Advent Wreath Prayer

The following are the Advent wreath prayers that change every week. They are prayed at the lighting of each candle every day during Advent.

Week One:

The first candle is lit, and the prayer for the first week is said.

Priest:

Let us pray.
Stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, O Lord,
and come, so that we may escape through Thy protection
and be saved by Thy help from the dangers
that threaten us because of our sins.
Who livest and reignest for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

During the first week one candle is left burning during the evening meal, at prayers or at bedtime.

Week Two:

Two candles are lit on the second Sunday and allowed to burn as before. The prayer for the week is:

Priest:

Let us pray.
O Lord, stir up our hearts
that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son,
that through His coming
we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure souls.
Through the same Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Week Three:

Three candles, including the rose candle, are lit on Gaudete, the third Sunday, and during that week. The following prayer is said:

Priest:

Let us pray.
We humbly beg Thee, O Lord,
to listen to our prayers;
and by the grace of Thy coming
bring light into our darkened minds.
Who livest and reignest for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

Week Four:

All four candles are lit on the fourth Sunday and allowed to burn as before. The prayer said the fourth week is:

Priest:

Let us pray.
Stir up Thy might, we pray Thee, O Lord, and come;
rescue us through Thy great strength so that salvation,
which has been hindered by our sins,
may be hastened by the grace of Thy gentle mercy.
Who livest and reignest for ever and ever.

All: Amen.

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The emergence of Advent Wreath Prayer

The Advent Wreath Prayer is a Catholic prayer that is recited during the season of Advent as part of the lighting of an Advent wreath. The prayer is intended to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas and to acknowledge the hope, love, joy, and peace that he brings.

The history of the Advent Wreath Prayer can be traced back to the 16th century, when Christians in Germany began using Advent wreaths as part of their Christmas celebrations. Over time, the use of the wreaths spread throughout the Christian world, and the Advent Wreath Prayer became a regular part of Advent liturgies.

The Advent Wreath Prayer is typically recited at the beginning of each week of Advent as a new candle on the wreath is lit. The prayer is often said by families or groups as part of their Advent traditions, and serves as a reminder of the importance of preparing for the coming of Christ.

The prayer acknowledges the significance of Christmas as a time of hope, love, joy, and peace, and expresses faith in the power of Christ to bring these blessings to the world. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of the Catholic faith and its emphasis on faith, love, and devotion.

The prayer has been adapted in different ways by different cultures, and is recited in many languages around the world. It is a testament to the enduring power and significance of the Advent season and the hope and joy that it brings to Catholics around the world.