Prayers for Advent
Advent is a season of spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ, his coming. Christians and Catholics all over the world look forward to this celebration. Also a time of reflection, prayer, and anticipation.
The Advent Wreath Prayers are said during the four weeks of Advent when lighting each week’s candles. If you have your candles in holders and no evergreen branches displayed for your wreath, that’s ok. I don’t have evergreen branches either. Four candles, three purple, one rose and the fifth candle, known as the Christ candle, lit on Christmas Eve. Generally white, they symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love.
Another tradition during Advent is the Jesse Tree, decorated in symbols representing the genealogy of Jesus Christ. I’ve never done one, maybe next year?
Now prayer is essential during our time of preparation. It helps us focus on the true meaning of Christmas. It keeps us centered. What a great way to deepen our relationship with God, get super close to him and increase our faith. Let’s do our best to use this powerful tool more frequently and fervently. What a way to be in union with God’s love and his grace.
Remember, prayer is essential during Advent. All Christians and Catholics should think of how deep our faith and relationship with God can be and discover the true meaning of this beautiful season. Let’s look to him for his guidance and blessings.
It’s time to “smell the roses,” take a couple of deep breaths and reach out to God for an Advent hug. Let’s share our faith and share God’s love with others.
First Week of Advent
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 forever and ever. Amen.
Second Week of Advent
The second candle is lit, and the prayer for the second week is said.
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 minds. Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
Third Week of Advent
The third candle is lit, and the prayer for the third week is said.
Priest: Let us pray. We beseech Thee, O Lord, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
Fourth Week of Advent
The fourth candle is lit, and the prayer for the fourth week is said.
Priest: Let us pray. O Lord, we beseech Thee, stir up Thy power and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena
A traditional Catholic prayer often called the “Christmas Novena” or the “Christmas Anticipation Prayer.” Traditionally recited fifteen times a day, this meditative prayer to increase the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually.
This devotion is prayed 15 times every day from the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30) until Christmas. The novena is an ideal Advent devotion, and the First Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew.
The prayer is named after Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and Saint Peter’s brother. First to follow Jesus and brought Peter to him. We know Saint Andrew as the patron saint of Scotland, Russia, and Romania, and his feast day is celebrated on November 30. His Christmas Novena is a powerful prayer that helps prepare the heart for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. It is a prayer of hope, faith, and love that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas.
Prayer: St. Andrew’s Christmas Novena
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen.
The O Antiphons
The O Antiphons, a set of seven antiphons, traditionally sung or recited during the week leading up to Christmas Eve. Each antiphon begins with the exclamation “O” followed by a different title for Jesus Christ. These titles are based on the prophecies of Isaiah and express the different ways in which Jesus is understood and celebrated in the Christian tradition.
O Wisdom
The first of the O Antiphons is “O Wisdom,” which highlights Jesus’ divine wisdom and understanding. This title is based on Isaiah 11:2-3, which prophesies that the Messiah will be endowed with the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. By calling on Jesus as “O Wisdom,” Christians express their faith in his divine knowledge and guidance.
O Lord
The second O Antiphon is “O Lord,” which emphasizes Jesus’ sovereignty and power. This title is based on Isaiah 9:6, which prophesies that the Messiah will be a mighty ruler and king. By calling on Jesus as “O Lord,” Christians acknowledge his authority and submit themselves to his will.
O Root of Jesse
The third O Antiphon is “O Root of Jesse,” which celebrates Jesus’ lineage and ancestry. This title is based on Isaiah 11:1, which prophesies that the Messiah will be a descendant of Jesse, the father of King David. By calling on Jesus as “O Root of Jesse,” Christians affirm their belief in his divine ancestry and connection to the royal line of David.
O Key of David
The fourth O Antiphon is “O Key of David,” which emphasizes Jesus’ role as the one who unlocks the gates of heaven. This title is based on Isaiah 22:22, which describes a figure who holds the key to the house of David. By calling on Jesus as “O Key of David,” Christians express their faith in his power to open the way to eternal life.
O Radiant Dawn
The fifth O Antiphon is “O Radiant Dawn,” which celebrates Jesus’ role as the light of the world. This title is based on Isaiah 9:2, which prophesies that the Messiah will bring light and joy to a people living in darkness. By calling on Jesus as “O Radiant Dawn,” Christians proclaim their hope in his power to dispel the darkness of sin and death.
O King of All Nations
The sixth O Antiphon is “O King of All Nations,” which highlights Jesus’ universal sovereignty and lordship. This title is based on Isaiah 9:7, which prophesies that the Messiah will be a king whose dominion extends to all nations. By calling on Jesus as “O King of All Nations,” Christians affirm their belief in his power to unite all people under his rule.
O Emmanuel
The seventh and final O Antiphon is “O Emmanuel,” which means “God with us.” This title emphasizes Jesus’ role as the one who comes to dwell among his people. This title is based on Isaiah 7:14, which prophesies that a virgin will conceive and bear a son who will be called Emmanuel. By calling on Jesus as “O Emmanuel,” Christians express their faith in his presence among them and his power to save them from sin and death.
The Angelus
Such a popular Catholic prayer, the Angelus. Traditionally said three times a day, morning, noon, and evening, honoring the Incarnation. The prayer consists of three Hail Mary’s, with three introductory verses and a concluding verse and prayer.
The prayer’s name comes from the Latin word for “angel,” and it commemorates the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and announced that she would be the mother of Jesus. The Angelus is a simple yet powerful prayer that can be said alone or with a group. It is a great way to reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation, and to ask for Mary’s intercession.
The Angelus prayer
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, etc...
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to Your Word.
Hail Mary, etc...
V. And the Word was made flesh,
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, etc...
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an Angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Magnificat
The Magnificat told by Mary to Elizabeth during her visitation with her cousin. A powerful and beautiful prayer we pray during Advent with our daily prayers. It’s a great way to prepare for Jesus’ coming. Mary’s prayer helps us deepen our faith and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ during this Advent Season. Here it is:
The Magnificat My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant From this day all generations shall call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.
Reference: Catholic Prayers For Advent (Full List & Guide) - Faith Inspires