Candles Lit for Prayer
Some churches have a candle (“votive”) stand at which persons who wish to do so may light a candle as they offer their prayer of petition, intercession, or thanksgiving. The light of the candle (the Light of Christ), the upward thrust of the flame and rising of wisps of smoke (prayers rising to God), and the lasting flicker of burning candle (ongoing prayer of the Holy Spirit) all represent meaningful spiritual realities of prayer.
