when you pray that your prayers rise up to God as a pleasing aroma to Him. Remember, He is not a genie here to grant your every wish and desire. Our prayers are how we can connect with our God, spirit to spirit. It pleases Him when we pray to Him.