A prayer novena candle is a symbolic object deeply rooted in Christian tradition, particularly within Catholicism. It is used during prolonged prayers, known as novenas, which involve praying for nine consecutive days to ask for a particular grace, express devotion, or implore divine help. The candle flame that burns during this period represents spiritual commitment, persistence in prayer, and trust in divine intervention. Here is an in-depth exploration of what a novena candle is, its meaning, its uses and its importance in the spiritual life.
Definition and symbolism of the novena candle
A novena candle is a candle that, in general, is designed to burn continuously for nine days. These candles are often decorated with religious images representing the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, saints or sacred symbols such as crosses or doves. They are accompanied by specific prayers or are dedicated to specific causes or intentions.
The number nine in the Christian tradition is symbolic. The novena has its origins in the nine days of prayer that followed Christ's Ascension and preceded Pentecost, when the disciples and the Virgin Mary gathered to pray together. This nine-day period has become a model of intense and continuous prayer, and the novena has become an essential spiritual practice for Christians seeking to obtain special graces, honour God or the saints, or obtain answers to their prayers.
The flame of the novena candle is also rich in symbolism. It represents the light of God, the divine presence that enlightens our lives and guides our steps. To light a candle during a novena is to offer a part of yourself to God, an act of faith and perseverance. The flame that burns continuously for nine days reflects the persistence of prayer, even when the believer is not physically praying.
Using novena candles in prayer
Novena candles are used in a wide variety of spiritual contexts, but their main purpose remains to support believers in sustained prayer focused on a precise intention. Whether for a prayer of petition, a prayer of thanksgiving or a prayer of supplication, the novena candle is there to accompany this sacred moment of devotion.
a) Preparation and intention
Before lighting a novena candle, it is essential to reflect on the intention of the prayer. This step is crucial, as the novena is an intensive prayer that must be directed towards a clear spiritual goal. This could be to pray for the healing of a loved one, to resolve a difficult situation, to obtain inner peace, or for any other personal intention.
Once the intention has been set, the novena can be started by lighting the candle and reciting a specific prayer. Some novena candles have prayers printed on their labels, such as those dedicated to specific saints. For example, a novena candle of Saint Rita is often accompanied by a prayer for hopeless causes, as she is known as the saint of impossible causes.
b) Pray every day
During the nine days that the novena lasts, it is recommended that you set aside a moment each day to pray and reflect on the intention of the prayer. Some people prefer to recite the same prayer each day, while others may alternate prayers or meditate on a particular aspect of their faith. This time of prayer can be done alone or as a family, and is often practised in a peaceful setting conducive to meditation.
The novena candle, which remains lit for the duration of the prayer, becomes a visual reminder of this spiritual commitment. It embodies the light that illuminates the darkness of life and invites perseverance in prayer, even in the face of challenges or doubts.
c) Closing the novena
At the end of the nine days, the novena is closed with a prayer of thanksgiving, regardless of the perceived response to prayer. The very act of praying and persevering for nine days is in itself a grace and a blessing. Some may find their prayers obviously answered, while others may find that the novena has brought them inner peace or a sense of comfort, even if the external situation remains unchanged.
The different types of novena candles
There are several types of novena candles, each tailored to specific prayer intentions or linked to a particular religious figure.
a) Novena candles dedicated to saints
Novena candles featuring saints are among the most popular. Each saint is invoked for specific causes, and the candles dedicated to them are accompanied by corresponding prayers. Here are just a few examples:
Saint Michael Archangel Novena Candle: Used for spiritual protection, invoking Saint Michael to combat the forces of evil.
Saint Rita Novena Candle: Prayed for in desperate situations or when divine help seems to be needed.
Saint Anthony of Padua Novena Candle: Often lit to find lost items or ask for special graces.
Novena candle to Saint Therese of Lisieux: Known for her devotional prayers and miracles, particularly in times of doubt or suffering.
b) Novena candles dedicated to the Virgin Mary
Candles dedicated to the Virgin Mary are also very common. Whether it's the Virgin of Lourdes, the Virgin of Fatima, or the Virgin of the Miraculous Medal, each image of the Virgin Mary carries a message of faith, hope and maternal intercession. Believers often pray to Mary to ask for her protection, healing or intercession with God.
c) Novena candles for particular intentions
Some candles are specifically designed for particular intentions, such as:
Healing candles: used to ask for the healing of someone who is ill, either physically or spiritually.
Peace candles: Used to ask for inner peace or reconciliation in tense situations.
Success candles: Used to ask for success in professional projects or endeavours.
4. The importance of the novena candle in the spiritual life
Lighting a novena candle is not simply a symbolic gesture, it is a profound act of faith. It accompanies the believer on a journey of prayer, perseverance and devotion. By lighting a novena candle, we enter into an intimate dialogue with God, the saints, or the Virgin Mary, devoting ourselves entirely to a spiritual intention.
Moreover, in times of doubt or difficulty, the novena candle becomes an anchor of faith. It reminds us that persevering prayer, even when it seems to find no immediate answer, is heard and bears fruit, sometimes in unexpected forms.
