PRAYERS FOR ADVENT

These prayers, faithful translations of the Latin Collects, or opening prayers, may be
said every evening when the Advent wreath is lit.

First Week

Stir up thy power, O Lord, and come, 
that by thy protection we may be rescued 
from the dangers that beset us through our sins; 
and be a Redeemer to deliver us; 
Who livest and reignest with God the Father 
in the unity of the Holy Sp[rit, 
ever one God, world without end.

Amen.

In English-speaking countries, 
this Sunday was called "Stirrup Sunday", 
because the "stir-up" of the Collect was the signal 
to begin to "stir-up" the fruits 
for the baking of Christmas cakes and puddings.


Second Week

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the paths of thine Only-begotten Son: 
that we may worthily serve thee with hearts purified by His coming: 
Who livest and reignest with God the Father 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 
ever one God, world without end.

Amen.

Third Week

We beseech thee to listen to our prayers, O Lord, 
and by the grace of thy coming enlighten our darkened minds: 
Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 
one God forever and ever. 

Amen.

On the third Sunday in Advent, Gaudete Sunday, 
the Church can no longer contain her joyful longing for the coming of the Savior. 
We light the rose candle and rejoice that our redemption is so close at hand. 
Gaudete comes from the Latin Antiphon, 
which begins, "Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.." 
[Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice...]. 
On this day, rose-colored vestments are worn, 
and flowers may decorate the chancel of the church.

Fourth Week

Pour forth thy power, O Lord, and come: 
Assist us by that mighty power, 
so that by thy grace and merciful kindness 
we may swiftly receive the salvation that our sins impede:
Who livest and reignest with thee 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, 
ever one God, world without end.

Amen.