What is the significance of incense in worship?
A. The use of incense in worship has a long history in both Judaism and Christianity. The psalmist expresses the symbolism of incense and prayer: “Let my prayer rise up like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.” (Psalm 141:2) The clouds of incense represent cleansing and purification, and the sweet smell suggests the sweetness of Christ’s robe of righteousness that covers our sin. Incense is sometimes used in an honorific way, as holy things and holy people are honored with incense. For example, the gospel book, the altar, the bread and wine, the ministers and the congregation may be “censed” as a way of showing their importance in the liturgy. Incense is also used to add a festive accompaniment to processions, creating “holy clouds” and “holy smells” in the air. Incense is also important because it incorporates the sense of smell in our worship. Our liturgy involves all our senses, showing the significance of our bodies and all of God’s creation. We
