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IX III. Domestic Incense

Unite Yourself to An Ancient Practice

Incense, which comes from the Latin word “incendere” meaning “to burn”, is an aromatic that releases a pleasant fragrance. When we burn incense, the smoke symbolizes our prayers being lifted up to Heaven. This can be closely tied to a verse from Psalm 141:2, “Let my prayer be incense before you; my uplifted hands an evening offering”, and Revelation 5:8, “Each of the elders held a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones.”

God expresses His desire for our use of incense in Malachi 1:11 by saying, “Incense offerings are made to my name everywhere, and a pure offering; For my name is great among the nations, says the Lord of Hosts.”

“Throughout your generations this shall be the regular incense offering before the Lord”

—God of the Old Testament, (The Book of Exodus 30:8)

Early Christianity limited the burning of incense, likely so that people wouldn't revert to practices with false Gods (Isaiah 8:15) or easily twist the Christian use of incense with pagan worship. Hundreds of years later when Christianity visibly came into its own, the true reverence of this practice was revived. Initially, incense was used by priests alone. There are several references to priests using incense throughout the Bible. Luke 1:8-10 mentions the priest Zechariah while the assembly of people pray outside. 2 Chronicles 26:18 mentions King Uzziah misusing incense and being admonished by his people who said “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who have been consecrated for this purpose. Leave the sanctuary, for you have acted treacherously and no longer have a part in the glory that comes from the Lord God.”

Finally, when incense became more available, the domestic Church began to use it. These days it may be a custom for a Catholic family to burn incense in the home. Only a small bowl or hand censer is appropriate. Domestic censers could even be used as often as the Liturgy of the Hours (seven different hours of daily prayer for the universal Church). Exodus 30:7-8 instructs us that the Lord favors incense offered to Him twice daily.

It is also important to be deliberate in your use of incense as an offering. It should be used during moments of faithful devotion, as we’ve established, God desires it for His glory in prayer. This is emphasized in Exodus 30:37-38, “You may not make incense of a like mixture for yourselves; you must treat it as sacred to the Lord. Whoever makes an incense like this for his own enjoyment of its fragrance, shall be cut off from his people.” Be also wary that some cultures and religions believe incense can quickly cast out demons, Catholicism on the other hand, has never professed this belief within its teachings.

Which Scents Are We Discerning

The Catholic Church traditionally uses frankincense and myrrh, as is mentioned in Song of Songs 4:6, “Until the day grows cool and the shadows flee, I shall go to the mountain of myrrh, to the hill of frankincense.” Frankincense smells piney and sweet. It’s made from the resin of Boswellia trees. It also signals divinity and worship, which we see in Isaiah 6:60 and Matthew 2:11.

Myrrh smells earthy as well but has a much more bitter smell. It’s similar, since it comes from another African tree, the Commiphora. Originally, myrrh was associated with death as it had been used in purification of the dead, and even the holy burial of Jesus (John 19:39-40). Ancient Egypt was the first known practice but also created incense for a type of “cleansing” to ward off or draw in spirits. This has carried over into certain homes with New Age spirituality. Once more, Catholics do not ascribe to this. Incense is even known to have antiseptic properties yet we strongly treasure its purification with its deep symbolism for the one true God. We see our sanctification with the rising of prayers before the Lord in the smoke of the incense.

Families who want to reverently use incense in their prayers may wonder how to dispose of such an element. If anything, be open to carefully discarding it. You can place the excess around the outside of your home or bury it in the ground. The manner in which we do everything is an offering to God so take note that it is placed where no one will tread. Only after such care, will your sacred incense be used to completion.