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Prayers for Advent: Advent Wreath Prayers

For many families, the lighting of the Advent wreath is a meaningful tradition that marks the progress of the season. If you do not have an Advent wreath fram, you may simply set four candles in holders and surround them with a ring of greens. Some families gather aroung the Advent wreath once a week; others light the wreath every day for meal prayer or evening prayer. Whatever your family custom, you may wish to use these Advent wreath prayers.

First Sunday of Advent:

Lord Jesus, as we begin this sacred season of joy and expectation, open our hearts to Your constant presence. May we be watchful and attentive to Your word made flesh in those around us. May we listen to the voice of the poor, to the cry of the lonely, to the unspoken hopes of those who feel crushed by life. Give us eyes to see You today and everyday. Amen.

Second Sunday of Advent:

Lord Jesus, shower us with Your Spirit. Give us the courage to live out the promises of our Baptism. May we be alive with Your word burning within us. May we speak of Your love with enthusiasm. Most important, help us be messengers of Your care to others. Give us strong and gentle hands to reach out to our sisters and brothers today and everyday. Amen.

Third Sunday of Advent:

Lord Jesus, help us prepare well for the celebration of Your birth and Your second coming. Keep us from being too wrapped up in the mateiral things of this world. Set our eyes on the message of Christmas, a message of light and peace for the whole world. Help us find our way to forward Your kingdom and work toward Your peace on earth today and everyday. Amen.

Fourth Sunday of Advent:

Lord Jesus, increase our faith so that we might believe that nothing is impossible with God. May we continue to be a people with dreams and visions of the possible - a human community of understanding and acceptance. May we be ready to risk as Mary did to make these dreams come true. Open us to know the power of Your presence today and everyday. Amen.

Excerpted from FAMILY & FUN, by Gary J. Boelhower. ©1996. Used with permission of HI-TIME Publishing Corp. Available upon request through For Heaven's Sake.