Brooke Martin
The use of candles in the Episcopal Church, an Anglican church, dates back to the reign of King Edward VI, who called for two lights to be placed on the altar to symbolize Christ as the light of the world. Candles are now customary in Episcopal churches, with altar candles lit during Eucharistic services and special services like the Easter Vigil. The lighting of candles can be a powerful symbol for Episcopalians, representing the presence of God in worship, Gospel reading, and the Eucharist. When lighting a prayer candle, individuals may offer a silent prayer or stand in contemplation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to light a candle | During the Eucharist, the candle is lit and extinguished as part of the ritual. |
| Who lights the candle | Acolytes or members of the altar guild light the candles before the service begins. |
| Where to place the candle | Candles may be placed on the altar, or on a reredos behind the altar, or on pavement lights beside the altar. |
| Symbolism | Candles symbolize light, which refers to Jesus, who said, "I am the light of the world." |
| Candle type | Altar candles are tall, thin candles made of beeswax and stearine. |
| Cost | A donation box is usually placed near a votive candle rack to help defray the cost of the candles. |
| Prayer | People often light a candle as a kind of externalized prayer—maybe for a particular intention or in memory of a loved one. |
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What You'll Learn
The history of prayer candles in the Episcopal Church
The use of candles in the Episcopal Church, an Anglican church, dates back to the reign of King Edward VI. The King called for two lights to be placed on the altar to symbolize that Christ is the light of the world. According to Don S. Armentrout, author of "An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church," altar candles have been common in Anglican churches since the 16th century.
During the 19th century, the use of altar candles was disputed in the Episcopal Church during the ritualist controversy, with some American churchmen rejecting their use as being too Catholic. However, the General Convention never prohibited the use of altar candles, and they continue to be used in the Episcopal Church today.
In the Episcopal Church, candles are often placed on the altar or on a reredos behind the altar. They are lit during special services, such as the Easter Vigil, when the Paschal candle, symbolizing the light of Christ, is lit. The lighting of candles can also accompany other rituals, such as the Renewal of Baptismal Vows.
The use of candles in the Episcopal Church is not just a tradition but also holds symbolic value. The light of the candles represents Jesus, who called himself the "light of the world," as well as the enlightenment that comes from hearing the Gospel. The visual of the candle flame rising towards God is a reminder that God hears our prayers.
Today, Episcopalians may light votive candles as a form of prayer, either for a particular intention or in memory of a loved one. The lighting of the candle creates a sacred space and a moment of peace, allowing individuals to slow down and focus on their prayers.
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How to light a prayer candle
The Episcopal Church, also known as the Anglican Church, has a long history of using candles in its worship services. Candles are often lit as a prayer or memorial, symbolising the light of Christ or the enlightenment that comes from hearing the Gospel.
Types of Candles
The types of candles used in the Episcopal Church vary, from long taper-style candles to small votive or tealight candles. Altar candles are typically tall and thin, made from beeswax and stearine, and topped with a brass or glass candle follower to catch any dripping wax.
When to Light a Prayer Candle
Prayer candles are typically lit before services and during special masses, such as a prayer service, baptism, or funeral procession. In the Episcopal Church, altar candles are lit during Eucharistic services but not during Morning or Evening Prayer unless the Eucharist is included.
At an Episcopal Church, you will usually find a small table near the entrance with votive candles. To light a prayer candle, place some money in the donation box, light a candle, and say a prayer. You may wish to stand for a moment of silent prayer or contemplation after lighting the candle.
It is important to note that there is no uniform Anglican practice for lighting prayer candles, and the ritual may vary slightly between churches. The best practice is to discuss candle-lighting schedules and options with local church leaders.
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The meaning of prayer candles
The use of candles in Christian worship has a long history, dating back to the Old Testament. In the Episcopal Church, the earliest record of candles being used is from the reign of King Edward VI, when two lights were placed on the altar to symbolise that Christ is the light of the world.
The use of candles in the Episcopal Church was disputed during the 19th century, with some resisting their use as being too Catholic. However, the use of candles was never prohibited, and they continue to play a significant role in Episcopal worship today.
Candles are often lit as a form of prayer, with individuals lighting a candle to signify their intentions or to remember a loved one. The light of the candle represents the presence of God and can also symbolise enlightenment after hearing the Gospel. The ritual of lighting and extinguishing the candle can mark the beginning and end of a service, with the candle continuing to burn as a sign of ongoing prayer.