The novena prayer candle is a powerful symbol of the Christian faith, a devotional tool that helps believers stay connected to God and the saints during a period of intense prayer. Whether asking for grace, giving thanks for a blessing received, or simply persevering in faith, the novena candle offers a light in the darkness and a persistent path of prayer. It embodies hope, devotion and trust in divine love.
Choosing the intention of the novena
Before starting a novena, it is important to determine the intention for which you are going to pray. This could be a personal intention, such as asking for the healing of a sick relative, praying for a particular project or asking for the intercession of a saint. You can also pray for a collective cause, such as world peace or family reconciliation.
The intention must be clear and specific. It is advisable to think about what you wish to entrust to God, the Virgin Mary, or a particular saint, and to dedicate this prayer to this single intention for the nine days.
Here are some examples of common intentions for a novena:
Physical or spiritual healing: for yourself or a sick loved one.
Inner peace or reconciliation: in times of personal or family turmoil or conflict.
Request for a particular grace: for a professional project, an exam or an important event.
Action of grace: to thank God or a saint for a favour or blessing received.
Choosing the novena prayer
There are different forms of novenas, each associated with a specific prayer. Some novenas are dedicated to the Virgin Mary, such as the novena to Our Lady of Lourdes, while others are dedicated to specific saints, such as the novena to Saint Michael the Archangel for protection or the novena to Saint Rita for desperate causes.
If you're not sure which prayer to use, you can choose from the many traditional novenas or compose your own prayer to suit your intention. Here are some examples of popular novenas:
Novena to the Virgin Mary: This is often used to ask for Mary's maternal intercession, whether praying for healing, a personal project or for inner peace.
Novena to Saint Joseph: Dedicated to the patron saint of workers and families, this novena is often prayed for family problems or professional difficulties.
Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Prayed to obtain peace, inner healing or to express an act of trust in the love of Jesus.
Prepare spiritually
Before beginning the novena, it is essential to prepare spiritually. This involves putting yourself in prayer in a state of mind of recollection and faith. You can choose a quiet place where you will not be disturbed, such as a prayer corner in your home or a church if you have the opportunity.
Take a moment to reflect on your prayer intention and to refocus on your faith. Breathe deeply, invoke the presence of God or the saint you are praying to, and dedicate this moment of prayer to communion with the divine. You can also light a novena candle to accompany your prayer and symbolise the light of faith shining in your life.
Daily prayer
A novena requires you to pray every day for nine consecutive days. Here's how to structure your daily prayer time:
Time for silence and invocation: Begin with a moment of silence to place yourself in an attitude of prayer. Invoke the presence of God, the Virgin Mary or the saint to whom you are dedicating the novena.
Reading the novena prayer: Read or recite the novena prayer you have chosen. This prayer can be the same every day or vary depending on the text you use.
Meditation and reflection: Take a few minutes to meditate on your intention and on the prayer you have just recited. Ask God to enlighten your mind and guide you.
Final prayer and thanksgiving: Conclude your time of prayer by thanking God for listening to your prayer, even if the answer is not yet visible.
It is recommended that you set aside a fixed time each day to pray, in order to maintain regularity and perseverance in your devotion. You can also read a passage of Scripture or recite a rosary to enrich your prayer time.
Persevere in faith
One of the keys to a successful novena is perseverance. During these nine days, distractions, doubts or difficulties may arise. However, the importance of the novena lies in the constancy of prayer, even when external circumstances do not seem favourable.
Persevering in prayer means maintaining faith that God hears and answers prayers, even if the answers are not immediate. It is important to remain open to the graces God may offer, whether through signs, inspirations or subtle changes in your life.
Closing the novena
On the ninth day, the novena concludes with a prayer of thanks, whatever the outcome of your request. Thanking God, the Virgin Mary or the saints for their listening and intercession is a way of showing your gratitude, whether your request has been granted or not.
The novena is also a time to reflect on the graces received during this period. Sometimes prayer brings inner peace, new clarity or renewed strength, even if the external situation has not changed. This closing of the novena is an act of faith and trust in God.
Specific types of novenas
There are several types of novena, each with different purposes and intentions. Here are some of the most common:
Request novenas: These are prayed to obtain a particular favour or grace. They can be directed to God, the Virgin Mary or a specific saint, depending on the nature of the request.
Thanksgiving novenas: These novenas are prayed in thanksgiving, after receiving a blessing or grace. They are a way of paying homage to God for his gifts.
Preparation novenas: These are prayed before important religious feasts such as Christmas, Easter or Pentecost, in order to prepare spiritually for these celebrations.
Repentance novenas: These novenas are prayed to ask forgiveness for one's sins and to be reconciled with God.
Making a novena is a powerful act of faith that engages the person in continuous prayer for nine days. Whether you are asking for grace, seeking healing or giving thanks for a blessing received, the novena offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your relationship with God, the Virgin Mary or the saints. It's a time for intense prayer, spiritual reflection and perseverance in the faith. Whatever the outcome of the request, the simple act of devoting time each day to prayer is a blessing in itself, and God always answers those who seek him with sincerity and devotion.
