The Liturgical Church Incense Buying Guide for Prayer Corner

The Biblical Roots of Incense

In the Bible, incense is mentioned numerous times, often symbolizing prayers rising up to God. In Psalm 141:2, David prays, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” This verse alone shows the power of incense as a symbol—a fragrant offering that ascends to God, just as our prayers do. Incense was used at the altar in the temple, symbolizing purity and reverence, setting apart the space as holy.

The tradition goes even deeper. In the Old Testament, God commands Moses to make an altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-10), where the priests would burn incense every morning and evening as a perpetual offering. This altar of incense stood right before the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the connection between God and His people. The sweet smoke was a reminder of His presence and of prayers being lifted up to Him.

The Use of Incense in Ancient Times

Historically, incense has been used not only in places of worship but also in the homes of the faithful, dating back to the early Christian era and even before. In Orthodox churches, the use of incense evolved over the centuries, symbolizing reverence, sanctity, and the continuous prayer of the saints. Incense was present at the altars of the first-century churches, as early Christians brought over many of the practices from Jewish worship, including the burning of incense.

When we use incense in church, it fills the space with an otherworldly fragrance, reminding us of the presence of the saints, angels, and our prayers joining the “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1). At home, incorporating incense into our prayer life can bring a taste of this sacred atmosphere into our daily routine, helping us focus, slow down, and remember that our home, too, is a sacred space.

Incense and Prayer Corners Today

Using incense in a prayer corner isn’t about replicating the church experience but creating a personal, sacred space. For me, burning incense at home feels like a continuation of Sunday services, a way of making prayer time more intentional and reverent. The fragrant smoke is a gentle nudge to remember that prayer is an offering, a moment to be fully present with God. When you light incense, it marks a time set apart, encouraging a deeper, quieter focus that can lift our prayers beyond the ordinary.

Having incense in your prayer corner also connects you to an ancient tradition shared by Christians across centuries and cultures. Just as the faithful in ancient churches prayed with the scent of incense around them, so too can we, bringing the timeless beauty of this ritual into our modern lives.

4. Other Options

There are other tools you might explore based on your needs and preferences:

Portable incense sticks for quick, light scenting

Ceramic burners for a more decorative touch

Hanging incense holders for a traditional church look

Cone burners for a quick burst of fragrance

Essential oil diffusers (if you want minimal smoke)

Resin Incense Grains for Adjustable Brass Burners

Resin incense grains, such as frankincense and myrrh, are a top choice for traditional church-like fragrance in home prayer corners. These grains are natural and unprocessed, derived directly from tree resin, which makes them ideal for those seeking an authentic church incense experience. When used with an adjustable brass burner, resin grains offer a controlled release of fragrance. Simply place a small amount of resin on the tray, ideally wrapped in aluminum foil, and light a tea candle beneath. 

The adjustable feature allows you to manage the intensity of the scent, providing just the right amount of aroma without overwhelming smoke.

Best For: Brass burners or adjustable burners where you can control the heat. Resin grains are perfect if you’re looking to recreate the slow, gentle release of fragrance you experience in church services.

Resin Incense for Charcoal Disks

If you prefer a charcoal burner, resin incense is still an excellent option. Charcoal disks are particularly good for high-heat burning, which makes them well-suited for resin varieties like frankincense, myrrh, or other traditional blends. The charcoal heats the resin quickly, releasing a rich and potent fragrance that fills the room. This method can produce a more intense aroma, similar to what you might experience during a high church service, where incense is often used in larger quantities.

Using resin on charcoal disks also opens up the possibility of experimenting with resin blends that include floral or spice notes, such as rose or lavender, adding variety while still providing a deeply reverent experience.

Best For: Traditional charcoal burners, when you want a powerful, long-lasting fragrance. Charcoal burners work well for larger spaces or outdoor use where smoke dissipation isn’t an issue.

Fragrance Oil for Electric Burners

For those who prefer a smoke-free option, fragrance oils are a modern alternative that can still provide a lovely scent in your prayer corner. Though not traditional, fragrance oils work well with electric incense burners, which heat the oil gently, releasing the scent without creating smoke. Oils are available in a wide variety of scents, from traditional frankincense and myrrh to more contemporary options like lavender, cedarwood, and even custom blends.

Electric burners allow for precise control over the intensity of the fragrance. Since there’s no smoke, oils are ideal for those who may be sensitive to smoke or prefer a subtle, clean scent that dissipates slowly and steadily.

Best For: Electric burners or smoke-sensitive settings. Fragrance oils are ideal if you’re looking for a consistent, smoke-free aroma that gently fills the room.

Other Option: Incense Cones

Incense cones offer a quick, easy way to enjoy incense without much preparation or cleanup. They’re crafted from compressed incense powder, usually mixed with a binding agent, and shaped into cones that are easy to light. Cones produce a burst of fragrance within minutes, making them ideal for short prayer sessions or times when you want a lighter, temporary aroma.

Although incense cones don’t offer the same experience as resin, they come in various fragrances and can be more convenient if you’re looking for a quick burn without as much smoke. Many cones are made with traditional fragrances like sandalwood, jasmine, and rose, allowing you to incorporate different scents for specific intentions or seasons.

Best For: Quick sessions or small spaces. Incense cones are perfect when you need a burst of fragrance for a brief prayer time or meditation.

