As the season of Advent arrives, Christians around the world turn their hearts and minds to the joyful anticipation of Christmas, preparing for the arrival of Jesus. Advent, derived from the Latin word for “coming,” is a time to reflect, renew faith, and embrace the spirit of hope, peace, joy, and love. Praying during Advent becomes a way to focus on the true meaning of Christmas amidst holiday busyness. Here are Advent prayers to help you prepare your heart for the season, with a prayer for each week.
Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, 29 November and runs to Christmas Eve. Many churches mark its four Sundays with a theme each: hope, peace, joy and love.
A Short Advent Prayer
For a busy day, or to say together before a meal:
“Come, Lord Jesus. As we wait for Christmas, make room in our hearts for You. Fill our home with Your hope, Your peace, Your joy and Your love. Amen.”
Advent Prayers for Each Week
If you would like to pray through Advent week by week, these are the 2026 Sundays and the prayer below that fits each one:
- First Sunday, 29 November: Hope. Prayer 1, A Prayer for Hope.
- Second Sunday, 6 December: Peace. Prayer 2, A Prayer for Peace.
- Third Sunday, 13 December: Joy. Prayer 3, A Prayer for Joy.
- Fourth Sunday, 20 December: Love. Prayer 4, A Prayer for Love.
- Christmas Eve, 24 December. Prayer 5, for patience and preparation, and then our Christmas prayers.
Many families light one more candle on an Advent wreath each Sunday as they pray.
1. A Prayer for Hope
During Advent, hope is the foundation of our preparation for Christmas. It reminds us to trust God’s plan, even when the way forward isn’t clear. This Advent prayer for hope is perfect for those seeking encouragement and renewed faith as they await the light of Christmas.
Prayer:
“Lord, as we begin Advent, fill our hearts with hope. Help us to trust in Your promises and find strength in Your love. May this season renew our belief that You are with us, guiding us through life’s challenges. Amen.”
Reflection:
As you pray, think about areas of your life where hope might be lacking. Ask God to strengthen your spirit, renew your trust, and guide you to a place of peace and expectation.
Here are some more prayers for faith and hope that you might find useful: Hope Springs Eternal: Prayers for Faith and Hope to Maintain Optimism.
2. A Prayer for Peace
Peace is central to the Advent message, symbolizing Christ’s arrival as the “Prince of Peace.” In a world filled with distractions and stress, this Advent prayer for peace allows us to welcome a sense of calm and inner harmony.
Prayer:
“Heavenly Father, bring Your peace to my heart this Advent season. Help me let go of worries and anxieties and trust in Your plan. May Your peace surround me and bring comfort to all who are in need this Christmas. Amen.”
Reflection:
Consider how you can make room for peace in your daily life. Create a quiet moment in your day to refocus, allowing God’s peace to settle your mind and heart.
Explore some more prayers for peace in this blog post titled 5 Prayers for Peace in Our Hearts and the World.
3. A Prayer for Joy
Advent is a season of joy as we await the birth of Christ, our Savior. The joy of Christmas is more than happiness; it’s a lasting, spiritual fulfillment that brings us closer to God. This Advent prayer for joy can help us reconnect with the beauty of Christ’s love.
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, fill my heart with joy this Advent. Let me see Your goodness in each day and celebrate the gift of Your love. May my joy be a light to others, especially those who need encouragement this season. Amen.”
Reflection:
Reflect on the sources of joy in your life and recognize them as blessings. During this Advent, seek joy in simple moments and find ways to bring happiness to others around you.
4. A Prayer for Love
The love of Christ is the ultimate message of Christmas, a season where God’s love is shared abundantly. This Christian prayer for love reminds us to let His love shine through us as we prepare for Christmas.
Prayer:
“Dear God, let Your love fill my heart this Advent. Help me to love others selflessly and to show kindness wherever I go. Let my actions be a reflection of Your love in this world. Amen.”
Reflection:
Reflect on ways you can show love to others this Advent. Small acts of kindness, like volunteering, listening to someone in need, or simply being there for a loved one, can demonstrate God’s love in profound ways.
5. A Prayer for Patience and Preparation
Patience is an essential quality of Advent, as we wait for the celebration of Christ’s birth. This Catholic Advent prayer for patience helps us slow down, reflect, and prepare with a focused heart and mind.
Prayer:
“Lord, as I prepare for Christmas, grant me patience. Help me to wait with anticipation and gratitude. Let my preparation be guided by a humble spirit and a grateful heart for all You have given. Amen.”
Reflection:
Ask yourself how you can prepare both spiritually and practically for Christmas. Use this Advent as a time to renew your relationship with God and to approach Christmas with a heart filled with gratitude and patience.
6. An Advent Prayer for the Family
Advent can be the busiest month of the year. This prayer is for bringing the family back to what the season is for.
“Heavenly Father, gather our family close this Advent. In the rush of the season, help us slow down, listen to one another and make room for You at our table. Heal what is strained between us, and let Christ be the centre of our Christmas. Amen.”
7. An Advent Prayer for Those Who Are Waiting
For many people, Advent comes in a hard season: a loved one who is ill, a first Christmas without someone, a prayer still unanswered. Advent was always a season for people who wait.
“Lord, Advent is a season of waiting, and I am waiting too. You know what I carry this year: the illness, the empty chair, the answer that has not come. Meet me in the waiting as You met Your people long ago. Let the light of Christ reach even here. Amen.”
Carry Your Advent Prayer to Jerusalem
If there is someone you are praying for this Advent, you can send that prayer to Jerusalem. Gabriel, our field representative, prints each prayer and places it by hand at the holy sites: the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives and the Garden Tomb. Placing your prayer at the Western Wall is free, and you can choose to receive a photograph of it at the site. Our team makes the journey every few weeks through Advent.
Send your Advent prayer to Jerusalem
Advent Prayer Questions
When does Advent start in 2026?
Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, 29 November, the fourth Sunday before Christmas, and ends on Christmas Eve.
What are the four themes of Advent?
Many churches give each Sunday a theme: hope, peace, joy and love. Traditions differ in the order and the names, so follow your own church if it marks them differently.
What is a short prayer for Advent?
“Come, Lord Jesus.” Those three words are among the oldest Christian prayers (Revelation 22:20), and they are the heart of Advent. The short prayer at the top of this page builds on them.
