Sorted for Results – Granny lit a candle!
The sacred act of lighting a candle for someone has always been something that has filled us with hope. Just knowing that a member of your family or friend has lit a candle for you can go a long way in calming your nerves ahead of exams, a job interview, or a presentation. Throughout the world, lighting candles is a sacred ritual. We light a candle for many purposes – to illuminate darkness, dedicate prayers, make our intentions more concrete, offer blessings, ask help from the Holy Spirit or say thank you for blessings received.
The light from the candle signifies our prayer, which is offered in faith, entering the light of God.Christ said, ‘I am the Light of the world; anyone who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have light and life,’ (John 8:12). Christians believe that the candle represents Jesus as the Light of the world. The light and fire also represent the presence and power of God, similar to the pillar of fire that led the children of Israel in the Exodus.
At this time of the year, many candle are placed at the shrines in the cathedral as parents and loved ones take time to pray for all those going through public examinations. Tests and exams can be a challenging part of school life for children and young people and their parents or carers want to try to ease their stress.
Watch for signs of stress in your children and think about your reaction to that stress.
They may experience some of these,
- worry a lot so please try not to add to their worry by showing yours
- feel tense and irritable so give them a bit of space and make allowances for their moods
- have headaches and stomach pains, so be sympathetic and caring
- not sleep well, however they need sleep so encourage them to rest. Good sleep improves thinking and concentration
- lose interest in food or eat more than normal so try to encourage healthy eating as the benefits will be in their ability to learn and remember
- not enjoy activities they previously enjoyed but physical exercise will boost their mood and aid learning so encourage them to get outdoors
- be negative and have a low mood so try to lift their mood and stay positive yourself
- feel hopeless about the future so please reassure them all will work out as God has planned for them.
Visit the Cathedral with your child or grandchild over the next few weeks, light a candle together and sit in silence or quiet prayer.
Prayer for those taking examinations
Father, be with me as I take this exam.
Keep my mind alert and my memory sharp.
Calm my nerves and help me concentrate.
I know that you walk with me,
Guiding my path and inspiring my heart.
I pray that I will feel you with me,
And that your love and friendship will soften the pressure I feel.
I pray that I will pass this exam and go on to new things with you.
Thank you for your peace and your love in my life.
Thank you for your kindness and care for me.
Father, I have done what I can.
I am trusting You to do the rest.
In His name I pray,
Amen