Seamus Hammond
Incense has been used in Christian worship for centuries, with the Bible describing its use in the worship of Heaven in the Book of Revelations. However, some Christians are unsure about burning incense, especially in private homes. The Bible does not specifically prohibit it, but some worry that it could be associated with pagan or false religions. Ultimately, the intention behind burning incense is what matters most, and as long as it does not distract from one's faith, it is generally considered acceptable for Christians to burn incense.
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What You'll Learn
Incense is used in Orthodox and Catholic Christian churches
The use of incense is not prohibited in Christianity. In the Old Testament, incense was part of the ritual worship of the Lord. Incense was offered along with every meat offering and was burnt daily on the golden altar in the holy place. It was also burnt on the great day of atonement by the high priest in the holy of holies.
In the Catholic Church, the use of incense is based on the descriptions of worship in Heaven in the book of Revelation. In the Bible, incense is described as the prayers of the saints ascending to God. Incense is also used in private homes by Christians who wish to create an atmosphere of churchly peace.
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Incense is mentioned in the Bible
Incense is mentioned several times in the Bible, and its use is described as a divine command. According to the Book of Exodus, God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord as a holy act of worship.
The Bible also mentions that incense was offered in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple (1/3 Kings 9:25). When the people fell into sin and idolatry, God hated their offering of incense because it was not a true expression of worship (Isaiah 1:13). However, Isaiah prophesied that incense would be received by God again and offered by all nations in worship of the Lord in his true Temple (Isaiah 60:6-7).
Incense is also mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of Luke, which shows a shift in practice where ordinary priests were permitted to offer incense, not just the high priest. For example, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, was offering incense in the Temple when the birth of his son was announced (Luke 1). Incense was also offered to the newborn Christ by the Magi, symbolising his divinity (Matthew 2:11).
The Book of Revelation describes incense being used in heavenly worship (5:8), and it is seen as a symbol of the prayers of the saints rising up to God (8:3-4). Incense is used in Christian liturgies, such as the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, and in Orthodox and Catholic Church services, where it continues to be an important part of worship.
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Incense is used in private homes
The use of incense in Christianity is inspired by passages in the Bible. In the Old Testament, it was part of the ritual worship of the Lord and is mentioned in Exodus 30, where God gave Moses and Aaron instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord as a holy act of worship. Incense is also mentioned in the book of Revelation, where it is used in heavenly worship, representing the prayers of the saints.
While the burning of incense is not specifically prohibited in the Bible, some Christians may be cautious about using it due to its association with other religious or spiritual practices. However, as long as the intention behind burning incense is not to take one away from the Lord, and the individual is secure in their faith, it is generally considered acceptable.
When burning incense in private homes, it is important to follow safety guidelines. Incense sticks are made of highly flammable materials, so they should always be burned on a heat-resistant surface and never left unattended. It is also important to ensure proper ventilation to avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals released in the smoke, which can cause respiratory issues, eye irritation, and nausea.
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Incense is used in Christian worship
Incense has been used in Christian worship since ancient times. It is believed that the practice has its origins in antiquity, with the first recorded use of incense by the Indians in the Indus Valley Civilisation in 3600 BC. The use of incense in Christian worship is rooted in the earlier traditions of Judaism during the time of the Second Jewish Temple.
In Christian worship, incense is used to symbolise prayer and as a means of sanctifying and purifying. The smoke from burning incense is interpreted by both the Western Catholic and Eastern Christian churches as a symbol of the faithful's prayers rising to heaven. This symbolism is reflected in Psalm 141 (140), verse 2: "Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight: the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice".
Incense is used in various Christian denominations, including the Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox Christian churches, Lutheran Churches, Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic Churches, and some Anglican Churches. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches of Evangelical Catholic churchmanship, and Anglican churches of Anglo-Catholic churchmanship, incense is used at almost every service. It is also used during the celebration of the Eucharist, solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, funerals, benediction, and the consecration of a church or altar.
The use of incense in Christian worship is also mentioned in the Bible. In the Old Testament, incense was part of the ritual worship of the Lord and was offered along with meat offerings and burnt on the golden altar in the holy place. In the New Testament, the apostle John in the Book of Revelation describes incense as a symbol of prayer, writing about the "twenty-four elders [who] fell down before the Lamb. Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the saints" (5:8).
While the use of incense in Christian worship has varied over time, with some Catholic priests choosing not to use it in modern times, it continues to be a significant part of Christian liturgical practices for many denominations.
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Incense is used to symbolise prayer
The use of incense in Christianity is a topic that has been widely discussed, with some Christians expressing concern over its roots in other religions and its appropriateness for Christian use. However, there is no biblical prohibition against burning incense, and it has been used in Christian worship and liturgy for centuries. Incense is believed to symbolise prayer, with the smoke representing prayers rising up to God.
Incense has a long history of use in religious rituals, dating back to ancient times. In the Christian faith, the burning of incense is mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Exodus, where God gives Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord as a holy act of worship (Exodus 30). Incense was also offered in the Temple during the time of Christ, with Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, serving as a high priest and offering incense in the Temple (Luke 1).
The use of incense to symbolise prayer is further supported by references in the Book of Psalms, where the psalmist compares prayers to the smoke of incense rising up to heaven (Psalm 141). Similarly, in the Book of Revelation, incense is described as the prayers of the saints rising up to God (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). The smoke and fragrance of incense are believed to represent the spiritual act of prayer, ascending towards heaven.
In Christian liturgy, incense is used during the Mass, Benediction, and other ceremonies. During the Offertory of the Mass, incense is used to reverence people and things, such as the bread and wine placed on the altar, the cross, and the altar itself. This act symbolises the Church's offering and prayer rising like incense before God. Additionally, the number of spoons of incense used can hold symbolic meanings, with one spoonful representing the Oneness of God, two spoonfuls signifying the two natures of Christ (human and divine), and three spoonfuls indicating the Trinity.
Incense is also used in private homes by Christians who wish to create an atmosphere of churchly peace and to symbolise their prayers rising up to God, similar to the communal prayers offered during worship services. The use of incense in Christian practice is often seen as a way to honour God and enhance the spiritual experience of prayer and worship.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no biblical prohibition against burning incense. In the Old Testament, it was part of the ritual worship of the Lord. Incense is also used in private homes by Christians who wish to give their place of prayer an atmosphere of churchly peace.
In the Bible, God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord, and it was a holy act of worship.
No, it is not mandatory for Christians to burn incense. However, it is used in the Divine Liturgy of Saint James, which is one of the oldest Christian liturgies, dating to the first century.
Burning incense can be considered idolatry if it is offered to false gods or used in place of worshipping the true God. However, when used appropriately, incense can be a symbol of prayer and worship.
Some Christians burn incense sticks in their homes simply because they enjoy the smell and find it relaxing to watch the smoke. As long as it does not take you away from your faith or cause you to judge others, there is likely no harm in burning incense for these reasons.
