Maddie James
There is no definitive right time to pray with candles, and the use of candles in prayer is not a requirement. However, candles are often used in prayer and worship in Christianity and other religions. The light of the flame is said to represent the light of Christ, bringing people closer to God. People may light candles during significant times, such as during Advent or Lent, or at specific hours like twilight for evening prayers or in the morning for meditation. Some Catholics pray at 3 pm, considered the hour of Divine Mercy. The candle's flame can serve as a reminder of one's intentions and a symbol of continued prayer even after one leaves the place of worship.
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What You'll Learn
There is no wrong way to pray with candles
While some people light candles of Saint Gertrude or Saint Joseph, placing them before photos or items of significance to a deceased loved one, there is no requirement to do so. You can light a candle at any time that is meaningful to you, whether that be at twilight during your evening prayers or in the morning as you meditate. You may also choose to light your candle during special times of the year, such as during Advent or Lent, or on the feast day of a particular saint.
The colour, scent, and image on the candle can hold symbolic significance, and the candle itself may serve as a reminder of your prayers, even after you have left the place of prayer. For example, in a church or shrine, each candle lit in the votive area symbolises the prayers of the person who lit it.
In terms of how to use a candle during prayer, it is entirely up to you. You can light the candle with a match or lighter and then blow it out when you are finished, or you can let it burn out on its own as a sacrificial act, continuing your prayer even after you have left. Just remember to prioritise safety and never leave a candle burning unattended.
Ultimately, the use of candles in prayer is a personal and innocent act that can help focus your thoughts and intentions.
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Candles can help focus your thoughts on Jesus
There are many reasons why Christians use candles when praying. Candles are commonly used in prayer and worship for decoration and ambiance, and as a symbol that represents the light of God or, specifically, the light of Christ.
John the revelator wrote that the light of Jesus' glory illuminates the heavens (Revelation 22:5), and the Apostle Peter wrote that being in His presence was akin to being in a marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Christians believe that lighting candles honour God and reflect on the majesty and goodness of God.
Candles can also be used to help focus your thoughts on Jesus. The use of candles during prayer can help keep the person offering the prayer from becoming mentally distracted, especially at night. Candles can remind us to put our "trust in the Light so that [we] may become sons of Light" (John 12:36).
The Christ candle is a reminder that Jesus is the center of Christmas. The four outer candles are all important, but they only make sense with Jesus at the center. Christmas is a time of hope, peace, joy, and love, but these are only possible because of Jesus.
The use of candles during prayer is not a requirement, but it is a suggestion. Christians are commended to "pray continually," meaning that they should have an attitude of prayer as part of their daily life. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide how to best use a candle during prayer.
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The candle's flame represents the light of Christ
The use of candles during prayer is common in Christianity. While it is not a requirement, some Christians light candles during prayer to create a certain ambiance and as a symbol of the light of God or the light of Christ.
The candle flame's significance is deeply rooted in Christian scripture and teachings. In Genesis 1, God is presented as the creator of light, and Jesus himself is referenced as the "light of the world" in John 8:12. Additionally, Jesus celebrated the Festival of Lights (also known as the Festival of Dedication or Hanukkah) as mentioned in John 8. This festival underscores the importance of keeping sacred lamps burning in the Temple, symbolizing God's presence and guidance.
The Apostle Peter wrote about being in Jesus' presence, describing it as being in marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). Furthermore, John the Revelator's writings portray the light of Jesus' glory illuminating the heavens (Revelation 22:5). Jesus also instructed his followers to be a light to the world (Matthew 5:14).
The candle flame's representation of the light of Christ is particularly evident in the tradition of the Paschal candle, also known as the "Easter candle" or the "Christ candle". This candle is used in liturgies in Western Christianity by various denominations, including the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist Churches. The Paschal candle is blessed and lit every year at Easter, symbolizing the light of Christ coming into the world. Before lighting the candle, the minister may say:
> "May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds."
The candle is then carried at the head of a procession into the church, with the assembly chanting, "The light of Christ," to which the response is, "Thanks be to God."
The candle flame's symbolism extends beyond its use during prayer. In some Christian traditions, a unity candle ceremony is performed at weddings. This ceremony involves three candles, with the largest in the middle, symbolizing the joining of two families and the start of a new life together.
In conclusion, the candle flame's representation of the light of Christ is a significant aspect of Christian belief and practice. It serves as a reminder of Jesus' teachings, his presence, and his light illuminating the world and the hearts of his followers.
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The candle can burn as a sacrifice after you finish praying
The use of candles in prayer is not a requirement, but it is a common practice in Christianity. The candle is often used as a symbol of the light of God or, specifically, the light of Christ.
Some believe that the aroma of burning candles during prayer evokes a favourable response from God, in addition to the possibility of the smoke carrying prayers or petitions to Him. The candle flame can also serve as a point of focus for the person praying, helping to prevent mental distractions.
Regarding the question of whether to extinguish the candle after finishing a prayer or let it burn out, opinions vary. Some believe that letting the candle continue burning is a sacrificial act, allowing the prayer to continue even after the person has left. This notion aligns with the idea of a perpetual flame as an offering, similar to a fire in a fireplace that burns for hours.
On the other hand, some people view candles simply as an accompaniment to prayer, and they may choose to blow out the candle after they finish praying. Ultimately, the decision is a personal one, and there is no definitive rule. However, it is important to prioritise safety and not leave candles burning unattended, especially to prevent the risk of a house fire.
Additionally, according to Catholic beliefs, there are specific "rules" pertaining to prayer candles: they should be made of beeswax and lit with a wooden match.
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You can pray at any time, but Catholics often pray at 3 pm
While you can pray at any time, Catholics often pray at 3 pm, which is also known as the Ninth Hour or the Divine Mercy prayer time. This is because Saint Faustina wrote in her diary that Jesus died at 3 pm, and Saint Aquinas connected the Ninth Hour with fasting.
The specific prayer associated with 3 pm is the Divine Mercy Chaplet, a prayer for mankind and sinners. However, some Catholics wonder if they can pray any prayer at this time or if it has to be the Divine Mercy prayer. The consensus is that you can pray at any time and that it is not necessary to pray at exactly 3 pm.
Regarding the use of candles during prayer, there is no requirement to do so, but it is a common practice among Christians. Candles are believed to help focus the individual praying, especially at night, and can also be used as a symbolic representation of the light of God or Christ. The candle's flame and upward flow of smoke may also be seen as a sacrifice or as carrying prayers to God.
When using a prayer candle, some Catholics believe that it should be made of beeswax and lit with a wooden match. After praying, some people distinguish the flame, while others let it burn out naturally as a sacrificial act. Ultimately, the use of candles during prayer is a personal choice and can be adapted to one's preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no right or wrong time to pray with candles. You can pray with candles at any time of the day or night. Many Catholics like to pray at 3 pm, which is considered the hour of Divine Mercy, but you can choose any time that is convenient for you.
You can pray with candles on any day. However, if a particular date or time holds special significance for you, you may want to light a candle then. For example, you could light a candle during Advent or Lent, or on the feast day of a particular saint.
The light of the candle flame represents the light of Christ. By burning a candle while praying, you are bringing yourself closer to God. The candle can also serve as a reminder that your prayer continues even after you finish praying and leave the place of worship.
If it is safe to do so, you can let the candle burn out on its own. This is symbolic of the candle being consumed as a sacrifice. However, if you need to reuse the candle or leave the place of worship, you should extinguish the flame with a candle snuffer or by placing a flame-resistant plate on top of the candle.
