Candles at prayer altar

[Treacy17]

To those who have a prayer altar with candles, how often do you use them? I use them whenever praying office of readings/vigils (at 3am), morning prayer/lauds, and evening prayer/vespers, but it’s been less than a week and I’ve already burned through most of them. Should I just cut it down to one hour, say, vigils? Or just do it on Sundays?

EDIT: Also, what kind of candles do you use? Tall and taper, pillar, or votive? Beeswax or no?

 

[Alex5]

Is there any requirement with regards to this?

I have a home altar (ok shelf with a few statues and a crucifix). I did try adding a candle but I got blurred vision and a headache very quickly.

Ikea used to be good for cheap candles.

 

[UpUpAndAway]

There is no requirement for burning candles during personal prayer at home (unless perhaps what we’re referring to is a true altar, which I suspect none of us have in our homes—I have a prayer corner myself). If using candles causes you discomfort, don’t use them

I burn a single candle during all prayer, and yes, they do tend to go quickly. The ones I buy at IKEA (“JUBLA”; 5€ for a box of 20) are inexpensive enough that the rapid consumption isn’t a problem for me, and these in particular have the added benefit of rarely dripping so everything stays nice and neat. If you want to cut back, you’re free to do so any way you wish.

 

[Treacy17]

Also, what kind of candles do you use? Tall and taper, pillar, or votive? Beeswax or no?

 

[mrsdizzyd]

Also, what kind of candles do you use? Tall and taper, pillar, or votive? Beeswax or no?

I use either tea lights in votive holders or votive candles also in holders.

Paraffin wax releases toxins into the air. I try to avoid them as much as possible. I stick with beeswax, palm wax, or soy wax. Beeswax is best, but also the most expensive.

Although tapers are total acceptable, I prefer something I can use with a holder so that the flame is enclosed. I’m a bit paranoid about taper candles and fire hazard.

Votive candles give me the most bang for my buck so to speak. One votive candle in an appropriately sized holder usually lasts me about 2 weeks. I usually burn candles in the evening unless I have a special prayer intention that day.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

I use battery operated tea lights from the dollar store because they look very pretty. And they’re safe if I forget to put them out before I go to sleep.

 

[Joe_5859]

We don’t burn candles in my house except on birthday cakes. My son has special needs, so it’s just easier that way.

There are no Church laws governing candle use in the home, so it’s really up to you how many you want to use and for what occasions. I think it’s sort of nice to make things extra special for Sundays and feast days, so I can see burning candles (or extra candles) on those days and being more subdued on other days. But it’s more about personal preference.

I prefer the term “sacred space” rather than “altar” for home use.