Let my prayer rise up as incense

You may have noticed from time to time that we use incense on festival days here at Luther Memorial. Though its use is often associated with Roman Catholic worship, Lutherans have followed the practice for hundreds of years.

The practice—much like many of the other symbols and actions of our liturgy—is rooted in Biblical references, such as Psalm 141 (“Let my prayer rise up as incense”), and Revelation 5:8 (“…Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”) But the use is also symbolic; the clouds of smoke represent cleansing and purifications, and the sweet smell suggests Christ’s robe of righteousness that covers our sin. Here at Luther Memorial, we worship with all of our senses, showing the significance of our bodies and all of God’s creation.

For many, the smell and sight of incense elevates worship, opening our souls to the Divine, but we are also cognizant that the smell and/or smoke from the charcoal can be distracting or trigger an allergic reaction for some. To address these concerns, we are committed to follow a regular schedule of usage going forward:

1. Christmas Eve (10 pm service)
2. Epiphany
3. Transfiguration Sunday (10:30 am service)
   
4. Easter Vigil
5. Easter Sunday (11 am service)
6. Pentecost (10:30 am service)
   
7. All Saints Day  (10:30 am service)

A small amount of incense will be used during the processional and recessional hymns, as well as during the Eucharistic Prayer before Communion. Many people who have sensitivity to the smell/smoke are able to mitigate this through allergy medicine, but if you are not able to, you might consider attending the 8:15 service on these days, which is always incense-free.

To learn more about the Lutheran understanding and usage of incense, visit the ELCA website: Why and how do we use incense in worship?