In the Catholic Church, prayer candles are often lit before a statue or image of a saint, as a way to honour and seek help from the saint. The lighting of the candle signifies the presence of a prayer offered in faith. Votive candles, in particular, are seen as an offering, indicating that the individual is seeking a favour from the Lord or saint.
The Paschal candle, used during the Easter season, is another important symbol in both Episcopal and Catholic traditions. This large, decorated candle symbolises the light of Christ, and it is used to light the individual candles of the congregation, representing the spread of Christ's light to all people.
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Different types of prayer candles
The use of candles in the Episcopal Church, a member of the Anglican Communion, has a long history. While the use of candles was disputed in the nineteenth century, it was never prohibited by the General Convention. Today, candles are customary in the Episcopal Church, with certain candles holding special liturgical significance.
One such candle is the Paschal candle, a large, decorated candle that symbolises the light of Christ. It is lit at the Easter Vigil and at all services during the Easter season. The Advent Wreath is another candle with liturgical significance, featuring four candles that represent the four Sundays of Advent, and sometimes a fifth "Christ candle" that is lit on Christmas Eve.
Votive candles are also used in the Episcopal Church, as in other Christian denominations. These candles are often lit as a form of prayer, with the light representing the prayer offered in faith. They may be lit for a particular intention, such as a prayer for healing, or in memory of a loved one. Votive candles are typically placed in front of or beside a statue, icon, or symbol, and are often accompanied by a donation box where worshippers can leave a small contribution to offset the cost of the candles.
Altar candles are another type of candle used in the Episcopal Church, and these have been common in Anglican churches since the 16th century. They are tall, thin candles made of beeswax and stearine, and are placed on the altar during Eucharistic services to symbolise the presence of God in worship. They are lit and extinguished in a particular order, with the Gospel side candle never burning alone.
The use of candles in the Episcopal Church, therefore, encompasses a variety of different types of candles, each with its own significance and role in the liturgical tradition of the Church.
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When to light a prayer candle
The Episcopal Church is a member of the global Anglican Communion. The earliest record of candles in an Anglican church is from the reign of King Edward VI, who called for two lights to be placed on the altar to symbolize that Christ is the light of the world. Altar candles have been common in Anglican churches since the 16th century.
Candles have extensive ceremonial use in the Christian liturgical tradition. They may be used to symbolize the light of Christ, the light of the gospel, or to remind the congregation that the time and space for worship are sacred.
In the Episcopal Church, candles are lit and extinguished as part of the Eucharist ritual. They are not lit during Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer unless those services include the Eucharist. Before the service begins, acolytes or members of the altar guild light the candles, which are then extinguished by the same people after the dismissal.
There is no "best time" to light a prayer candle during the liturgy. However, during the liturgy, one is encouraged to pray along with the assembly, so ordinarily one wouldn’t light candles during the service itself. Prayer candles can be lit before or after the liturgy.
In the Episcopal Church, certain candles have special liturgical uses. The Paschal candle, for example, is a large, decorated candle that symbolizes the light of Christ who was crucified, died, rose, and ascended into heaven. It is lighted at the Easter Vigil and at all services during the season of Easter.
The Advent Wreath has four candles that represent the four Sundays of Advent. A "Christ candle" may also be included and lit on Christmas Eve. A candle may be given to each of the newly baptized or a godparent after baptism. This candle may be lighted from the Paschal candle and serves as a reminder of baptism.
In some Anglican churches, votive candles are used for praying for the dead and asking for saintly intercession. People may light a votive candle as a kind of externalised prayer, perhaps for a particular intention or in memory of a loved one.
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Frequently asked questions
The earliest record of candles in an Anglican church is from the reign of King Edward VI, who called for two lights to be placed on the altar to symbolize that Christ is the light of the world.
Candles symbolize light, which can refer to Jesus, who said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Light can also refer to the enlightenment that follows hearing the Gospel.
Candles may be carried in procession by acolytes, held during the gospel reading, or placed on the altar or pavement lights beside the altar. Altar candles are lit during Eucharistic service but not during Morning or Evening Prayer unless those services include the Eucharist.
Votive candles are often lit as a form of externalized prayer, perhaps for a particular intention or in memory of a loved one. In the Episcopal Church, votive candles are typically placed near the entrance, and a donation box is usually nearby.
Light a candle and say a prayer. You may also wish to stand for a moment after lighting your candle to pray silently or contemplate.
