Stay AwakeAdvent Prayer

READER 1: In the first week of Advent we are reminded to ‘stay awake’ and ready for the coming of Jesus. As we light the first candle on our Advent wreath let us remember that Jesus is the light of our world. May we always be ready to welcome him into our lives.

The first candle is lit

ALL : O Wisdom,

You govern all creation with your strong yet tender care;O come and show your people the way to salvation.

READER 2: In the second week of Advent we are reminded to prepare a way for the Lord. As we light the second candle on our Advent wreath let us remember that Jesus is the light of our

world. May we always prepare a way for him in our lives.The second candle is lit

ALL:O King of All the Nations,

The only joy of every human heart,Your are the keystone of the arch, binding two halves into one;O come and save humankind whom you fashioned out of clay.

READER 3: In the third week of Advent we are reminded to bring good news to the poor. As we light the third candle on our Advent wreath let us remember that Jesus is the light of our world.

May we always see his face in the poor.The third candle is lit

ALL: O Key of David,O royal power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of heaven;

O come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death; and lead your captive people into freedom.

READER 4: In the fourth week of Advent we are reminded of the angel’s words to Mary, that nothing is impossible with God. As we light the fourth candle on our Advent wreath, let us

remember that Jesus is the light of our world. May we always trust that he will bring new hope to our troubled world.

The fourth candle is lit

ALL:O Rising Son,

Splendour of eternal light, sun of justice;O come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

IntercessionsLEADER: Let us now remember all those who are longing for God to help and save them: the

poor, the sick and all those in any kind of trouble. The ‘O’ in all of these prayers is a cry of longing for God’s help.

LEADER: O Wisdom, you are the holy Word of God.

ALL: O Come and teach us the way of wisdom!

LEADER: O Lord and Leader,ALL: O Come and save us!

LEADER: O Flower from the stem of Jesse,ALL: O Come, save us and do not delay!

LEADER: O Key of David,ALL: O Come, break our chains and set us free!

LEADER: O Rising Sun,ALL: O Come and bring light to all who live in darkness

LEADER: O King of all nations,ALL: O Come, save us whom you made out of clay!

LEADER: O Emmanuel, God with us,ALL: O Come and set us free!

ALL:O Flower of Jesse’s Stem,

You have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;Kings stand silent in your presence;

The nations bow down in worship before you;O come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.