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Psalm 140 (Latin or 141 (English) says "Let my prayer rise as incense in your sight." As the sweet-smelling smoke naturally rises up, it forms an image of our prayers rising to heaven. This goes back to multiple references in the Book of Exodus on burning incense for worship. Since the earliest centuries of Christian worship. Catholics, Orthodox and more recently Anglicans have used incense in liturgical worship of the Mass and the Office. (Not everyone today appreciates the sweet smell, but the nicest incense costs more than the cheap stuff.)
The use of incense goes way back in history as a symbol of purification, due, it was thought to it's pleasant aroma. It's smoke as it rises is also a symbol of prayer rising to heaven.

Catholic AnswerIncense is a sacramental (when blessed), its burning signifies zeal or fervor; its fragrance, virtue; its rising smoke, human prayer ascending to God. It is used all through the Mass, at benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and during processions and at absolutions of the dead. The why is I guess because that is the way that God wants it! His Church has always done it, as well as the Jews before Our Blessed Lord arrived.
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