Lance Carson
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies for centuries, and its use is mentioned in the Old Testament. In Christian worship, incense is used to symbolise prayer and sacrifice, and to show reverence. When a priest offers incense, they are asking God to accept their sacrifice and prayers, and to purify and sanctify the offerings and congregation. Incense is also used to honour holy people and objects, and to signify the importance of the Eucharist. The use of incense in Christian worship is thought to have originated from Jewish worship practices, as described in the Book of Revelation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of incense offering | To pray for purification and sanctification |
| Who can offer incense | Only the priest |
| Incense as a symbol of | Prayer |
| Incense offering as a reminder | That our prayers reach the very presence of God |
| Incense offering as a mark of | Honour |
| Incense offering as a sign of | Thanksgiving |
| Incense offering as a symbol of | Christ's mediation |
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What You'll Learn
- The priest prays for the purification of the bread and wine, as well as the spiritual gifts placed on the altar
- The priest prays for the purification and sanctification of the congregation
- The priest prays for the Body of Yeshua, for believers suffering for Yeshua's name
- The priest prays for the government, that the nation will live under Divine Laws
- The priest prays for forgiveness and covenant peace
The priest prays for the purification of the bread and wine, as well as the spiritual gifts placed on the altar
Incense has been used in prayer and worship since ancient times. In the Old Testament, God instructed Moses on how to build an altar of incense, which was to stand beside the altar of sacrifice. The Book of Exodus describes the altar of incense as being "before the Lord", indicating its close association with God's presence.
Incense is often associated with prayer and sacrifice. In Scripture, we see that incense is used as a symbol of prayer, with the smoke of the incense representing the prayers of God's people rising up to heaven. The psalmist writes, "May my prayer be set before you like incense" (Psalm 141:2), and in Revelation, John sees the elders in heaven holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people" (Revelation 5:8).
In the Catholic Church, incense is used during the Offertory of the Mass to bless and pray for the purification of the bread and wine, as well as the spiritual gifts placed on the altar. The priest may also incense the cross and the altar itself, signifying the Church's offering and prayer rising like incense before God. This act of incensing is seen as a mark of honour and a petition for the Church's prayers to reach heaven.
Through the use of incense, the priest prays for the purification of the bread and wine, as well as the spiritual gifts placed on the altar. This purification is not just about the physical elements but also about the people and their offerings, which represent their lives and work. The incense serves as a visual reminder of the prayers being offered to God and their transformation.
Additionally, the incense used during the Mass is typically pure myrrh, connecting it to the anointing of Jesus' body after his death. Thus, the act of incensing also symbolises the congregation offering themselves as a purified sacrifice to God through Jesus Christ.
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The priest prays for the purification and sanctification of the congregation
The use of incense during prayer is a tradition that dates back to the Old Testament, where God instructed Moses on the construction of a tabernacle, or travelling temple, that included an altar of incense. This altar was to be situated beside the altar of sacrifice and was to be perpetually burning, symbolising God's constant presence. The use of incense as a prayer offering is also mentioned in the Book of Revelation, where the apostle John describes the elders holding "gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of God's people".
In Christian tradition, the priest's role during prayer and the offering of incense is significant. Incense is used during the Offertory of the Mass to signify the Church's offering and prayer rising to God, similar to the rising smoke of incense. The priest may incense the gifts on the altar, as well as the cross and the altar itself. This act symbolises honour and reverence for the Eucharist and is a reminder of the connection between the altar of sacrifice and those offering sacrifices.
The priest also offers prayers for the purification and sanctification of the congregation. This act is believed to anoint and bless the congregation, preparing them to offer their spiritual sacrifices and entire beings to God. The priest's prayers are made holy by Christ, who intercedes on their behalf, ensuring their prayers reach God's presence.
The use of incense during prayer creates an atmosphere of solemnity and beauty, reflecting the worship offered to God by the angels and saints in heaven. It is a visual reminder of the connection between the earthly and heavenly altars, as well as a symbol of the purity and sincerity of the prayers offered to God.
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The priest prays for the Body of Yeshua, for believers suffering for Yeshua's name
The priest, when offering incense, prays for the Body of Yeshua—that is, the church, the collective body of believers united in Christ. This prayer is an intercession for the protection and sanctification of the global church, as well as for individual believers who are suffering persecution or hardship for their faith in Yeshua (Jesus).
