When I was a girl, my mom would often tell me she would “light a candle” for whatever prayer on her lips that seemed to need a boost. Sure enough, I would watch her slip her dime into a box and light one of the red candles on the rack in the back of church.
I didn’t think much about candle prayers again until I attended a baby shower where each of the guests grabbed a votive candle as we left. We were to light it when the labor began for the mom to remember to pray for her. I loved the idea and lit it as soon as the text came in.
A few years ago, I visited the beautiful Holy Cross Chapel in Sedona, AZ. To my surprise, I found myself reaching in my wallet for a couple of bills to put in the box so I could light a candle for my urgent prayer request in that season. Just like my mom. A few months later, that answer came.
Recently when one of our daughters asked for prayer for some little boys who were missing in a forest, I pulled out one of my battery candles, sat in on the kitchen table and turned it on for the duration of the vigil. My prayer remained as steady as the burning light until they were found. Back in the drawer it went until the next urgent need.
Is the candle magic? Not at all. Does it help me pray? Absolutely,
My candle is going back on the table soon. Of course I’m already praying but the glowing flame will keep me focused on the eternal light.
Do you use candles in your prayers?
Hope for the best.
Tish
Hope for the Best 
I’ve lit candles to remember to pray for retreatants and retreat teams during busy weekends. Speaking of retreats, I remember fondly the retreat you conducted for us in Monterrey, Mexico many years ago, Tish.
Thank you Peggy! I also remember with much fondness you and the lovely ladies of Monterrey! Would love to meet again at another retreat 🙂
Another retreat would be special. I’m in Houston, let me know if you come this way and I’ll let you know if I travel north.
Thanks Peggy! Will do! If your church is looking for a speaker, let me know 🙂