Tyler Brooks
Prayer candles are used in many religions and traditions, and lighting them can show reverence to a prayer or image. While you can buy pre-made prayer candles, you can also make your own by decorating a plain candle with text or images of your choosing. To do this, you can use vellum, tissue, or parchment paper, which you wrap around the candle jar, gluing it in place. You can then decorate the paper with drawings, paintings, or printed photos, text, and artwork. You can also use a candle without any adornments to assist with your focus, or light one as a symbol of your commitment to a life of faith and purity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of candle | Vigil candles and votive candles are the two types of prayer candles used by Catholics. |
| Candle colour | White, purple, gold, red, blue, or yellow. |
| Scent | Frankincense, myrrh, or osmogenesia. |
| Image on the candle | A saint, Jesus, or the Virgin Mary. |
| Candle placement | In front of an image or statue of Jesus, Mary, or a saint, or near a window or in a quiet corner of the home. |
| Blessings | A bishop, priest, or deacon can bless the candle. |
| Candle lighting | Used to assist with focus during prayer, honour someone, or testify to a commitment to living a life of faith. |
| Prayer | Adoration, praise, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a candle colour with symbolic significance
The colour of a candle holds symbolic significance in prayer rituals. In ancient Egypt, candles were made in a variety of colours, each with its own symbolism. In Hindu tradition, candles are often made in specific colours to represent different deities. In the Afro-Caribbean religion of Santeria, the use of colour in candle rituals is an important aspect of spiritual practice.
White candles are associated with purity, peace, spiritual connection, and protection. They are often used for rituals related to spiritual purification, healing, and protecting.
Red candles represent passion, energy, strength, and courage. They are used for love spells, passion rituals, and boosting physical strength and vitality.
Yellow candles symbolise joy, intellect, happiness, and creativity. They are ideal for study sessions, problem-solving, and creative projects.
Green candles stand for growth, abundance, prosperity, and balance. They are often used for money-drawing spells, personal growth, and attracting wealth.
Blue candles evoke calm, communication, inner peace, and serenity. They are perfect for meditation, promoting relaxation, and spiritual awareness.
Purple candles are linked to spiritual growth, wisdom, and psychic abilities. They can be used to enhance intuition and connect with higher realms.
Pink candles symbolise love, compassion, and emotional healing. They are used for self-love rituals and strengthening relationships.
Orange candles represent creativity, enthusiasm, and success. They attract new opportunities and boost confidence.
Black candles are used for protection, banishing negativity, and grounding energy.
Brown candles symbolise stability, grounding, and home matters. They are commonly used in family, pet, and property rituals.
Gold candles represent success, enlightenment, and divine connection. They are used in rituals for wealth, prosperity, and spiritual insight.
Silver candles symbolise intuition, dreams, and the moon's energy. They are ideal for working with lunar cycles and enhancing intuition.
The colour chosen for a prayer candle can be based on personal preference, cultural traditions, or specific intentions for the ritual.
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Add an image or prayer to the candle
Prayer candles are used by followers of many religions and traditions. They are often adorned with an image or prayer on the outside, and lighting the candle can show reverence to that image or prayer.
You can add an image or prayer to a candle by following these steps:
- Take a sheet of plain paper and wrap it around the candle jar, with the top of the paper right under the top ridge of the jar.
- Draw, paint, or decorate the paper as desired. Alternatively, you can print photos, motivational phrases, holiday images, or other artwork on the paper. Ensure that the artwork is sized according to the paper size, and cut the paper to size if needed.
- Using a glue stick or a small paintbrush, apply glue in vertical stripes all around the candle jar.
- Carefully wrap the designed specialty paper around the jar, working slowly to ensure the paper is level and free of creases or wrinkles.
- Add glue to the overlapping edge of the paper and press it down for a seamless finish. Gently smooth the paper wrap all the way around the jar so that it adheres well.
- Allow the glue to dry completely before using the candle.
The image or prayer you choose to add to your candle is a personal decision. You can include a saint, Jesus, or the Virgin Mary, as is traditional in Catholic prayer candles. You can also add a prayer or motivational phrase that holds special meaning for you.
Remember, there is no wrong way to use prayer candles, as long as your intentions are good and you want to grow closer to your spiritual beliefs.
