Why and How to light a prayer candle

Lighting a candle is a simple act that brings comfort and solace. Lighting candles can be a truly meaningful experience when combined with prayer and worship.

Our staff facilitates these good feelings by offering several candle-lighting services and sample prayers. We are happy to pray for you, with you, and make candles available to you (in a handsome box made of olive wood from Israel.

Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish believers regularly use candles in connection with times of worship and prayer. Protestants use candles in advent wreathes and candlelight services to recognize the promises, coming, and ministry of the Messiah. 

How to use candles to augment your worship and prayer experience.

Noted below are five suggestions regarding using candles: 

•       Use a candle to assist with your focus. Concentrating on the light is soothing and helps one focus on prayer and the wonder of communicating with the Lord.
•       Light a candle to honor someone. This can be in memory of one who has died, or it can be to remind you continually intercede in prayer for someone in need.
•       Light a candle as a testimony to your commitment to living a life of faith and purity before the Lord.
•       Light a candle as a reminder of the call to share the light in a darkened world.

How to pray with candles

Many are unsure what to say when lighting a candle. A few thoughts and recommendations follow:

•       The best prayers come from the heart. Speak to God with respect—but speak to Him as a friend. Be open; be transparent. The Bible notes that we are to pour out our hearts to Him (Psalm 62:8). Ask God to speak to your heart and share your hopes, dreams, and concerns with Him.
•       Use the acronym A.C.T.S as a general guide. Note the following:
•       Your prayer time should include adoration and praise. Praise the Lord for who He is, for what He has done, and for what He has promised to do.  
•       Your prayer time should include confession. Scripture notes that if we confess our sins to Jesus, our sins will be forgiven (1 John 1:9). The Old Testament notes that confessed sins are "remembered no more" (Isaiah 43:25). 
•       Your prayer time should include thanksgiving. Share five-ten things for which you are grateful. This encourages the heart and honors God. Remember, Scripture notes that all good things in our life are a gift from God above (James 1:17).
•       Your prayer time should include supplication. Pray for your needs and the needs of others. 
•       Utilize some of the prayers noted on our website (HERE) to support your prayer time.
•       Pray to be in tune with the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit. 

Lighting candles can be an experience that unites families, friends, and congregations. Sending and lighting candles in someone's name is a gesture many appreciate—it is one way to express your care and show God's love.