Anisha Riggs
Burning incense during prayer is a practice that is widespread throughout the world in many religions and has myriad symbolic meanings. It is often used to symbolise purification and the physical manifestation of prayers rising to heaven. The use of incense is a beautiful liturgical tradition that has profound symbolism and makes the spiritual tangible. It transforms a space from secular to sacred, creating a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. Incense sticks are commonly used in prayer and meditation, with the smoke from the incense guiding the mind during prayer or meditation.
Characteristics and Values of Using Incense for Prayer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | Purification, spiritual connection, sacredness |
| Religious Significance | Used in many religions, including Christianity, and mentioned in the Bible |
| Purpose | To create a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, enhance spiritual experiences, and symbolise the physical manifestation of prayers rising to heaven |
| Method | Incense sticks, charcoal burners, hand censers, swinging censers |
| Timing | Morning or evening prayers, special occasions, or whenever desired |
| Beliefs | Brings good luck, drives away evil spirits |
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What You'll Learn
Incense symbolism and its significance in connecting with God
Incense has been used for centuries in prayer and other ceremonies. The practice is widespread across many religions and is often used to symbolise purification and the manifestation of prayers rising to heaven. The use of incense is a beautiful liturgical tradition that has profound symbolism and makes the spiritual tangible.
The Latin word 'incendere', which means "to burn", is where the word "incense" is derived from. Burning incense is said to transform a space from secular to sacred. The smoke and smell of incense, such as frankincense or myrrh, physically remind us that we are in a sacred space, that God is with us, and that our prayers are rising to him. The act of burning incense is, therefore, a way to connect with God and enhance one's spiritual experience.
The Bible refers to the use of incense as an offering to God, and the practice is said to continue until the end of the world. In the book of Exodus, God commands Aaron to burn fragrant incense as a perpetual offering before the Lord:
> "You shall make an altar to burn incense upon... And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn it, and when Aaron sets up the lamps in the evening, he shall burn it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations." (Ex. 30:1, 7-9)
Additionally, the book of Revelation mentions an angel standing at the altar with a golden censer, given the task of mingling incense with the prayers of the saints:
> "And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God." (Rev. 8:3-5)
The use of incense during prayer is a personal choice, and there are various methods to do so. Some people choose to use hand censers, while others may opt for incense sticks or cones. The type of incense and the method of burning it can depend on personal preference and the specific religious tradition being followed.
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How to burn incense at home
Burning incense is a centuries-old practice that has been used for a variety of purposes, from the ceremonial to the medicinal. Today, many people burn incense to create a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere, as well as to symbolise the purification of a space and the physical manifestation of prayers rising to heaven.
To burn incense at home, you will need an incense stick, a match or lighter, a heat-resistant incense burner, and a bowl or dish to catch the falling ash. Some sources also recommend a pair of tongs.
First, place your incense burner where you want it. Light the incense stick with a match or lighter, holding it in the flame until it ignites and a small flame is visible. Allow the flame to burn for a few seconds, then gently fan or blow it out. If you see a small glowing ember and a small amount of smoke, the incense has been lit correctly. Place the lit incense stick into the incense burner and sit back to enjoy the smell.
You can also create an incense waterfall, which is said to bring good luck. To do this, light your incense stick and let it burn for a few minutes. Then, place a heat-resistant bowl on top of the burning incense stick, holding it in place with chopsticks. The heat from the incense will cause the water in the bowl to evaporate and rise, creating a calming, tranquil sound.
Remember to always ventilate the room when burning incense. You can do this by cracking open a window or airing out the room once or twice a day.
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The different types of censers
A censer, also known as a thurible, is a vessel specifically designed for burning incense. The word "censer" is typically used for religious pieces, especially those on chains that are swung through the air to spread the incense smoke widely. The term "perfume burner" is usually used for secular objects. Censers vary greatly in size, form, and material, and have been in use since ancient times throughout the world. They may consist of simple earthenware bowls or fire pots or be intricately carved silver or gold vessels. Many designs use openwork to allow a flow of air.
- Hand censer: This type of censer has no chains and consists of a bowl attached to a handle, often with bells attached. The lid is normally attached to the bowl with a hinge.