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Wrap the candle in paper
To wrap a candle in paper, start by taking a sheet of plain paper and wrapping it around the candle jar, with the top of the paper positioned just under the top ridge of the jar. You can use a variety of papers, such as translucent vellum paper in white or cream, tissue paper, or parchment paper. Avoid using paper that is too opaque, as you want the light of the candle to shine through.
Before wrapping the candle, you can decorate the paper with drawings, paintings, or other decorations. Alternatively, you can print photos, motivational phrases, holiday images, or other artwork. Ensure that your artwork is sized appropriately to fit the paper. It may be helpful to test the sizing on regular printer paper first. Once your design is complete, cut the paper to size.
To attach the paper to the candle jar, use a glue stick to apply several vertical stripes of glue all around the jar. If you don't have a glue stick, you can use a small paintbrush to brush liquid glue onto the jar. Add a bit more glue to the overlapping edge of the paper, then press it down to create a seamless edge. Gently smooth the paper wrap all the way around the jar to ensure good adhesion.
Once the glue dries, your candle is ready to use. While it is unlikely that the paper wrapper will catch fire, always exercise caution when burning candles. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and periodically check to ensure it is burning properly. If the wick drifts off-center, either move it back to the center while the wax is soft but not hot, or discontinue burning the candle.
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Bless the candle
Blessing a candle is a powerful way to remind yourself of your light to the world. The act of blessing a candle can be done by a bishop, priest, or deacon, or you can bless it yourself.
If you are seeking to have a candle blessed by a religious leader, you can take your prayer candle to your local parish and ask a priest, deacon, or bishop to bless it for you. You can explain the purpose of using the prayer candle, and if you are using it as a vigil candle, you can provide a short description of the person being prayed for.
If you are blessing the candle yourself, you can say a prayer to God to bless the candle. You might say something like:
> Dear Lord, please bless this candle so that I may honour your light.
You can also read from the Bible for inspiration. For example, Matthew 5:14-15 says:
> "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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."
Another prayer you could say is:
> O God, as light comes from this candle, may the blessing of Jesus Christ come to us, warming our hearts and brightening our way. May Christ our Saviour bring life into the darkness of this world, and to us, as we wait for his coming. Amen.
After blessing the candle, you can place it in a prominent place in your home, such as in front of an image or statue of Jesus, Mary, or a saint. You might also place it near a window or in a quiet corner of your home, so you have a peaceful space to pray or meditate.
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Place the candle somewhere meaningful
Once you have chosen the right candle, you might want to get it blessed by a bishop, priest, or deacon. You can explain the purpose of using the prayer candle to them. If you cannot do this or are uncomfortable asking, you can pray to God to bless the candle. You might say something like, "Dear Lord, please bless this candle so that I may honor your light."
After the candle has been blessed, it should be placed in a place of prominence in your home. If you are using a vigil candle, you can stand it beside a picture or memento of the person you are praying for. For a votive candle, you might position it beside a statue or image of the person you are asking for guidance and prayers. Many followers like to place their prayer candles in front of an image or statue of Jesus, Mary, or a saint.
You can also place the candle near a window, or in a quiet corner of your home, so that you might pray or meditate in peace. Alternatively, you can take your candle to a forest reserve or some other quiet area. Lighting the candle can be an experience that unites families, friends, and congregations. You can light a candle to honour someone or to remind yourself to intercede in prayer for someone in need.
The moment the flame is struck to light the candle is when the prayers should start. After the wick is ignited, intentions are shared. For a vigil candle, a Rosary might be said to the Blessed Mother to intercede on behalf of the deceased. For a votive candle, the candle might remain lit as the person prays intercessory prayers for guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a pre-made plain devotional candle, a sheet of paper, glue, and decorations for the paper such as drawings, paintings, photos, or text.
You can put anything you like on the paper that goes on the candle. Some people put images, text, or photos that are meaningful to them. You can also put prayers on the paper.
First, wrap the paper around the candle jar with the top of the paper right under the top ridge of the jar. Then, apply glue to the paper, either with a glue stick or a small paintbrush. Finally, smooth the paper around the jar and let the glue dry.