The priest's prayer acknowledges that believers often face trials and tribulations because of their allegiance to Christ. They may experience ridicule, ostracism, or even physical harm as a result of their faith. The prayer thus petitions God for strength, courage, and endurance for these believers, that they may remain steadfast in their faith despite adversity.
The priest also intercedes for the spiritual growth and unity of the Body of Christ. This includes prayers for believers to deepen their understanding of God's Word, to increase in love and service to one another, and to be united in purpose and mission. The priest may pray for the breakdown of denominational, cultural, or racial barriers that divide the Body of Christ, seeking harmony and mutual edification among all followers of Yeshua.
Additionally, the priest's prayer may extend to the spiritual and physical needs of individual believers. This includes petitions for healing, deliverance, and provision for those facing illness, addiction, financial hardship, or other personal struggles. The priest may also pray for the protection of believers who are vulnerable or in danger, especially those in areas of religious persecution or conflict.
Ultimately, the priest's prayer for the Body of Yeshua reflects the heart of Christ for His church. It is a prayer for believers to be conformed to the image of Christ, to be effective witnesses of His love and grace, and to remain faithful until His return. Through the offering of incense and prayer, the priest symbolically presents the prayers of the saints before God's throne, uniting with the heavenly worship and intercession described in the book of Revelation.
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The priest prays for the government, that the nation will live under Divine Laws
Incense has been used in worship for centuries and is closely associated with prayer. In the Old Testament, God instructed Moses on how to build an altar of incense, which was to be placed beside the altar of sacrifice. The altar of incense was to be perpetually burning, symbolising the perpetual nature of Christ's mediation.
Incense is often used to signify the holiness and sacredness of prayer. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God's people, rises up to heaven. In the Book of Revelation, St. John describes a vision of worship in heaven, where the elders hold "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people". This imagery reinforces the connection between incense and prayer.
Priests play a crucial role in offering incense during religious ceremonies. In Catholic Mass, for example, incense is used during the Offertory to bless and purify the bread and wine, as well as the spiritual gifts placed on the altar. The priest may also incense the cross, the altar, and even the congregation, symbolising purification and sanctification.
The act of offering incense is a way to honour God and demonstrate reverence. It is also used as a petition, a plea to God to accept the prayers and sacrifices of the congregation. In this context, when a priest offers incense, they may pray for the government and the nation, that they may live under the Divine Laws of God. This prayer is not one of anger or hatred, but a plea for the nation to be guided by God's laws.
The priest's prayer for the government and nation aligns with the broader theme of incense as a symbol of unity and connection. By offering incense, the priest seeks to bring the congregation together in their prayers and sacrifices, uniting them with the worship offered by the angels and saints in heaven. The incense serves as a visual reminder of the congregation's collective prayers rising to God, just as the smoke of incense rises towards the heavens.
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The priest prays for forgiveness and covenant peace
The priest, when offering incense, prays for forgiveness and covenant peace. This act of offering incense is a symbolic request for God to accept the prayers of His people, with the rising smoke representing the ascent of prayer to Heaven.
The priest's prayer for forgiveness recognises the reality of human sin and the need for divine mercy and cleansing. It is an acknowledgement of human fallibility and a plea for God's grace and forgiveness, reflecting a desire for reconciliation and a renewed relationship with God.
Covenant peace refers to the biblical concept of 'shalom', a deep and comprehensive peace that encompasses not only the absence of conflict but also the presence of harmony, wholeness, and flourishing in all areas of life. The priest's prayer for covenant peace invokes God's promise to be with His people and bless them. It is a petition for God's protective presence, guidance, and provision, leading to a state of peace and prosperity in accordance with God's covenant faithfulness.
Through the offering of incense, the priest symbolically presents these prayers before God, trusting in His power and willingness to bring about forgiveness, restoration, and the fulfilment of His covenant promises. This act serves as a reminder of God's desire for communion with His people and His ability to bring about transformation and wholeness in their lives.
The priest's intercession for forgiveness and covenant peace reflects a deep understanding of the human condition and the need for divine intervention. It expresses a reliance on God's mercy and faithfulness, recognising that true and lasting peace is found in a right relationship with Him and in the fulfilment of His covenantal blessings.
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Frequently asked questions
The altar of incense is situated before the mercy seat of the Ark, symbolising Christ's mediation on behalf of humanity.
The priest prays for the purification and sanctification of the congregation and themselves.
The smoke from the incense symbolises the prayers of God's people rising up to heaven.
Incense is used in the Mass to signify the Church's offering and prayer rising like incense in the sight of God.
There are supplications, intercessions, petitions, and requests.
