1. Revelation 8:3 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Why does the angel have a golden censer with him?

Revelation 8:3 (ESV)

3 And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne,

The angel will need this censer to move the fire (Revelation 8:5). In the temple of the Old Testament this censer (a shovel or ladle) was used to carry live coals from the altar of sin offering to the altar of incense so that in turn incense could be offered to the Lord. Since Jesus Christ fulfilled the intent of the altar of sin offerings (or burnt offerings), the way is open for his people to offer prayers to God.