The Liturgy of the Word
Prayer of Incense before the Pauline Epistle
This prayer is said inaudibly while the Congregation chants the Hymn of the Censer and the Hymn of Intercessions.
The altar servant presents to the celebrant the censer, into which he puts five spoonfuls of incense while saying the prayer of blessing of the Holy Trinity.
The five spoonfuls of incense placed in the censer represent the sacrifices of Abel, Noah, Abraham, Aaron and Zechariah, which were acceptable and pleasing to the Lord.
Priest (Inaudible)
O God, the Great and the Eternal, without beginning and without end; great in His counsel and mighty in His works, Who is in all places, and dwells with everyone; be with us also, our Master, in this hour and stand in the midst of us all. Purify our hearts
and sanctify our souls. Cleanse us from all sins which we have committed willingly and unwillingly, and grant us to offer before You rational sacrifices, and sacrifices of blessing...
Deacon (Inaudible)
Pray for our offerings and for those who have offered them.
Priest (Inaudible)
...And spiritual incense entering within the veil in the holy place of Your Holies.