Lighting a candle?

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I understand we light candles for prayers we make such as intentions, etc. But what is the purpose of lighting a candle? Does the candle make your prayer more efficacious? Or is it symbolic of something greater?

Peace.

+JMJ+
 
What I remember from school was that the prayer lasted as long as the candle. (so it was like praying for hours instead of minutes. I don’t know for sure
 
I think it is symbolic of Christ being the light of the world but I have heard from people that you watch the candle go down as you pray and your prayer is “repeated” whilst the candle burns down… I’m not sure but I am not sure myself…
 
The practice of lighting candles emerged at the time of the early Christian persecutions, when candles were lighted in catacombs by the faithful, as a sort of ‘vigil’ over the dead.

Lighting a candle is purely symbolic, as it represents our prayer rising up to Heaven. In this sense, it is similar to the symbolic value of incense.
 
I kind of always equated lighting candles to an offertory, or an offering to God for an intention.

Whenever I light a candle, it is for a prayer intention, usually for someone else or for my own intentions.

I also agree with the post that your petitions last as long as the candle burns. I think that it is a beautiful thought. I love to be in a church that has all of these candles lit. It is so beautiful to see.

To me, there is something so hopeful and so inspiring about it–that people are so full of faith and trust. I feel so humbled when I see all of those candles lit.
 
I was under the assumption that candle lighting that the prayer lasted as long as the candle burnt hence Novena Candles sold in stores but they never burn the full 9 days only 6 tops.
 
jmj777 said:
I understand we light candles for prayers we make such as intentions, etc. But what is the purpose of lighting a candle? Does the candle make your prayer more efficacious? Or is it symbolic of something greater?

Peace.

+JMJ+
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The idea is that the candle is a symbol of prayer. They are called vigil lights they stand vigil for a prayer intention.

The idea is more that whenever you or a person sees the vigil light they offer a prayer for the intention of the light.

As for how long the prayer lasts? It lasts as long as the need for the prayer is there. God does not stop listening when the candle runs out of wax or the wind blows it out.
 
Jon_S said:
The idea is that the candle is a symbol of prayer. They are called vigil lights they stand vigil for a prayer intention.

The idea is more that whenever you or a person sees the vigil light they offer a prayer for the intention of the light.

As for how long the prayer lasts? It lasts as long as the need for the prayer is there. God does not stop listening when the candle runs out of wax or the wind blows it out.
Click to expand...
The flame of a candle flickers to the vibrations of the Holy Spirit. If you are in tune with the Spirit, the flame will not flicker but burn vertically. The taller the flame, the better the connection. If the flame sputters, stop praying. Your prayer isn’t going anywhere. If the flame goes out, put praying on hold for the rest of the day, do something to relax, and stop being so anxious!
 
inthespirit said:
The flame of a candle flickers to the vibrations of the Holy Spirit. If you are in tune with the Spirit, the flame will not flicker but burn vertically. The taller the flame, the better the connection. If the flame sputters, stop praying. Your prayer isn’t going anywhere. If the flame goes out, put praying on hold for the rest of the day, do something to relax, and stop being so anxious!
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I sincerely hope this is a joke!
 
inthespirit said:
The flame of a candle flickers to the vibrations of the Holy Spirit. If you are in tune with the Spirit, the flame will not flicker but burn vertically. The taller the flame, the better the connection. If the flame sputters, stop praying. Your prayer isn’t going anywhere. If the flame goes out, put praying on hold for the rest of the day, do something to relax, and stop being so anxious!
Click to expand...
What a silly concept.
 
I light a candle,so that the person I,am praying before,weather it,s Jesus,Mary or a Saint,that I,am hear with all my Heart,asking for their help,for my Intention,I bring before them.
 
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