In the Old Testament:

God instructs Moses to make a sacred blend of incense that included frankincense, symbolizing purity and holiness, to be burned on the altar (Exodus 30:34-36). The fragrance rising with the smoke symbolized prayers ascending to heaven, a reminder of the connection between the divine and human. Frankincense, with its sweet, earthy aroma, was considered a fitting offering to God due to its purity and ability to purify.

In the New Testament:

frankincense and myrrh gain additional meaning in the story of the Magi. The Magi, wise men from the East, followed a star to Bethlehem to honor the newborn Christ. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11). These gifts were not only valuable but symbolic: gold represented Jesus' kingship, frankincense His divinity, and myrrh His future suffering and death. By offering frankincense, the Magi honored Jesus as divine, and by giving myrrh, they foreshadowed His sacrificial death on the cross. These resins remind us of Jesus’ role as both the High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice, uniting heaven and earth.

Rose:

Rose incense is often associated with Marian devotion, representing love, purity, and beauty. This floral, soft fragrance is ideal for evening prayer or reflective moments, especially during times dedicated to the Virgin Mary, such as the Feast of the Annunciation or Good Friday, where it brings a gentle, comforting aroma.

Lavender:

Known for its calming properties, lavender is wonderful for evening sacrifice or personal prayer, bringing peace to the heart. This fragrance can be especially meaningful during Lent, where its soothing scent helps foster introspection and calm.

Sandalwood:

Earthy and grounding, sandalwood is commonly used for morning devotionals or times when you want to feel more centered. This fragrance is suitable for feasts and celebrations that focus on resilience, faith, and devotion, helping to create an atmosphere of strength and contemplation.

Jasmine:

Sweet and slightly exotic, jasmine incense is uplifting and often used during joyful celebrations or feasts, such as Christmas or Easter. Its light, joyful aroma is perfect for prayers of thanksgiving and hope, celebrating the victory of Christ.

Cedarwood:

Woody and warm, cedarwood symbolizes strength and resilience, often mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of the steadfastness of faith. It is ideal for prayers seeking guidance and fortitude, making it a wonderful choice during times of transition or growth in the spiritual journey.

Charcoal Incense Burners

Extinguishing: Once your prayer or meditation is over, let the charcoal and incense burn out naturally. For faster extinguishing, you can carefully transfer the charcoal to a metal container with sand or simply cover the burner to cut off airflow.Clean-Up Tip: Charcoal ash can leave residue, so consider using a small metal tray or spoon to remove the used charcoal disk after it cools.

Prepare the Burner: Start by setting your charcoal burner on a heat-resistant surface. Place a small amount of sand or salt in the burner to absorb heat and protect the burner itself.

Place the Charcoal Disk: Put a charcoal disk on top of the sand or salt. Choose a disk size appropriate for the amount of incense you’ll be using.

Light the Charcoal: Using tongs, hold the charcoal with one hand while lighting it with a lighter or match. You’ll hear a crackling sound as the charcoal begins to ignite. Once it starts sparking, set it down and let it turn completely gray, which indicates it’s ready.Tip: Allow the charcoal to turn gray before adding incense; this ensures a steady and even burn, and reduces the chance of it burning too quickly.

Add the Incense: Using a small spoon or tweezers, add a pinch of resin incense directly onto the hot charcoal. You don’t need much—a small amount will produce a substantial aroma.

Control the Smoke: If the smoke becomes too intense, you can carefully remove some of the resin with tweezers or a spoon. Adding too much incense at once can create overwhelming smoke, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.

Brass Incense Burners

Extinguish When Done: To end your incense session, blow out the candle underneath. The fragrance will naturally fade as the resin cools.Clean-Up Tip: After the tray cools, simply remove and discard the aluminum foil with any leftover residue. This keeps your brass burner clean and ready for next use.

Prepare the Tray: To make clean-up easier, wrap the tray in a small piece of aluminum foil. This will protect the tray from residue buildup and prevent the incense from burning directly on the metal.

Add the Resin Incense: Place a small amount of resin incense on top of the aluminum foil in the tray. Adjust the amount depending on how strong you want the fragrance to be.

Light the Candle: Place a small tea light candle in the bottom of the burner and light it. The candle’s heat will warm the resin and release its fragrance.

Adjust the Fragrance: Many brass burners come with an adjustable lid or tray height. Move the tray up or down to control the intensity of the scent. Lowering the tray closer to the candle will increase heat and fragrance, while raising it will create a milder scent.Tip: Start with the tray on a higher setting until you get a feel for how much fragrance is released. Gradually lower the tray to avoid an overly intense scent and keep the resin from burning.

Electric Incense Burner

Turning Off: Once your prayer time is over or you’ve reached your desired level of fragrance, turn off the burner and unplug it to allow it to cool.Clean-Up Tip: Wipe the tray or foil with a damp cloth once it’s cool to remove any residue, ensuring it’s fresh and clean for the next use.

Prepare the Burner: If your electric burner has a small removable tray or dish, consider placing a small piece of aluminum foil in it to keep it clean.

Add the Resin or Essential Oil: Place a small amount of resin incense or a few drops of essential oil in the tray. For resin, start with a small pinch; for essential oils, just 1-2 drops are sufficient.

Turn On the Burner: Plug in and switch on the electric burner. Allow a few minutes for the incense to warm up and release its fragrance gradually.Tip: Electric burners tend to be gentler and don’t produce smoke, making them perfect for those who prefer a lighter scent. If the aroma isn’t strong enough, add a bit more resin or oil, but go slow to avoid overpowering the room.