The Use of Incense in Worship

By Rev. Rebecca

The use of incense is a thoroughly Biblical concept. We see it commanded of the Jews (Ex. 25:29) and then used in worship in Israel from that point on. Notice the prophecy of Malachi 1:11, “From the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense is offered to my name.” God actually anticipates the use of incense by all people in God’s name!

In the New Testament we see Zechariah offering incense in the sanctuary when the angel of the Lord appears to him (Luke 1:8-11). Later in Revelation we see the elders holding golden bowls of incense, “which are the prayers of the saints” (Rev. 5:8).

Incense is the symbol of our prayers rising up to the Lord. It is also symbolic of spiritual cleansing and has been used in Christian worship since ancient times.