- Chain censer: This type of censer is often used by clergy and is made up of chains that are swung through the air to spread the incense smoke.
- Altar of incense: In Exodus 30:1-10, instructions are given for the construction of an altar of incense, highlighting the importance of incense in worship.
- Golden censers: Golden censers are mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple. These censers were often used by high priests during significant religious ceremonies.
- Tiangong censers: These are used for religious reasons in China.
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The appropriate time to burn incense
Burning incense is a centuries-old practice that has been used for a variety of purposes, from the ceremonial to the medicinal. Today, many people burn incense during prayer to create a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere. Incense is believed to purify the air and transform a space from secular to sacred. The smoke of the incense rising is a physical reminder that we are in a sacred space and that our prayers are rising to God.
The use of incense during prayer is a practice that is widespread throughout the world in many religions and has myriad symbolic meanings. Most often, it symbolizes purification and the physical manifestation of prayers rising to heaven. In Christianity, the burning of incense as an offering to God is a practice that dates back to the time of Moses. In the book of Exodus, God gave commands to Moses on how to burn incense:
> "You shall make an altar to burn incense upon… And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it; every morning when he dresses the lamps he shall burn it, and when Aaron sets up the lamps in the evening, he shall burn it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations." (Ex. 30:1, 7-9)
Orthodox Christian families may use a hand censer to burn incense during evening family prayers or on special occasions such as Saturday evenings, the eves of feasts, the beginning of Lenten periods, and the eves of the family members' name days. On these occasions, the head of the household carries the censer with burning incense throughout the entire dwelling, making the sign of the cross on the four walls of each room and over the beds.
Burning incense during prayer is a personal choice, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people may choose to burn incense at the beginning of their prayers, while others may do so at the end. Ultimately, the appropriate time to burn incense during prayer is whenever you feel it enhances your spiritual experience and helps you connect with the divine.
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The history of incense in prayer
The use of incense in prayer has a long and varied history, with roots in antiquity. The first recorded use of incense was by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation around 3600 BC. Incense was also used by the ancient Egyptians, with the Egyptians of the Fifth Dynasty (2345-2494 BC) being the first in the non-Asian world to discover its use. The use of incense in religious ritual was further developed in China and spread to Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
Incense has been used in Christian worship since the 4th century AD, with its use inspired by passages in the Bible. The early Christian church employed incense in eucharistic ceremonial, symbolising the ascent of the prayers of the faithful to heaven. Incense is also used in Christian churches, including the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Assyrian Church of the East, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, and Old Catholic denominations, as well as in some Methodist, Continental Reformed, Presbyterian, and Anglican churches.
In Hinduism, incense is offered to God in his various forms, such as Krishna and Rama, and is an integral part of daily ritual worship. Incense is also used in Buddhist ceremonies and rites, as well as in Taoist and Shinto rituals. In Mandaeism, incense is offered on stands called kinta to establish communion between humans and celestial beings during rituals such as baptism and death masses.
The use of incense in prayer is often associated with the idea of purification and the creation of a sacred space. The smoke of the incense is believed to carry prayers to heaven or the divine realm, as seen in Psalm 141:2: "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."
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Frequently asked questions
Burning incense is believed to purify the air and create a sacred space for prayers. It is also thought to bring good luck and fortune.
You can use a hand censer, which is held in the right hand, to make the sign of the cross over what you are censing. Then, switch it to your left hand, make the sign of the cross again, and bow. You can also burn incense sticks by placing them in a burner on a sturdy surface and lighting them.
One popular method is the incense waterfall, which involves using a heat-resistant bowl, a pair of chopsticks, and incense sticks. Light the incense sticks and place the bowl on top of them. The heat will cause the water to evaporate and create a calming sound, which can help with focus during prayer or meditation.
Frankincense and myrrh are commonly used for prayer. You can also use cone, stick, or resin incense, or create your own personal concoction of resins.
Some people burn incense during their daily prayers, while others do so on special occasions such as the beginning of lenten periods, Saturday evenings, or the eves of feasts. You can choose to burn incense at the beginning or end of your morning or evening prayers.
