The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is not just another festive holiday season; it is also a period that Christians the world over observe as they spiritually reflect, prepare and anticipate the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. Literally, the four-week period between Thanksgiving and Christmas marks an opportunity to rest and ponder on the meaning that the gift of Christ coming into the world has for every human being. The word advent itself means coming and is a reminder both of the first coming of Christ and the anticipation of His second coming. For ages, the church has made use of prayer to sharpen minds and focus the heart with that which is holy.
Advent prayers for each week are really powerful ways to help us focus on Christ during a season that can fill with distractions, offer a learning reflection on one of the four areas during each week of Advent: hope, peace, joy, and love. With these four concepts closely touching to the very fabric of the Christmas message itself, they would also serve as integral elements in preparing one’s spirituality for the very celebration itself of Christ’s birth.
Advent Prayers For Each Week
This post discusses selected Advent prayers for the weeks of this liturgical season. Each of these prayers then corresponds to one of the key themes of Advent to help make a deepening of the spiritual journey and stronger relationship with God. Whether you’re a newbie to celebrating Advent or have been doing so all of your life, these might help you as guiding reflections towards the real meaning of Christmas. May you find peace, joy, and renewed hope in the promise of Christ’s birth and return as you pray through the weeks of Advent.
1. A Prayer for the First Week of Advent
Dear God, as we enter the first week of Advent, we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ into our lives. May this season of anticipation deepen our faith, and may we grow in hope as we reflect on the coming of our Savior.
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” We wait in hope and expectation for the birth of our Savior. Amen.
2. A Prayer for Peace During Advent
Lord, grant us peace in our hearts this Advent. As we wait for Christ’s coming, may Your peace fill our lives, removing all anxiety and fear. Help us be peacemakers in the world.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” We seek Your peace, Lord. Amen.
3. A Prayer for the Second Week of Advent: Preparing the Way
God of hope, during this second week of Advent, we ask that You help us prepare the way for Christ in our hearts. May we make room for Him in our busy lives and reflect on His love.
Luke 3:4-6
“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: ‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low.'” Lord, prepare our hearts for Your coming. Amen.
4. A Prayer for Hope in Advent
Lord, fill us with hope during this season of Advent. Help us look forward with joy to the coming of Christ, trusting in Your promises and Your plan for our lives.
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” May Your hope sustain us this season and always. Amen.
5. A Prayer for the Third Week of Advent: Rejoicing in the Lord
Father, as we enter the third week of Advent, we rejoice in the hope of Christ’s coming. May our hearts be filled with joy as we reflect on His love, grace, and mercy.
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” May our hearts overflow with joy as we celebrate the coming of our Savior. Amen.
6. A Prayer for Joy in Advent
Dear Lord, we thank You for the joy that this Advent season brings. Help us to find joy not only in the celebrations but also in the quiet moments of reflection.
Psalm 51:12
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Lord, fill us with Your joy and the peace that only You can provide. Amen.
7. A Prayer for the Fourth Week of Advent: The Love of Christ
Heavenly Father, as we enter the final week of Advent, we focus on the love that Christ brings into the world. Help us to share that love with others as we await His arrival.
1 John 4:9-10
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” May Your love fill our hearts this season. Amen.
8. A Prayer for Christmas Eve
Lord, as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, we thank You for the gift of Jesus. May the joy of His coming fill our hearts and homes with love and peace this night.
Luke 2:10-11
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'” We celebrate the birth of our Savior. Amen.
9. A Prayer for Patience During Advent
Father, give us the patience to wait upon You this Advent season. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Strengthen our patience as we await Christ’s return. Amen.
10. A Prayer for Gratitude in Advent
Lord, we thank You for the many blessings You have given us during this Advent season. Open our hearts to be thankful for the coming of Christ and His eternal love.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” May our hearts overflow with gratitude this Advent season. Amen.
11. A Prayer for the Light of Christ
Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World. During this Advent season, may Your light shine in our hearts and in the world, guiding us towards love, peace, and truth.
John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” May Your light lead us each day. Amen.
12. A Prayer for Unity This Advent
Father, we pray for unity in the body of Christ this Advent season. Help us to work together in love and understanding as we prepare for the coming of our Savior.
Philippians 2:2
“Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” Unite us in Your love during this Advent season. Amen.
13. A Prayer for Children During Advent
Heavenly Father, bless our children during this Advent season. May they grow in love, joy, and understanding of the true meaning of Christmas—Christ’s birth.
