Votive candle lighting

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When I light a votive candle in a church, I usually pray for the conversion of my family. Sometimes I pray for some other thing, but I always pray for something. I have always taken the practice of lighting a votive candle as meaning (1) while the flame burns, the prayer is being said, and (2) the irretrievable nature of a spent candle is an offering for my prayer intentions.

Is this correct? Because I have also read you light the candle in thanksgiving for a favor received already.
 
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It seems to me that both are correct. The flame reminds us our prayers are going up to God; or the flame reminds us our thanks are going up to God.
 
I also see the light as a small guiding light when I pray for my family and friends’ conversions. Jesus’ light shining in the darkness like a beacon leading them to safety and warmth. I don’t know if that’s a traditional view of the votive candle, but it is a personal prayer of mine when lighting them.
 
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