St Catherine

Some (but by no means all!) Christians find that the use of incense enhances their worship experience. It is used as a sensory and symbolic element in Catholic, Orthodox and some Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and other traditions to enhance liturgical services. It is used to engage the senses of worshippers and to represent the prayers of the faithful ascending to God.

The theological context of the use of incense is seen in the Bible from the Old Testament through to the book of Revelation. In the book of Exodus, God instructs Moses in the use of incense as a part of Israelite worship and it would have remained a part of the worship in the Temple in New Testament times. Incense was one of the gifts given to Jesus by the Magi as a spiritual symbol of his priestly role. And in Revelation it accompanies the prayers of the faithful: "Another angel with a golden censer came and stood at the altar; he was given a great quantity of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel".

The use of incense is rich in symbolism and purpose. First, it represents prayer rising to heaven for example in Psalm 141: "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you" and, as above, in Revelation where an angel offers incense with the prayers of the saints. Second, the smoke of the incense creates a cloud and this cloud symbolises the very presence of God as it did in the Exodus, at the Transfiguration, and at the Ascension - representing God's mysterious and transcendent presence. Third, it denotes sanctification and honour. Burning incense is an act that sets apart holy objects, places, and people for worship. Finally, it is used for purification. Historically, it was used for ritual cleansing. Today it symbolically purifies the altar, the offerings, and the congregation.

And so, in worship, incense is used in a number of liturgical contexts including: at the reading of the Gospel - incensing the Gospel Book before it is read to show reverence for Christ’s words; at the offertory - incensing the gifts of bread and wine, the altar, the priest, and the congregation; and at the Consecration of the bread and wine - at the elevation of the host and chalice during the Eucharist.

While not for everyone, the use of incense is a real aid to worship for many.

St Catherine

The use of incense in church

St Catherine's Lent charity 2026