Question about candles

[Fairbairn]

I know some of you like to light candles in churches, and I wanted to ask a question about this.

I was visiting a cathedral yesterday with an aunt. My kids wanted to light candles, but I was not exactly encouraging. My aunt says that when she doesn't have time to pray, she lights one of these candles and then she can go off leaving the candle to do the praying.

I was rather gobsmacked but just nodded and said nothing.

So, friends, is this the correct theological reasoning behind lighting votive candles? Do we believe that lumps of man-made wax can intercede for us? Do we not believe we can pray when we are out and about?

I'm assuming that each of these answers is a firm, 'no'. But I would like to understand this topic a little more.

[Iron Sun 254]

In a literal sense, no, absolutely a candle can't be praying for you, but if another makes a prayer for God to "answer the prayers of those who have lit these candles," I suspect "counts."

[DeoJuvante]

If making the Sign of the Cross can be a prayer, why not lighting a candle? Still, I was under the impression that one lit a candle as an adjunct to prayer, not an alternative.

[artrx]

To add to those above, taking the time to light the candle and knowing it is there keeps the request on one's mind. IMHO the lit candle is also a metaphor of God's comfort to the one offering the prayer as well.

[ChaliceThunder]

Lighting a candle signifies my intention to pray.

How I pray after lighting it is up to me. Sometimes, though rarely, it's on my knees at the altar. I try to be in prayer most of the day, with whatever I am doing. It's like a continues stream - sometimes a trickle, sometimes a gushing torrent.

[artrx]

I try to be in prayer most of the day, with whatever I am doing. It's like a continues stream - sometimes a trickle, sometimes a gushing torrent.

:)

[AngCath]

We have a votive stand in the Mary Chapel in the Chapel of the Apostles (the seminary chapel). I go in every day to light a candle or 5 ;) depending on what's going on and I do so as an adjunct to my prayer/symbol of my intent to continue praying about it. Also, it is quite common for me and others who use the votive stand to pray for all those who have lit candles and those for whom they have been lit.
In short, I think that just about all the answers posted so far are right on.

[pearlina]

I usually light a candle to pray for someone that I know durning a time that they are in need of major and many prayers, I also ask in Jesus name that the candle be their light to guide them through the path that they are travelling at their time of need.

In many different traditions lighting candles is a sacred action. It expresses more than words can express. It has to do with gratefulness

[ChaliceThunder]

I usually light a candle to pray for someone that I know durning a time that they are in need of major and many prayers, I also ask in Jesus name that the candle be their light to guide them through the path that they are travelling at their time of need.

In many different traditions lighting candles is a sacred action. It expresses more than words can express. It has to do with gratefulness
Gorgeous sentiments, Pearlina - thank you!

[pearlina]

Gorgeous sentiments, Pearlina - thank you!
And to you too!

Guidance

[Iosias]

I do not use candles because I live in a society with electricity and lightbulbs ;)

[ChaliceThunder]

I do not use candles because I live in a society with electricity and lightbulbs ;)
While you make a rational point, I hardly think I will be telling my sick friends: "I'll screw in a light bulb for you."
^_^

[karen freeinchristman]

While you make a rational point, I hardly think I will be telling my sick friends: "I'll screw in a light bulb for you."
^_^
^_^ No, that wouldn't really sound right!

[artrx]

While you make a rational point, I hardly think I will be telling my sick friends: "I'll screw in a light bulb for you."
^_^

^_^ ^_^

[pearlina]

Candles are good for relaxing in a bubble bath, or when you are enjoying quiet time head resting with Jah....