Prayer Candles/Lamps? (ritual, tradition, church, catholic, God)

[Snowbear]

When someone asks for prayer, often others respond with, "Prayer candle lit" or "Prayer lamp lit."

What is the purpose or meaning of prayer candles? Are they an important part of "sending" prayers up? Or are they a tradition or ritual to get one in the "spirit" of prayer?

I've also seen for sale the prayer candles in glass with images of various saints on them and a prayer printed on the glass. Are these lit as a prayer in and of themselves, as opposed to actually asking God directly (however you do it) for whatever intervention or support is needed?

I actually have always liked scented candles and incense, but have never considered them for religious purposes.

[Snowbear]

Anyone???

[Master Vigil]

When I do intentional meditation I usually light incense. Traditionally the incense is the intention (or prayer) and the smoke brings it up and disperses it into the Tao. But normally I use incense instead of candles because you should keep the candle lit until it burns out. And I can't do that with 2 cats. So I use incense. I also use pine cones now (reaching back to my sinti roots), as well as incense.

[Jaymes]

Pine cones? They can be burned? Well, I know they can, but in a way that doesn't engulf things in flames?

[Master Vigil]

Originally Posted by Jensa

Pine cones? They can be burned? Well, I know they can, but in a way that doesn't engulf things in flames?

Yeah, I usually light a candle, and hold the pine cones edge over the flame until it starts to catch on fire, then I just let it burn (it usually burns out) and the smoke is very heavy. Then I do it again. Ancient sinti gypsies would use the smoke as divinity.

[martha]

Perhaps it has something to do with the thought, " I'll leave a light in the window for you." It is as a rememberance. Like when catholics light a candle in church for someone they are praying for. Perhaps it signifies the light of my love is shining for you in a visible way. I don't know for sure where it originated. Think about it, man has been facinated with fire since the day they first saw it. Fire is a powerful image. Good question. It beats the blazes out of me though!