Incense runs all through the Bible. God told Moses to build a golden altar of incense in front of the Holy of Holies. The Magi brought frankincense to the infant Jesus, a gift for God. And in Revelation, angels offer incense before the throne “with the prayers of all saints.” In Catholic and Orthodox worship, incense is still used at solemn Masses and funerals, and over the body of the dead, honoring it as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Historical Context
An Incense Prayer
Lord, let my prayer rise before you like incense,
and the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.
As this smoke rises, take my thanks, my worries and my requests,
and make them pleasing to you.
Purify my heart as this fragrance fills the room.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
A Prayer When Lighting Incense at Home
Lord, as I light this incense, I set this time apart for you.
Let this room become a place of prayer.
Quiet my mind and open my heart.
Amen.
For the Dead
Lord, as incense rose over the body of N. at their funeral,
let our prayers for them rise to you now.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At evening prayer, when Psalm 141 is traditionally prayed.
- On Epiphany, when frankincense is blessed in many parishes.
- At a home altar or prayer corner.
- During November, the month of prayer for the dead.
Scripture Connection
“Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” — Psalm 141:2
The psalmist couldn’t offer sacrifice at the Temple, so he asked God to accept his prayer instead. Incense became a picture of prayer itself: invisible, rising, filling the space.
Related prayers
For a prayer space at home, see the Altar Prayer. For the Magi, the Three Kings Day Prayer. For evening prayer, the Vespers Prayer.