Then I [John] saw the seven angels who stand in God’s presence, and they were given seven trumpets.  Another angel came with a gold incense burner and stood at the altar. He was given a lot of incense to offer on the gold altar in front of the throne. He offered it with the prayers of all of God’s people.  The smoke from the incense went up from the angel’s hand to God along with the prayers of God’s people.  The angel took the incense burner, filled it with fire from the altar, and threw it on the earth. Then there was thunder, noise, lightning, and an earthquake.

         The seven angels who had the seven trumpets got ready to blow them.