The Church of the Holy Sepulchure - a notable church of old - can inspire, and encourage you today.
Become a Prayer Partner
Join our prayer partner program at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and become a partner in our mission to spread God's light. Together, let's unite as Christians and make a meaningful impact in the world, sharing God's love and grace.
By becoming a Prayer Partner you will not only fulfill God's commandments, but will also be rewarded with exclusive Prayer Partner benefits, corresponding with the 4 different levels of the Prayer Partner Program. Join today and leave your imprint in the world.
Goods and Services
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We will light a candle for you and/or your loved one
A member of the clergy will bless your candle and light it on your behalf.
For only $22.00Give the gift of light from Jerusalem
Your previously lit candle will be placed in an elegant olive wood box, and will include a certificate of authenticity. It will be mailed to you from Jerusalem.
For Only $99Inspirational Bracelets from the Church of the Holy Splechure
Order a pair of inspirational bracelets that have been placed on the 'Stone of Anointing'.
For only $15Adopt a Jerusalem Olive Tree
Give the gift that symbolizes life and peace. Bless the city where Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 28) and promises to return ( Zechariah 14:4).For only $70 / yearAbout the Church of Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is notable for many reasons: The church is located on sites of key importance to Christendom—the crucifixion, the tomb where Jesus was buried, and site of the resurrection. Inside the church one will see the stone slab upon which the body of Jesus was laid (the stone of anointing), Jesus’ burial chamber, and numerous rooms for prayer, reflection, candle lighting, and worship. Biblical Archeology notes 48 rooms or areas of special interest inside the historic church.
The church has strong ties to the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic denominations, but as Jesus came for all, the church is made available to all. The Paris Treaty of 1856 stipulates the church is to be jointly owned and maintained by six Christian denominations: the Catholic-Franciscans, the Greek-Orthodox, the Armenians, the Copts, the Assyrians, and the Ethiopians. Each one of these denominations are responsible for different aspects of the complex.
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Inspirational Prayers for Lighting Candles
Scripture encourages people of faith to pray. Scripture directs followers of Christ to pray for others (1 Timothy 2:1) and to pray often (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).Our candle ceremonies and inspirational prayer samples are offered to aid individuals in this important endeavor. Clicking on this graphic will take you to a page where there are nine sample prayers and links to sites where others can be found. Some ask: “How do these prayers work?” and “What kind of prayers suits lighting candles?” The beauty of the faith is that God allows for, and appreciates, diverse expressions of faith.
There is not one way, one time, one position, or one authorized set of words for prayer. Our goal is to help individuals express their gratitude and needs to the Lord in prayer. Our sample prayers recognize the grace and power of God, the beauty of light, and the wonderous truth that God hears our prayers (Psalm 116:1).
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Lighting Candles In the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Candles have been linked to solemn times of worship and prayer throughout history. They played a prominent role in the Tabernacle in the days of Moses, in the Temple in the days of Solomon, and in the gatherings of Christians throughout the church age. Through our candle lighting service, we intercede before the heavenly Father for your needs, and for the needs of others you make known to us.
We believe God cares about our burdens (1 Peter 5:7). We would consider it a privilege to light a candle on your behalf, pray for you (you may choose one of our prayers or write your own), and we will bring your prayer request before the Lord by placing it on the Stone of Anointing—the stone upon which the body of Jesus was laid after being taken down from the cross. Photos of this service will be emailed to you.
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The Holy Fire Ceremony in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Holy Fire Ceremony commemorates a miracle said to have occurred in the same place, at the same time, in the same manner for centuries. According to tradition, at midday on the Saturday before the Orthodox Church celebrates Easter, a blue light shines from the stone slab upon which the body of Jesus was laid after being taken down from the cross. The Holy Fire rises and forms a column or pillar of fire.
Leaders of the Orthodox Church light two candles from the mysterious flame, which are in turn used to light the candles of the many who gather inside and outside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to share in this event. Accounts of the Holy Fire date back to the fourth century. Some attest the centuries-old Holy Fire Ceremony is one of the most beautiful, consistent, impactful, and holy traditions in the history of the New Testament Church.
Read more >>Lighting a Candle for Someone Who Needs It
Jesus said, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have light and life” (John 8:12). Perhaps these are the very words that have led us to believe that as long as we have Christ’s light in our hearts we shall never walk in darkness. Belief in Christ inspires us to remember our brothers and sisters who continue to live in the darkness of sin.
The light from a candle inspires thoughts of hope, warmth, truth, purity, Jesus, and the im- pact good can have in a darkened world. For many, lighting a candle connects minds and hearts to the Creator, who we believe is always just a prayer away. With every candle we can pause, focus our minds on spiritual things, offer a prayer for ourselves, and pray for those in need.
We believe that in helping others, praying for others, and in giving to others, we honor God—and those who live to honor God will be blessed. Light and faith complement the Chris- tian faith—they facilitate joy, peace, and a sense of solidarity. We find comfort knowing that we are never alone, and that people of faith around the world are united by the love of God and light of Christ.
God designed it such that we are better togeth- er. We are not made to be solitary beings, but rather, to live in peace and unity with others. The light of Christ, the generosity of the faith- ful, and the intercessory prayers of believers helps to strengthen ties to others.
When we light a candle and pray for one who is weary, we are, as the Apostle Paul wrote, help- ing to “bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).It is our hope that by lighting and giving candles, and actively praying for others, we will be strong witnesses to the Light, and prompt others to follow our example. Remember, one small light can greatly impact in a dark place.
Prayer knows no boundaries and has no limits. We are told to pray for all things (Philippians 5:6) and at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:17). There is no prayer request too small or too big. We are to pray with each other and for each other. Our prayer is that our candles from the Church of the Holy Seplechre will prompt more, God-honoring prayer across the globe.The Apostle James wrote, “The prayers of the righteous can accomplish much” (James 5:16). We are to pray with passion, with precision, and with persistence. Candles are a visual aid and tangible expression of our faithfulness to God and to prayer.
And just as candles on a birthday cake are a visual aid to help celebrate a person’s life, our hope is that our candles will help people all over the world celebrate the Author of Life (Acts 3:!5), who hears our prayers (Proverbs 15:29), forgives our sins (1 John 1:9), and promises to lead us to victory (1 Corinthians 15:57) and eternal life (1 John 5:13).