Prayers for Advent
During the season of Advent, we seek to welcome Jesus into our hearts as Mary and Joseph welcomed him into their home. Prayer is one way that we can make ourselves more receptive to him.
“Make room for the divine Infant, for he desires to grow within your soul. The time of his coming is close at hand: let your heart, then, be on the watch.” (Dom Prosper Guéranger, 19th century Benedictine monk)
During the season of Advent, we seek to welcome Jesus into our hearts as Mary and Joseph welcomed him into their home. Prayer is one way that we can make ourselves more receptive to him.
“Make room for the divine Infant, for he desires to grow within your soul. The time of his coming is close at hand: let your heart, then, be on the watch.” (Dom Prosper Guéranger, 19th century Benedictine monk)
Advent Prayer by Henri Nouwen
Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day,
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!’
Amen.
Alma Redemptoris Mater
Loving mother of the Redeemer,
gate of heaven, star of the sea,
assist your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again.
To the wonderment of nature you bore your Creator,
Yet remained a virgin after as before.
You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting,
have pity on us poor sinners.
Marian hymn sung at the end of Compline (Night Prayer) during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Composed in the 11th century by Blessed Hermann of Reichenau (“Hermannus Contractus”).
O Jesus Living in Mary
O Jesus, living in Mary,
Come and live in your servants,
In the spirit of your holiness,
In the fullness of your might,
In the truth of your virtues,
In the perfection of your ways,
In the communion of your mysteries.
Come and subdue every hostile power
In your Spirit, for the glory of the Father.
Amen.