Matthew 19:14
“Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'” May Your love surround our children this season. Amen.
14. A Prayer for Spiritual Growth During Advent
Lord, we seek spiritual growth this Advent season. Help us to grow closer to You in faith, hope, and love as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Colossians 1:10
“So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” May we grow spiritually in this season. Amen.
15. A Prayer for Those in Need During Advent
Lord, we lift up those in need this Advent season. May they experience Your love and provision, and may we be instruments of Your compassion and care.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me.” Help us serve those in need. Amen.
16. A Prayer for Strength in Advent
Dear Lord, grant us the strength to endure challenges during this season. Help us rely on Your grace as we journey through Advent with patience and faith.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” May Your strength sustain us. Amen.
17. A Prayer for Advent Reflection
Father, help us to reflect deeply on the significance of this Advent season. May we remember the true meaning of Christmas—Christ’s arrival into the world.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God.” May we find moments of stillness to reflect on Your coming this season. Amen.
18. A Prayer for Advent Devotion
Lord, we commit ourselves to devotion during this Advent season. Help us to remain focused on You and on preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” May we seek You above all this season. Amen.
19. A Prayer for Advent Worship
God of glory, we worship You during this Advent season. May our hearts and lives be transformed as we prepare to honor the birth of our Savior.
Psalm 95:6
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.” May our worship be pure and true this season. Amen.
20. A Prayer for Family During Advent
Heavenly Father, bless our families during this Advent season. May we grow together in love, peace, and joy as we celebrate the coming of Christ.
Joshua 24:15
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Strengthen our family bonds this season. Amen.
21. A Prayer for Advent Gratitude
Lord, we thank You for the gift of Your Son and the blessings of this Advent season. May we live in gratitude, sharing Your love and peace with others.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” We thank You for Your blessings. Amen.
22. A Prayer for Advent Mercy
Lord, we seek Your mercy during this Advent season. May we extend Your mercy to others, reflecting the compassion and forgiveness of Christ.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” May Your mercy renew us this season. Amen.
23. A Prayer for Advent Hope
God of hope, fill our hearts with the hope of Christ’s coming. Help us to trust in Your promises as we await the arrival of our Savior.
Romans 5:5
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” May hope guide us. Amen.
24. A Prayer for Advent Fellowship
Lord, we thank You for the fellowship of believers. May we strengthen one another in faith as we walk through this Advent season together.
Hebrews 10:25
“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Strengthen our fellowship. Amen.
25. A Prayer for Advent Patience
Lord, teach us patience this Advent. Help us to wait with anticipation and trust in Your perfect timing as we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth.
James 5:7
“Be patient then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” Help us wait faithfully. Amen.
26. A Prayer for Advent Forgiveness
Heavenly Father, forgive us our sins during this Advent season. Help us to offer forgiveness to others, just as Christ forgave us.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” May Your forgiveness flow through us. Amen.
27. A Prayer for Advent Joyful Anticipation
Lord, help us to anticipate Christ’s arrival with joy and excitement. May our hearts overflow with gratitude for the gift of Jesus this season.
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” May we joyfully await Your coming. Amen.
Conclusion
And now that the season of Advent is drawing to a close and as we prepare to celebrate Christmas festively, we can also look back and see how this period helps us to reflect on our journey of faith. The Advent prayers of the weeks have led us into having a greater understanding of and focusing always in the relevant central themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, each of which builds on the other to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ coming. Prayers through which we acknowledge the significance of Christ’s first coming and the expectancy of the second coming for many have now been transformed into the hope and anticipation of His second coming.
During the Advent weeks, praying gives a great experience in the message of Christmas: “God love, gift of salvation, and fruitfulness in heaven.” They almost compel us to pause again in the busy life provided by busyness in some seasonally busy times of the year to ponder God’s presence in those events of our lives. While continuing to live in hope and seeking peace and embracing joy, then loving others the way Christ has loved us.
Keep moving in your Advent pilgrimage and approach all the prayers and reflections from each of the weeks as pillars for living the Christmas message every day of the year. Be with it in this season of waiting and preparation to take you into a deeper relationship with Christ and inspire you even into the New Year to carry the joy and peace of this Advent moment forward from day to day. May Christ’s love fill your heart and home, while the hope of His return lies a good foundation for you to spend each day with expectancy and faith.