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.
Details about Advent Wreath Prayer
The Advent wreath is a beloved Christian tradition that has been passed down for several decades. It consists of a circular wreath of evergreen, with four candles placed along the circumference. The wreath is used as a symbol during the Advent season to represent the coming of Christ.
The history of the Advent wreath goes back to the pre-Christian era, where winter rituals were celebrated around evergreen wreaths. As time progressed, the Church adopted this practice and added the Christian meaning of the coming of Christ. The first recorded use of the Advent wreath was in Germany in the 16th century.
The Advent wreath prayer is integral to the use of the wreath in Christian tradition. Each week, as an additional candle is lit, a prayer is recited during the Advent season. Many different prayers and variations exist, with variations depending on region, denomination, and personal preference.
In modern times, the Advent wreath prayer has become an important part of the Christian Advent season. It serves to remind us of the hope, peace, joy, and love that we find during this season. Additionally, it helps us to keep our focus on the true meaning of Christmas and the coming of Christ.
Overall, the Advent wreath and the accompanying prayer serve as a beautiful expression of the Christian faith and a reminder of the importance of hope, peace, joy, and love in our lives.