Learn the symbolism of prayer candles.
The light of the flame represents the light of Christ. John 1:4-5 reminds us, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome.” The flame of the candle represents Christ, and by burning a candle, you are bringing yourself closer to the Lord. Candles can also represent a burnt offering to the Lord, a tradition as old as the Old Testament. “No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light” (Luke 11:33).
Choose a candle.
The color, scent, and image on the candle can all hold symbolic significance. It’s perfectly fine to just use a basic votive, which is a small white candle used by Catholics to pray and provide offerings. However, you may find it spiritually fulfilling to use a prayer candle with a saint, Jesus, or the Virgin Mary on it. Similarly, the scent and color may hold special symbolic significance. Most prayer candles are unscented, although you may burn a frankincense or myrrh candle for Christmas, or an osmogenesia candle to honor a fallen saint. There’s nothing wrong with white prayer candles, but you might choose purple for Lent or Advent, gold for Easter, or red for feasts of martyrs. You can find a wide variety of Catholic prayer candles online. Your local parish or grocery store may sell candles as well.
Ask a priest to bless the candle.
If you can’t get a priest to bless it, say a prayer to ask God to do it. Take your prayer candle to your local parish and ask a priest, deacon, or bishop to bless it for you. If you cannot do this or you’re uncomfortable asking, offer a prayer to God and ask Him to bless the candle. You might offer a prayer like, “Dear Lord, please bless this candle so that I may honor your light.” You can also read from the Bible if you need inspiration. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:14-15)
Put the candle on a stable surface.
So long as it’ll be safe, you can place the candle anywhere. You can place the candle wherever you’d like to pray, although many followers opt to set prayer candles it in front of an image or statue of Jesus, Mary, or a saint. Alternatively, you might set the candle near a window, or quiet corner of your home so that you might pray or meditate in peace. Many people light prayer candles of Saint Gertrude or Saint Joseph in front of a photo of a deceased love one to pray for their soul. You might set the candle in front of an item of significance, like the clothing of a loved one, or a beloved family heirloom. You can create a small decorative altar for your candles if you want to light more than one of them. You might use rose petals, rosaries, and a crucifix to help you feel closer to God.
Light the candle at a meaningful time.
If a time or date has special significance to you, light the candle then. You might wait for the feast day of a particular saint, or choose to light your candle during Advent or Lent. You may light the candle at twilight when you’re getting ready for your evening prayers, or in the morning when you’re getting ready to meditate. Use a match or lighter to light the wick. Many Catholics like to pray at 3 pm, which is considered the hour of Divine Mercy (the hour when Jesus died) based on the revelations of Saint Faustina. If possible, begin praying the moment you light the candle.
Pray after lighting the candle.
You can recite a formal prayer, or let it come from your heart. You might pray the Rosary, pray the Catholic hour, or recite something from a Catholic prayer book. Alternatively, let your soul speak to God freely. Ask for forgiveness, express gratitude for everything the Lord has given you, and talk to God about whatever concerns you. You can get onto your knees, sit quietly, or stand in front of the candle. Whatever helps you feel closer to the Lord. Many Catholics like to set a specific intention for each individual candle that they light. For example, you might light one candle to pray for yourself, one candle to pray for your nephew, and a third candle to pray for your country’s well-being. Instead of praying, many people like to meditate in front of prayer candles. This is a phenomenal way to center your soul and connect with God while you practice mindfulness.
Allow the candle to self-extinguish.
If it isn’t safe to let it self-extinguish, put the candle out with a candle snuffer. If you’re praying for some time or you’re using a votive, most Catholics allow the flame to extinguish on its own. However, if you’re going somewhere or you want to reuse the candle later, don’t blow it out. Snuff it out with a candle snuffer or place a flame-resistant plate on top to extinguish the flame. Don’t leave the candle unattended. If you’re going to leave, extinguish the candle.
Discard the candle respectfully when you’re finished.
If the candle was blessed, bury it to discard the candle respectfully. Once it is fully burned, bury the remaining chunk of wax if there is any (you can keep the candle holder). If you have a yard, you can bury it there. Alternatively, you might take it to a forest reserve or some other quiet area for burial. If you don’t have a reasonable place to bury the candle, take it back to your parish. They’ll typically dispose of blessed items for you. There technically isn’t law or rule about throwing blessed items out, but it’s best to bury or burn blessed items as a sign of respect.
Use candles to host a vigil for a loved one.
Honor a deceased love one or support a cause with prayer candles. If you want to pray for the memory of a fallen friend or family member as a community, use prayer candles to host a vigil. Light the candles together and share a cherished memory, pray for their soul, and grieve together. You may also host a vigil outside to pray for a positive end to a crisis or social issue. Use the flame from one candle to light the other candles. This represents God’s light spreading from person to person.
Take a prayer walk with candles to pray as a community.
Spread the Spirit by walking as you pray together. You can do this alone or with other believers. Light prayer candles and walk together, praying together as you walk. This is a great way to invite the Holy Spirit to an important space, honor the dead at a burial site, or bless a new home. A prayer walk can be a powerful way to share your faith with a community of people whom you care about.
Submit a request for a candle lighting remotely.
If you cannot light a candle yourself, light one online. Many churches and organizations allow you to submit a request online for a candle to be lit in your honor. If you’re unable to go out and purchase a candle or you live in a remote area and can’t go to your parish, check your church’s website to see if they have an online form for you to light a candle remotely. You can light a candle online with the non-profit organization Gratefulness. Remember, using prayer candles is a deeply symbolic practice. You do not need the candle to be right in front of you to take something meaningful from the experience.
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