The use of candles and prayer for protection is a very ancient practice, rooted in folklore and spiritual systems of belief. White candles, in particular, stand out for their use in rituals related to protection. This reflects the power of “white” energy and its ability to act as a shield against negative influences, energies, and entities.
Likewise, Psalms 91 has been used as a form of protection for centuries. It is a powerful prayer of protection believed to evoke the love and protection of the divine.
In this article, we will explore how to perform a personal protection ritual and the potential benefits of this type of ceremony.
Spiritual Protection & Warding Off Negative Energies
One of the most popular protection rituals is known as the White Candle and Psalms 91 protection ritual. This simple ritual can be done alone or in a group setting. It involves casting a circle of salt to protect the ceremony space, holding a white candle in your dominant hand or nearby on a table, and reciting Psalms 91 out loud.
Creating a protection ritual using a white candle and Psalm 91 involves combining the energy of the candle with the spiritual power of the Psalms. Considered one of the most powerful comforting psalms of all, the 91st psalm contains the 8 promises. For those stressful, seemingly impossible times and hardship, this psalm is the refuge for many.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Materials you’ll need:
White candle
Matches or a lighter
Printed or written copy of Psalm 91
White salt (optional)
Quiet and safe space
Instructions:
Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed during the ritual. This could be a room, a garden, or any place where you feel comfortable and safe. As an option, you can also cast a circle of salt to protect the ceremony space.
Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and clear your mind. Set your intention for the protection ritual. Visualize a bright, white light surrounding you or the person you wish to protect, forming a shield of safety.
Place the white candle on a flat and stable surface. If possible, inscribe the name of the person you want to protect on the side of the candle using a small knife or a pin. Alternatively, you can simply visualize yourself (or the person you would like to be protected) during the ritual.
How To Pray Psalm 91 As a Powerful Prayer Of Protection
Light the candle using matches or a lighter. As you do so, say the following or similar words aloud:
“I light this candle to invoke the divine protection of Psalm 91. May its sacred words bring safety and shield (name of the person or yourself) from harm.”
Take the printed or written copy of Psalm 91 and read it aloud with conviction. As you read, try to immerse yourself in the meaning of the words and feel the protective energy surrounding you or the intended person, as follows:
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands, they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. ‘Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high because He has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.’
After the Ceremony
After reading Psalm 91, say your own words of affirmation or prayer for protection. You can speak from the heart or use a predefined prayer that resonates with you.
Once you feel the ritual is complete, express your gratitude to God, the divine, or any higher power you believe in for their protection and guidance.
Allow the candle to burn out safely. If you can’t let it burn all the way at once, extinguish it and re-light it in subsequent sessions until it is completely consumed.
There is beauty in prayer because it opens up the doorway to grace. In times of need or struggle, grace can appear in our lives in a mysterious way. The use of prayer as protection is powerful because it reaffirms our faith and connection to the divine. It can help us feel safe and protected.
Additionally, the power of white candles and the properties of salt used in the ritual are thought to help increase the potency of the prayer and its effects. Salt can also produce a physical barrier against negative energies, while the white candle attracts positive influences and protects against malevolent spirits.
The benefits of this protection ritual can be physical, mental, and even spiritual. Physically, it can help to reduce the risk of physical attacks, leaving the practitioner safe from harm. Mentally, it can provide a sense of safety in uncertain times and provide spiritual grounding and protection during times of spiritual growth.
In addition to its practical aspects, the use of the White Candle and Psalm 91 protection ritual can also give us a sense of personal empowerment. By engaging in a spiritual ceremony, we are actively reinforcing our connection to the divine. This connection helps us to stay grounded and focused on what is important in our lives and gives us the courage to face whatever life throws our way with a powerful force field of protection.
Final Thoughts
This practice can be used to help protect oneself or others—and can even be used to create healing and grounding energy in one’s life. Above all, this ritual reminds us that we are not alone—that we are connected to something much greater than ourselves and can always turn to it for guidance and protection.
Remember, the power of any ceremony or ritual lies not only in the words spoken but also in the intent and energy you put into it. Always use protection ceremonies responsibly and with good intentions.
If you’ve recently left a toxic relationship, it’s recommended that in addition to protection practices, to also seek a program that can help you deprogram yourself from the devastating effects of toxic relationships and limiting beliefs.
THRIVE will help you bring forward your higher self, deeper truths, untapped potentials, and life purpose.
The true beauty of THRIVE is that it can be completed whether or not you’ve detached from toxic relationships. You will begin to stop reliving your disappointments, losses, setbacks, and failures. You will accept and internalize that true change cannot be achieved by analysis, argument, or intellectualizing. You will stop feeling compelled to engage in fruitless conflicts with toxic people because you are ready to create new habits that will propel you toward a healed self-image and increased confidence.
You may even reach a point where you are no longer terrified by the prospect of leaving your abusive or toxic relationships for good.
