Lighting candles and saying prayers is a common ritual across many faiths and cultures. Candles represent light in the darkness, hope in despair, and the presence of the divine. The flame provides a focal point for meditation, reflection, and prayer. Many prayers used during candle lighting rituals ask for guidance, blessings, protection and commemoration. The specific prayer used depends on the purpose of the candle lighting. This article will provide an overview of common candle lighting prayers in Christianity, Judaism, Paganism, and Buddhism.
Christian Candle Lighting Prayers
In Christianity, candles are often lit before icons, during worship services, or at shrines to saints. Lighting a candle is accompanied by a prayer offering intercession, gratitude, or supplication. Some common candle prayers include:
Prayer of Intercession
May God bless us with wisdom as we ponder the mysteries. May the Lord watch over us and lead us in our search. May God grant us patience and courage on our spiritual journey.
Prayer of Gratitude
We thank you God for the light of Christ reflected in the candle flame. As we bring light into the darkness, we give thanks for God’s love that brightens our way. We are grateful for the hope that this light brings us.
Prayer of Supplication
Lord, you are the Light that guides our feet. Grant us the peace, wisdom, and strength we need to follow your path. As we light this candle, we open our hearts to your will.
Jewish Candle Lighting Prayers
Candles play an important role in Jewish worship and holidays. Specific candle lighting prayers are recited for the Sabbath and festivals like Hanukkah and Passover.
Shabbat Candle Lighting Prayer
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melech ha’olam
asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu
l’had’lik neir shel Shabbat.
Translation:
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the lights of Shabbat.
Hanukkah Candle Lighting Prayer
Barukh attah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam
asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu
l’had’lik neir shel Hanukkah.
Translation:
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the lights of Hanukkah.
Passover Candle Lighting Prayer
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
Pagan Candle Lighting Prayers
Wiccans and modern Pagans also incorporate candle magic into their rituals and spells. Lighting a candle is accompanied by prayers or incantations stating the purpose of the candle. Some examples include:
Prayer for Healing
Sacred flame, heal and cleanse, release all suffering, merciful One. This light brings hope to fight the darkness of illness.
Prayer for Protection
With this light I call on divine forces to encircle me with safety and peace. May wisdom guide me so no harm may enter.
Prayer for Remembrance
I light this candle in honor of my ancestors, to keep their spirits alive. May their wisdom ripple through the ages.
Buddhist Candle Lighting Prayers
Lighting candles at a Buddhist shrine is often accompanied by a recitation of the Three Refuges:
Buddham saranam gacchami
Dhammam saranam gacchami
Sangham saranam gacchami
I go for refuge to the Buddha
I go for refuge to the Dharma
I go for refuge to the Sangha
This affirmation expresses taking refuge in the Buddha, his teachings, and the community. Some Buddhists also recite prayers for peace while lighting candles at shrines or temples.
Conclusion
Lighting a candle focuses intention through ritual. Across faiths, the flame is an offering of light to drive away darkness, connect with the divine, and hold space for prayer. Common themes of candle lighting prayers include asking for peace, guidance, healing, protection and paying reverence to ancestors or saints. While the exact words vary, the act of lighting a flame with intent creates a sacred moment.
