Vessels Used in the Liturgy - Incense

Incense – Incense is a sign of the presence of the sacred. Its roots can be found in Psalm 141, verse 2: “Let my prayer rise like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice.” Both this psalm and incense are used in evening prayer. Frankincense, one of the gifts brought by the Magi to the Christ child, is poured over coals to create aromatic smoke. Incense may be used at any liturgy and is especially appropriate on more solemn occasions.