Prayer Intention Candles
Prayer when Lighting a Votive Candle
Blessed Lord, and my beloved Mother, Mary, accept this burning candle as a sign of my faith and love for You. Like this candle, I am ready to be used in Your service, without asking why and to what purpose. Even as this candle, I wish to stand in Your presence to be consumed in the light and warmth of Your love. Please hear my prayer and, if it is Your will, grant my petition. But above all, make me loyal and faithful to You in all circumstances of my life.
Amen.
Why do Catholics light prayer candles?
According to A Handbook of Catholic Sacramentals, by Ann Ball (Our Sunday Visitor Books), the practice of lighting candles probably has its origins in the custom of burning lights at the tombs of the martyrs in the catacombs. The lights burned as a sign of solidarity with Christians still on earth. Because the lights continually burned as a silent vigil, they became known as vigil lights.
Vigil lights (from the Latin vigilia, which means "waiting" or "watching") are traditionally accompanied by prayers of attention or waiting. Another common type of candle offering is the votive light. Such an offering is indicative of seeking some favor from the Lord or the saint before which the votive is placed.
Lighting a candle is a way of extending one's prayer and showing solidarity with the person on whose behalf the prayer is offered.
By lighting candles we remember and truly live the words of Our Lord: "I am the Light of the World." We not only pray, but our prayers become smaller symbols of the one light of Christ. In burning candles, our prayers rise up to Heaven day and night. Prayers for a saint's intercession are also common because of their friendship with God in heaven.
Safety Information
Keep away from flammable materials. Do not leave unattended. Monitor burn time. Extinguish when not in use. Dispose of candle remnants properly. If blessed, usual disposal requires burial. (More Info)
Candles Collection - StAnthonyShop.com
Candles Collection - StAnthonyShop.com
Sources:
http://www.thesacredheart.com/pvolt.htm
https://www.saintdominic.org/light-a-candle
