Heidi Norton
The use of incense among Lutherans is a traditional practice that has been a subject of discussion and varies across different churches. While some Lutheran churches may only use incense on special occasions like Easter and Christmas, others may incorporate it more frequently as part of their historical, liturgical worship style. The practice of burning incense is not forbidden in Christian worship and is considered symbolic of cleansing, purification, and Christ's sacrifice for sins. It is also mentioned in the Bible, such as in Psalm 141, where it represents prayers rising to God, and in the Gospel of Luke, where Zacharias burned incense in the temple.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Testifies to the presence of Jesus in the Lord's Supper |
| A visual image of prayers rising to God | |
| Conveys the idea that God is pleased and receives our prayers | |
| Symbolizes Christ's sacrifice for sins | |
| Symbolizes the prayers of the faithful saints on earth ascending from earth to heaven | |
| Symbolizes cleansing and purification | |
| Used to teach those who are ignorant | |
| Used to differentiate from other Jewish sects | |
| Used to differentiate from pagans | |
| Used in contemporary medicine to remove toxic and dangerous fumes | |
| Used to symbolize the presence of God | |
| Used to symbolize prayer | |
| Used to symbolize sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and smells | |
| Used to symbolize baptism | |
| Used to symbolize confession | |
| Used to symbolize hymns | |
| Used during special occasions like Easter and Christmas |
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What You'll Learn
Incense is a tradition, not a requirement
The use of incense is a tradition in Lutheranism, not a requirement. It is considered "adiaphora", meaning it is irrelevant to salvation and may be followed or not. Incense has been used in various ways throughout Scripture, symbolizing cleansing, purification, prayer, and Christ's sacrifice for sins.
The Lutheran Church deliberately chooses to worship in a historical, liturgical manner, claiming its connection to the historic, catholic Church. The Augsburg Confession, Article 14, “Concerning the Mass,” states: “For ceremonies are especially needed in order to teach those who are ignorant”. This highlights the importance of traditions and ceremonies in Lutheranism, including the use of incense.
Incense is believed to symbolize the visual image of prayers rising to God. This idea is expressed in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer rise before You as incense". Additionally, in the Hebrew of the Old Testament, when God is angry, His nose is described as burning. The use of incense conveys the idea that God is pleased and receives our prayers, as the smell of incense signifies His pleasure.
While the use of incense is not mandatory in Lutheranism, it is a tradition that holds symbolic and ceremonial value. It is used to enhance worship and create a multisensory experience, engaging sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and smells, all intended to draw the worshipper closer to Christ.
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Incense is a visual image of prayers rising to God
The use of incense during prayer is a tradition that dates back to the Old Testament, where it played a significant role in the worship God prescribed for his people. Incense is a visual reminder of the prayers being offered to God, with the smoke of the incense representing the prayers rising to God.
In the Book of Revelation, it is written that the elders held "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people". The smoke of incense is described as rising with the prayers of the saints, signifying that there is a sweet fragrance associated with the prayers. This idea is further supported by the psalmist's cry, "May my prayer be set before you like incense", expressing the desire for their prayers to be a sweet aroma to the Lord.
The altar of incense, situated before the mercy seat of the Ark, represents Christ's mediation on our behalf. The perpetual burning of incense on this altar symbolizes the ongoing nature of Christ's mediation, acting as an intercessor between God and humanity.
During the Offertory of the Mass, incense is used to reverence people and things. The priest incenses the gifts placed on the altar, the cross, and the altar itself, signifying the Church's offering and prayers rising to God. The number of spoons of incense used can also hold symbolic meaning, with one spoonful representing the Oneness of God, two spoonfuls symbolizing the dual nature of Christ, and three spoonfuls indicating the Trinity.
Through the use of incense, believers are reminded of the power of their prayers, rising like the smoke of incense to reach the exalted Christ. It is a visual representation of the connection between the earthly prayers and the heavenly realm, where Christ is exalted at the right hand of the Father.
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Incense symbolises Christ's sacrifice for sins
The use of incense in Christian liturgy carries symbolic meaning. Incense is interpreted as a symbol of prayer rising to heaven, as described 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 also seen as a sacrificial offering, connecting to the idea of Christ's sacrifice. The sweet fragrance of burning incense is thought to be pleasing to God, representing the prayers of believers as a sweet smell. This idea is expressed in the Bible, where it states that Christ's intercession is a "sweet-smelling savour" to God.
In a funeral Mass, incensing the body symbolises reverence for the body that once housed God's spirit. Incensing the Book of Gospels or the altar also demonstrates respect for Christ and his sacrifice.
The use of incense in Christian worship is not mandatory but is a tradition that some choose to follow. Some Lutheran churches may use incense during significant services such as Easter and Christmas.
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Incense is used during special services
The purpose of burning incense during services is to symbolise the presence of Jesus during the Lord's Supper. It also symbolise the idea that the prayers of the congregation are rising to God and being received by Him. This is reflected in the quotation from Psalm 141, which is heard every time during Evening Prayer: "Let my prayer rise before You as incense".
The use of incense in the Lutheran Church can also be understood through the Hebrew of the Old Testament, which describes God's nose as burning when He is angry. The smell of incense conveys the idea that God's nose is not burning in anger, but that He is pleased and receiving the prayers of the congregation.
In addition, the use of incense during services can be seen as a continuation of the faithful worship practices of God's people from the Old Testament. Incense was used to represent cleansing and purification, foreshadowing Christ's atoning self-sacrifice for the sins of the world.
While the use of incense may be less common in some Lutheran churches today, it is still recognised as a meaningful tradition that can enhance the worship experience.
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Incense is used in Lutheranism less often than in Catholicism
Incense plays a significant role in Christian worship, with its use being prevalent in Catholicism and, to a lesser extent, Lutheranism. The burning of incense is steeped in biblical history, symbolising cleansing, purification, and the covering of sin, as depicted in the Old Testament.
In Lutheranism, the use of incense is considered a tradition that may or may not be followed. While some Lutheran churches may incorporate incense into their worship on special occasions like Easter and Christmas, its employment is not as frequent or widespread as in Catholicism. This is partly because Lutherans view burning incense as "adiaphora", meaning it is irrelevant to salvation and thus holds less theological significance.
Historically, the Lutheran Church has a connection to Catholicism, and it acknowledges itself as part of the historic, catholic Church. The Augsburg Confession, Article 14, titled "Concerning the Mass," underscores the importance of ceremonies in teaching the ignorant. However, over time, the use of incense in Lutheranism has diminished, and it is not as integral to their worship practices as it is in Catholicism.
In contrast, Catholicism embraces the use of incense more comprehensively. It is viewed as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice and is employed to enhance the sensory experience of worship, engaging sights, sounds, textures, tastes, and smells. The act of burning incense during Catholic mass is considered a tradition that connects the faithful to the whole, universal Church throughout the ages.
The varying frequencies of incense use between Lutheranism and Catholicism can be attributed to their differing interpretations of traditions and the relative importance they place on specific worship practices. While Lutherans may selectively incorporate incense, Catholics tend to view it as a more integral element of their religious ceremonies.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Lutherans do use incense during worship.
Lutherans use incense during Evening Prayer, as well as on special occasions like Easter and Christmas.
Incense is used as a visual and aromatic symbol of prayers rising to God and being received by Him. It also signifies Jesus' presence in the Lord's Supper and the joining of worshippers with the eternal worship of God in heaven.
The use of incense appears to be less common in modern Lutheranism compared to other traditions. However, some Lutherans advocate for its incorporation into worship, highlighting its symbolic significance and historical roots in the Old Testament and early Church practices.
