A little more on why we burn prayer candles

A moment of serendipity (cue someone saying there’s no such thing as coincidences): this morning I came across an article from Washington, DC’s own Msgr. Charles Pope, called “Why Are Votive Candles Used?” It’s a short and sweet explainer on why we light candles at church. Perfect timing, as I’ve been thinking about this.

Msgr. Pope says the candle stands in for a “burnt offering,” as in the Old Testament. The smoke in a burnt offering “was a symbol of the sacrifice of praise ascending to God,” and we can see the smoke of our candles meaning the same. Further, he says, when we light candles, we are making an offering of prayer and praise.

The consuming of the candle symbolizes the oblation (offering) of something of value to God: our time, our praise, our resources and so forth. The lingering quality of the candle symbolizes the fact that our prayers, praise and concerns continue in our heart even when we must leave the church. The flickering light also seems to say “Remember me, Lord, remember my prayer and those for whom I pray.”

Amen! I especially love the imagery of the lingering quality of the candle symbolizing the needs in our hearts lingering after we leave church. Good point.

So, light those candles, whether at home or at church. Send up your prayers, but don’t forget your thanks, too.