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Incentive to Use Incense


The tradition of burning incense dates back 4,000 years. Incense is used for a variety of reasons: prayer, aromatherapy, bug replant, and to cleanse. While using incense for insect replant and to make a home smell clean is self explanatory, let me delve into the religious and aromatherapy aspects of this burning wood. Incense is used for prayer in many pagan religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. However, incense does have a long and ancient tradition within the Church. It was used long ago in the Temple of the Lord and then found its way to Orthodox Churches in the 3rd Century. Even Jesus Christ himself received incense in form of Frankincense from the Wise Men.

There are several scripture verses that mention incense. In the Old Testament God Almighty commanded the burning of incense, "You shall make an altar on which to burn incense," (Exodus 30:1), "And he shall take a full censer of coals of fire from the altar before the Lord." (Leviticus 16:12).  The Psalmist David said, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you." (Psalms 141:2), Incense is again mentioned in the Book of Revelation when John says, "the four living creatures and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and a bowel of incense, which are the prayers of God's people" (Revelation 5:8). However, there is no New Testament endorsement of incense use, nor is there any condemnation of using incense.

Using incense can be either helpful or hurtful. Most encounters with the smoke of incense in Churches is overwhelming. The bellowing cloud of fragrance can make one cough and even feel like suffocating. This form of burnt wood is overpowering, but others in the form of sticks can be quite delightful. The aroma can help you concentrate and commune with Christ as well as help battle anxiety and other issues that impend connection with the Almighty.

The aromatherapy aspects of incense are worth assessing. According to a John Hopkins Medical Study, the effects of incense burning can lower anxiety and depression. The smoke when it enters the nasal passages travels to the brain and released ions and endorphins that calm a person. In fact, those who were apart of John Hopkins Study are saying that incense may be the natural anti-depressant that they've been looking for. With plethora of drugs on the market aimed at helping people manage their depression, it is helpful to know that simply burning some incense could alleviate symptoms. (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080520110415.htm)


Using incense is generally accepted within the Church. There is no scripture to say that it is wrongful. However, for those who come from pagan backgrounds it could be a stumbling block. For some using incense in prayer to Jesus may remind them of times when they served false gods. In this case sensitivity should prevail. Some believers have convictions against incense because of its wide use in other religions. The truth is that ultimately only the individual can decide if they can use burning wood or not. It is the equivalent of the burning candles while praying. For an Orthodox Christian this is normal, but for a Charismatic or Baptist it is not and can be considered a religious rite. Wither it is candles or incense, only the individual can make the choice in their conscience if it beneficial or a hindrance. Do not be motivated by shame or condemnation of others, but be guided by your inner conviction in Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

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