Advent Wreath Prayer

Blessing of the Advent Wreath

The blessing of the Advent wreath is done on the Saturday before the first Sunday in Advent. The head of the home or an appointed person will lead the others in the prayer.

Prayer for the Saturday before the first Sunday in Advent.

Leader: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

All: Who made heaven and earth.

Leader: O God, by whose Word all things are sanctified, pour forth Your blessing upon this wreath and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from You abundant graces. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Prayer for First Sunday in Advent (Hope)

(This prayer should is repeated each day during the first week. After the prayer, the family’s youngest child lights the first purple candle)

Leader: O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, and come, that by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

(The first purple candle is lit before and left burning during the evening meals on each day of the first week in Advent)

Prayer for second Sunday in Advent (Love)

(This prayer should is repeated each day during the second week. After the prayer, the family’s oldest child lights both the first and second purple candles)

Leader: 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. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

(The first and second purple candles are lit before and left burning during the evening meals on each day of the second week in Advent)

Prayer for Third Sunday in Advent (Joy)

The Third Sunday in Advent is also known as the The Joyful Sunday and it is represented by the rose candle.

(This prayer should is repeated each day during the third week. After the prayer, the mother of the family will light the first, second purple candles and the rose candle)

Leader: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen

(The first, second purple candles and the rose candles are lit before and left burning during the evening meals on each day of the third week in Advent)

Prayer for Fourth Sunday in Advent (Peace)

(This prayer should is repeated each day during the fourth week. After the prayer, the head of the family will light all 4 candles)

Leader: O Lord, stir up Thy power, we pray Thee, and come; and with great might help us, that with the help of Thy Grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

(All four candles are lit before and left burning during the evening meals on each day of the fourth week in Advent)

Some Advent wreaths include a fifth white “Christ” candle, symbolizing purity, that is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  You can also include a white candle into your wreath to be used as the “Christ” candle.