There have been several members of our parish who have asked me about the use of incense. I thought a summary from Marion J. Hatchett’s book, Commentary on the American Prayer Book, would be insightful for many of us. “This is the first edition of the Prayer Book (1979 BCP) to mention the use of incense…In the ancient Jewish temple an incense offering was burned by the priest every morning and evening at the altar of incense located in front of the veil shielding the holy of holies. Incense, thought to have purificatory powers…was a worthy expensive gift, thought to be pleasing to God and efficacious for the atonement of sins. Incense signified the ascent of prayers of the people to God. The smoke of incense is also seen in both the Old and New Testaments as the manifestation of God’s glory. Even Zechariah’s vision comes at the offering of incense.”

We use incense at St. Thomas’ (primarily) during those seasons that bring to our attention the incarnation, when we want to draw sensual attention to and emphasize the presence of the Holy Spirit and during those times that are celebratory. There are some Episcopal Churches that will use incense every Sunday. In these parishes the incense may be carried before the clergy in procession, before the Gospel book (which symbolizes the presence of Christ in word) or at the offertory which symbolizes Christ present in the sacraments.