Father, in the wilderness of the Jordan you sent a messenger to prepare people’s hearts for the coming of your Son. Help me to hear his words and repent of my sins, so that I may clearly see the way to walk, the truth to speak, and the life to live for Him, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
History of Advent Prayer
Advent Prayer is a traditional Catholic prayer that dates back to the early centuries of Christianity. It is a prayer of preparation for the coming of Christ, traditionally recited during the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
The origins of Advent can be traced back to the 5th century, when the Church in Rome began to celebrate the coming of Christ with a season of preparation. Initially, this preparation took the form of a three-week fast, but eventually evolved into the four-week Advent season.
The Advent Prayer itself has undergone many changes over the centuries, but the basic structure has remained the same. The prayer typically consists of readings from Scripture, hymns, and prayers of petition and thanksgiving.
In modern times, the Advent Prayer has become an important part of the Catholic liturgy, and is often accompanied by special services, such as the lighting of Advent candles or the singing of traditional Advent hymns. It remains a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation and anticipation in the Christian faith, and is a beloved tradition for millions of Catholics around the world.