Lighting a candle is, in itself, a prayer. It acts as a sign of God's presence among us, a light in the dark. It shows our concern. It symbolises our commitment: the candle only produces its light by burning itself and thus portrays the sacrificial nature of love. When joined by candles lit by others, they become a visible sign of the combined prayers for our community, many small lights together making for a greater brilliance and representing both the needs and the hopes for our community. And while we carry on with other things, the lighted candle remains; a constant prayer, keeping vigil while we cannot be present.