JMJ

FAMILY ADVENT PRAYER 2023

First Week of Advent
December 3 – 9, 2023

I. Introduction
Now, we enter the cycle of another liturgical year, the Advent season. We start our
advent celebration to renew our awareness that we are about to celebrate the birth of the
one who has set us free.

II. Blessing of Advent Wreath

Leader: Prayer of Blessing
O God, bless our wreath and be with us as we prepare our hearts for the coming of
Christ. As we light the candle each day, help us to keep our own hearts burning with your
love. Amen.

First Week of Advent

III. LIGHTING OF THE FIRST PURPLE CANDLE
(Please light the first violet candle.)

Leader: The first purple candle symbolizes Hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy
Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of
Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Leader: Let us pray:

All-powerful God, increase our hope and strength of will for doing good that Christ
may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of
heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and
ever. Amen.
IV. Gospel Reading - Mark 13:33-37 (Pls. read from the Bible.)

V. Intercessory Prayer
Leader: As we await the coming of Jesus, the Light and Word of God, let us join our
hearts in prayer:
1. That prayers and works of charity will be the center of our Christmas preparations,
we pray to the Lord.
All: Come, Lord Jesus.
2. That all our Christmas preparations will proclaim the joy of the Savior, we pray to
the Lord.
All: Come, Lord Jesus.
3. That this season will be the beginning of an everlasting season of peace among all
people, we pray to the Lord.
All: Come, Lord Jesus.

Leader: As one family, let us now pray to our heavenly Father in the words that Jesus
taught us:

All: Our Father…

Leader: Let us pray:

Father, we await the dawning of your light, Jesus Christ. May his coming dispel
the darkness of selfishness and greed and show us the way to your peace. We ask this in
the name of Jesus, your light to the world.
Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen