USE OF INCENSE

Incense is used in church by the tradition relating to individual churches.


(see page 'Incense')



At the beginning of a service the altar is 'scensed' i.e. incense is distributed about it. This is done by use of a 'thurible' which holds a burning piece (or pieces) of charcoal and a choice of incense placed upon it with prayers.




A thurible on its stand





















An Incense Boat with Incense.





















Using Incense at the beginning of a service - 'scensing' the altar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eh4_M8o3A




Video showing 'scensing' of the altar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvWKUT646Ss&feature=related



Incense is then used at the altar after it has been prepared for communion but before the eucharistic prayer


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_bKUXJsoq0&feature=related





Note:

http://www.ewtn.com/library/ANSWERS/INCENSE.htm


The use of incense in the ancient world was common, especially in religious rites where it was used to keep demons away.

Herodotus, the Greek historian, recorded that it was popular among the Assyrians, Babylonians and Egyptians.

In Judaism, incense was included in the thanksgiving offerings of oil, rain, fruits, wine (cf. Numbers 7:13-17).

The Lord instructed Moses to build a golden altar for the burning of incense (cf. Exodus 30:1-10), which was placed in front of the veil to the entrance of the meeting tent where the ark of the covenant was kept.
The purpose of incensing and the symbolic value of the smoke is that of purification and sanctification. For example, in the Eastern Rites at the beginning of Mass, the altar and sanctuary area were incensed while Psalm 50, the "Miserere," was chanted invoking the mercy of God. The smoke symbolizes the prayers of the faithful drifting up to heaven: the Psalmist prays, "Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice" (Psalm 141).

Incense also creates the ambiance of heaven: The Book of Revelation describes the heavenly worship as follows: "Another angel came in holding a censer of gold. He took his place at the altar of incense and was given large amounts of incense to deposit on the altar of gold in front of the throne, together with the prayers of all God's holy ones. From the angel's hand, the smoke of the incense went up before God, and with it the prayers of God's people."
The usage of incense adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell remind us of the transcendence of the Mass which links heaven with earth, and allow us to enter into the presence of God.