Advent is a time of hopeful waiting. It gives us pause in the movement of our lives to enter into the biblical story. We remember the long-awaited promise of a Messiah and its miraculous fulfillment. We come alongside the shepherds awestruck in a field, and Mary expectantly nurturing new life in her body. Like those who have come before us we wait with wonder, longing and rejoicing. This season leads us to look back, turn our thoughts inward, and cast our gaze forward. God’s long-awaited promises have arrived, are still forming and will one day be experienced in completion when Christ returns.

As we gather in our church communities over the next four weeks, this season offers us a rich opportunity to engage more deeply with Scripture. How is the shepherds’ story our story? What new life is stirring inside us, collectively or individually? How do the prophets’ words speak to our own longing for Christ’s return?

Here are four short prayers to help your church community enter into the biblical story each week. Make the words of Scripture (taken from the Sunday lectionary readings) the words of your own prayers. Let biblical characters help you voice your own anticipation of Christ’s arrival. And wait with eager expectation for the ways God will meet you during the Advent season.

Prayer of our Ancestors

Merciful God of Hope,


You fulfilled your promises to the patriarchs and matriarchs of our faith: Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob and Leah. Even in times of hardship you did not forget their descendants. “The time is coming,” you told your people, “Judah and Jerusalem will be rescued and will live in safety.” You set hope in their hearts. We continue to wait for your light to come in its fullness. We share in our ancestors’ hope as we ask with expectation, “Show us your constant love, O LORD, and give us your saving help.” Amen.


(Jeremiah 33:14a, 16a; Psalm 85:7)

Prayer of the Prophets

Merciful God of Peace,


Your prophets spoke of Christ’s arrival. John the Baptist cried out in the wilderness, “Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!” We also want to prepare our hearts for Jesus’ birth. We want to ready ourselves to receive Jesus’ peace in new ways, even as unexpectedly as meeting a gentle baby in a manager. As we wait in anticipation, let our “love keep on growing more and more.” Make our paths straight, leading us to Christ’s arrival, so that “the whole human race will see God’s salvation!” Amen.


(Luke 3:4; Philippians 1:9a; Luke 3:6)

Prayer of the Shepherds

Merciful God of Joy,


Your angels appeared to humble shepherds, tending their flocks at night. You often choose the lowly and ordinary to carry out your great plans. And with that comes great joy. After delivering the message of Jesus’ birth to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds returned “singing praises to God for all they had heard and seen.” Let us sing joyfully about your arrival. Let us wait with eager expectation for the one who will “bring good news to the poor.” Let us rejoice in the Lord always, for the Lord is coming soon! Amen.


(Luke 2:20; Isaiah 61:1a; Philippians 4:4, 5)

Prayer of Mary

Merciful God of Love,


Your plan was at work before anyone could perceive it. Even while Mary was pregnant, Elizabeth cried out, “You are the most blessed of all women, and blessed is the child you will bear!” Help us respond to Christ’s arrival with Elizabeth’s love and Mary’s obedience. Let us echo Mary’s words in our own lives, “I am the Lord’s servant” and “may it happen to me as you have said.” Turn our hearts to you so that we may receive you in love. Amen.


(Luke 1:42, Luke 1:38)