One of the most frequent questions I get is, "How do you get your children to sit for daily prayer?" And my answer is always simple: candles. There’s something almost magical about the soft glow of a candle’s flame. It has a way of captivating children, creating a sense of wonder and awe. When we light a candle, we aren’t just setting the room aglow—we’re marking the moment as something different, something sacred.
Candles signal to our children that they’ve entered holy time, a time set apart. The flicker of the flame instantly transforms the space, drawing them into a reverence that words alone can’t achieve. Even the youngest of children instinctively sense the shift. They grow quiet as the candles are lit, the usual noise of the day seems to fade away, and in that silence, they settle into the presence of God.
In our home, lighting candles has become a cherished part of our daily prayers. I often let my children help light them—it’s a simple act, but one that invites them into the moment in a tangible way. They love the responsibility of it, and it makes them feel like active participants in this sacred time. There’s something profoundly beautiful about watching their little hands carefully light the wick, knowing that they are helping to usher in this time of prayer.
And yes, it really works. It’s almost like magic.
Candles bring a sense of ritual, and children, despite their wiggly ways, respond to ritual. They crave the rhythm and structure it brings to the day. When we light the candle, it becomes a physical reminder that we are now doing something special. We are stepping into prayer, into communion with God.
So, if you’ve been struggling to create a peaceful prayer time with your children, try adding a candle. Let them experience the wonder of it. Allow them to feel the holiness of the moment as the flame flickers. You might just find that the glow of the candle becomes the very thing that helps your family find stillness, together, in the presence of God.
And if you'd like to take it a step further and make your own candle with your kids:
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