Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to heart the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The legacy 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.