Prayers of the Faithful

First Sunday of Advent

Let us pray for vigilance in Advent, that we may bring optimism to our desperate poor and to people who remain drowsy with fear. Let us all remain awake and watchful. We pray to the Lord.

Let us see with new eyes in Advent, that our leaders within the Church may come to terms with our hurting children who have been abused by power and secrecy. We pray to the Lord.

Let us imagine a new world this Advent where we cease our violent words against one another, where we realize the consequences of hatred in our families and in our neighborhoods and within our politics and religion. We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for people who are ill during this Advent. That we may seek to help our sick in mind and body, that we may respect the dignity of those who cannot heal themselves. We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray for people suffocating from the anxieties of daily life, that fear may be replaced with joy in our search for Jesus-made-flesh. Let us lay down our burdens of regret and restlessness in our new liturgical year. We pray to the Lord.

Let us pray to lift up our souls to the Lord in Advent. That we may carry the needs of those who grieve, that our dead may find eternal rest in friendship with the Lord. We pray to the Lord.