Ancient, and not so ancient, prayers for Advent
Thus says the LORD:
“Stand by the roads, and look,
and ask for the ancient paths,
where the good way is; and walk in it,
and find rest for your souls.
But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’
Jeremiah 6:16 (ESV)
We live in the world between Christ’s two advents. We look back in faith to the salvation that Jesus accomplished through His life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Our operating system for this present world should be coded with love for God and neighbor. And, we look forward with the full assurance of hope to Christ’s return. There is far more to Advent than even the joyful anticipation of a wonderful holiday. Praying through Advent can bring us into a more intimate union with Christ and a joyful anticipation of His return.
Celebrating the ancient paths
The celebration of Advent (“arrival”) in the church calendar goes back to the 300s. There are collections of prayers and scripture readings for Advent that have survived since as early as 461 AD. It is encouraging to remember that followers of Jesus have been formally organizing their prayer and worship lives around both the first and second coming of Christ for at least the last 1500 years.
An ancient Bible reading system
Along these ancient paths can be found the collected weekly prayers and scripture readings of church fathers such as Leo the Great (461), Gelasius (492), and Gregory the Great (590). In 1073 AD, Gregory’s work was compiled into a formal guide for prayer and scripture reading.
According to Canadian pastor George Sinclair, “In 1549, as part of the English Reformation, Thomas Cranmer basically kept this ancient Bible reading system, in some cases adding a few verses. He kept most of the main prayers (Collects), usually editing them to make the Gospel clearer. He also removed some Collects and wrote new prayers that were gospel centred …” Cranmer wrote new prayers for the first two Sundays in Advent.
The first Sunday in Advent
This year, November 30, 2025
Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious Majesty, to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through Him who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and ever. AMEN.
Romans 13:8-14 and Matthew 21:1-13.
The second Sunday in Advent
Blessed Lord, who has caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast to the blessed hope of everlasting life, which You have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. AMEN.
Romans 15:4-13 and Luke 21:25-33
Themes of Advent prayers and readings
It is evident from Cranmer’s prayers that Jesus Christ must be lifted up as the center and fulfillment of all Christian faith and devotion, and that Scripture must, likewise, be held as central to the Christian’s understanding of God’s plan and purpose for His people, indeed, His entire creation.
His first Sunday prayer clearly connects Christ’s two advents, calling on believers to put on the armor of light. I also especially like the phrase, “and inwardly digest” God’s Word in the second Sunday prayer. Traditionally, the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love are celebrated during the four-week Advent season.
The third Sunday in Advent
O Lord Jesus Christ, who at Your first coming did send Your messenger to prepare Your way before You: Grant that the ministers and stewards of Your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready Your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at Your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in Your sight, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. AMEN.
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 and Matthew 11:2-10
The fourth Sunday in Advent
O Lord, raise up (we pray to You) Your power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore bound and hindered in running the race that is set before us. Your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through the satisfaction of Your Son our Lord, to whom with You and the Holy Spirit be honour and glory, world without end. AMEN.
Philippians 4:4-7 and John 1:19-28
The youngest and oldest Advent prayers
The third Sunday of Advent prayer is the most recent, having been completely rewritten in 1662, and is only 363 years old. Though some wording has changed, the fourth Sunday prayer is the oldest, dating back to Gelasius in 492.
Advent is a global celebration
Advent is celebrated worldwide through distinctive traditions.
In Mexico, Las Posadas is a much-loved Christmas tradition that commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph as they sought shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. In Spanish, the word posada means “inn” or “shelter.” Las Posadas reenacts their journey while bringing out deeply held cultural values of hospitality, community, and faith.
Strasbourg, France, is well known as the “Capital of Christmas.” The Strasbourg market dates back to 1570 and introduced features that European nations now celebrate in their varied Christmas markets. Handmade toys and ornaments are quite popular. The Strasbourg market celebration is rooted in giving back during the Christmas season, with one section dedicated to non-profit organizations and charitable projects. This reflects Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Lebanon’s Advent traditions focus on the spirit of generosity. Donating food and clothing to help those in need is a practice observed by many churches and families. Jesus’ words in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” are enacted in Christian communities throughout Lebanon. The Yule log is a unique feature of Lebanese Advent. It symbolizes family unity and the light that Jesus brings into the world: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
Advent as a worldwide celebration reflects the global mission and message of Jesus. At ANM, we are dedicated to helping take the message of Jesus to all nations, peoples, tribes, and languages, through the work of native missionaries. Join us in praying that every people group on earth will have the opportunity to celebrate both the first and future coming of Jesus.
