Advent Intercessory Prayers
Advent is a time of waiting, preparing and praying. As you prepare for the coming of Christ, we invite you to join us in this season of prayer, reflection and hope. We pray that these intercessory prayers will help you enter more deeply into the rich meaning of Advent.
Advent 1 readings
Advent 1 readings
- Isaiah 7:10-9:7
- Micah 5:2-5;6:8-7:20; Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:39-45
Advent 2 readings
Indicate the readings for each week of Advent, including the first Sunday in Advent, the Second Sunday in Advent, and so on. This can be done with a table:
- First Sunday in Advent (December 1) – Isaiah 63:1-9; Psalm 80:2-7; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Luke 3:1-6
- Second Sunday in Advent (December 8) – Isaiah 66:13-14a, 16c-21; Psalm 96(97):1-3a.
Advent 3 readings
Advent 3 readings:
- Isaiah 2:1-5 (NAB)
- Psalm 97 (Responsorial Psalm)
- Luke 1:57-66 (Lectionary)*
Weeks 1 – 4 of Advent begin with a theme and then lead into songs that reflect that theme. These themes are based on the four Gospels and the series of Advent prayer intentions.
Advent 4 readings
Advent 4 readings: Week 4 – The Way of Joy
The text for this week is from John 15:1-11. Jesus says that he is the true vine and we are the branches. I have taken the liberty to paraphrase this reading here so that it may apply better for you in your life today, as well as a way to summarize its message:
- To live in joy does not mean living without suffering or difficulty; rather, it means learning how to be happy no matter what comes our way.
- It’s important to remember that God loves us just as we are but also wants us to grow spiritually and become more like him each day (the fruit of love).
- Our goal should be to bear much fruit because by doing so we will attract others into God’s kingdom (the fruit of peace).
Week 1 – Overcoming Darkness
Our prayer is that the darkness in our world will be overcome by a greater light—the Light of Christ. We pray that God’s light will shine through us and others, bringing new life even in the darkest of places.
Week 2 – The Way of Peace
The Advent season is a time for us to reflect on the importance of peace and tranquility in our lives. Peace is a gift from God; it is also a gift that we are called to receive, give, and share with others.
When we live in the Spirit of Christ who came to bring peace and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:19), we will find ourselves living in a world that seeks out conflict rather than cooperation. This means that if you seek after peace you will often be misunderstood as being weak or passive by those who do not know how to value it or understand its true meaning.
However, when we look at the life of Jesus Christ and see how he lived his life on earth as one filled with love and compassion for all people regardless of race or creed, then we can see how he modeled what it means to truly live in peace with ourselves while also making sure those around us are included in this gift as well!
Week 3 – The Way of Love
We invite you to pray with us this week for the way of love. We need to live our lives in a way that reflects God’s love for all people and creation. The highest commandment given by Jesus is “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). It is also the greatest gift (John 3:16), and without it there can be no peace in our world. As we pray, let us ask God to help us learn how to love better so that we may bring joy into each other’s lives and into His own heart!
Week 4 – The Way of Joy
- The Way of Joy
The way of joy is the way of the Lord’s strength, salvation, and reward. It is also His shield against temptation and trials. The joy of the Lord will protect you from all harm, but only if you let Him be your guide and teacher along this path!
Keep praying through the season.
As you continue to pray, remember that the liturgical season of Advent is not a one-time event but rather an invitation to enter into God’s action in our lives. Each day presents us with opportunities for new beginnings and new hope as we enter into relationship with God through prayer and repentance.
Keep praying through the season. Pray for the Church, that it may be strengthened in faith; pray for the world, that it may find peace; pray for your family, that they may be kept safe from harm; pray for yourself, so that you always stay close to God’s heart.
Conclusion
Advent is a time for us to reflect on the coming of Jesus and prepare our hearts for his birth. It’s also a season when we can ask God to bless us with peace, love and joy so that we might bring these gifts into the world. As you pray through this Advent season, try not to be discouraged by how much work it seems like there is left to do. Instead focus on what God has already done through Jesus Christ who came as Light into darkness so that everyone could see clearly again!