Offering incense is a symbol of purification.  When we offer incense, it is not a desire for something in return.  Many practices in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism are exercises in being mindful.  Here are the steps.

• Bow with your hands at your sides about 3 feet away from the incense burner.
• Starting with your left foot, take a few steps until you can reach the burner.
• Take a very small pinch of incense and put it in the burner.
• Now place your hands together and bow reciting “Namo Amida Butsu”
• Now place your hands back at your side, and take two steps backwards starting with your right foot.
• Bow again.