Advent Wreath Prayers
Prayers for lighting each candle of the Advent wreath — hope, preparation, joy, and peace — through the four Sundays of Advent, for families at home.
First Sunday of Advent — The Candle of Hope As we light the first candle of the Advent wreath, we watch and wait for the coming of the Lord. Stir up your power, O Lord, and come; let this light be a sign of the hope you set before us, and keep us awake and watchful, that when you come you may find us longing for your appearing. Amen. Second Sunday of Advent — The Candle of Preparation As we light the second candle, we hear the voice crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord." Make straight in our hearts a highway for our God. Give us faith to trust your promises, and turn us from all that keeps us far from you. Amen. Third Sunday of Advent — The Candle of Joy As we light the third candle, the rose candle of Gaudete Sunday, we rejoice, for the Lord is near. Fill our hearts with the joy of your salvation, and help us to share your comfort with all who are weary, that they too may rejoice in your coming. Amen. Fourth Sunday of Advent — The Candle of Peace As we light the fourth candle, we pray for the peace the world cannot give. Come, Lord Jesus, and dwell among us; prepare our homes and hearts to receive you, that with Mary we may treasure your word and welcome the Prince of Peace.Amen.
The Advent wreath holds four candles, one for each week of Advent. On the First Sunday, light one candle and pray its prayer; each following Sunday, light an additional candle and add its prayer, until all four burn in the final week before Christmas. Gather as the light grows, read the prayer for that week, and keep a moment of silence for the coming of the Lord.
Let a different family member light the candle and read the prayer each week — younger children can help count the candles and the Sundays left until Christmas. Keep the wreath where the family gathers, and light it at the evening meal through the four weeks of Advent.
Make it part of the day
Pray the Advent Wreath Prayers together
Solua opens each day with a short family prayer — gentle enough for children, faithful to the season.
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