NICU Newborn and NICU Parent Candle Lighting and Blessing

Give light, and the darkness will disappear of itself.

Erasmus

One of the most powerful healing images is that of a single candle illuminating the night, one tiny flame serving as a bright light in the darkness.

The Candle lighting blessing for NICU babies was modified from the healing blessing that we used for my daughter's NICU adventure. The Candle Lighting Blessing for NICU Parents was adapted from a New Year's Blessing that I wrote many years ago for my girlfriends.

A Candle Lighting Blessing for NICU Newborns

I light this candle for my baby
so that he/she might see
a light illuminating the darkness.

I light this candle for my baby
so that he/she might know
the many people who love him/her.

I light this candle for my baby
so that he/she might sense
the many thoughts and prayers.

I light this candle for my baby
so that he/she might feel
a healing presence.

I light this candle for my baby
so that he/she might discover
his/her own strength.

I light this candle for my baby
so that he/she might find
a cocoon of comfort until your body heals.

---

A Candle Lighting Blessing for NICU Parents

I light this candle for illumination
so that I might
find my way through the darkness.

I light this candle for hope
so that the present moment
is less difficult to bear.

I light this candle for strength
so that I can make it though
the life challenge.

I light this candle for understanding
so that I find the insights
to make wise decisions.

I light this candle for courage
so that I may be able to
accept whatever is beyond my control.

© 2009 Kirsti A. Dyer

More about Lighting a Candle
Dyer K. 2009. Light a Candle for Hope or in Memory Online. NICU Parent Support Blog.
Dyer K. 2008. Create a Candle Lighting Ceremony: Candles Can Help to Focus, Reduce Stress or Remember a Loved. Suite 101.
Dyer K. 2000. Light a Candle for Hope in the New Year. Journey of Hearts.

Images:
Mario Trejo. Light of Hope. Royalty Free Use.
Dani Simmonds. Candle. Royalty Free Use.