Advent Wreath Prayers

Say this once, before you light the first candle. Often searched as “blessing of the advent wreath”.

Lord God, bless this wreath and everyone gathered around it. Its circle has no end, like Your love. Its green branches stay alive in winter, like the hope You give. As we light these candles week by week, make our home ready for Jesus, the Light of the world. Let this little table become a place of prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For any night you light the wreath. Often searched as “advent wreath prayers” or “catholic prayers for advent wreath”.

Father, we light this candle and remember that Jesus came into a dark world to be its light. However the day went, we stop here together. Forgive us where we’ve been impatient or unkind. Quiet our hearts and our house. Keep us waiting and watching for Christ, until the day every candle is lit. In Jesus’ name, amen.

One person reads, a child lights the candle, and everyone answers together.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined. Isaiah 9:2

Reader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Everyone: Come, Lord Jesus. Reader: Into our worries and our waiting, Everyone: Come, Lord Jesus. Reader: Into our home, our table, and our hearts, Everyone: Come, Lord Jesus. Reader: As this candle burns, make us people who shine with Your love. Everyone: Amen.

Week 1, November 29, 2026: the first purple candle, often called the Prophecy or Hope candle.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Lord, we light the first candle, the candle of hope. Long ago the prophets promised that a Savior would come, and You kept Your word. Where we’ve lost hope this year, light it again. As this little flame shines, remind us that the darkness never wins. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Week 2, December 6: the second purple candle, the Bethlehem or Peace candle.

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come out to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings out are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2

Lord, we light the second candle, the candle of peace. You chose little Bethlehem, a town nobody expected, for the birth of the Prince of Peace. Bring Your peace into the small and ordinary places of our life: this kitchen, this family, these tired hearts. Help us be peacemakers this week. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Week 3, December 13: the pink candle, the Shepherds or Joy candle. This Sunday is called Gaudete, “rejoice.”

For there is born to you today, in David’s city, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Lord, we light the pink candle, the candle of joy. The shepherds were ordinary workers on a night shift when the angels brought them the best news ever told. Surprise us with joy this week, even in the middle of ordinary work. We’re more than halfway to Christmas, and You are near. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Week 4, December 20: the last purple candle, the Angels or Love candle.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

Lord, we light the fourth candle, the candle of love. All four are burning now, and Christmas is almost here. You loved us enough to come close, as a baby in a manger. Fill this home with that love. Help us love each other well in the busy days ahead. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Christmas Eve: the white candle in the center. Some families keep lighting it every day through the Christmas season.

The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Jesus, tonight we light the white candle in the middle, because You are here. The waiting is over. God has come to be with us. Thank You for coming into our world, our mess, our night. Stay at the center of this family, this year and every year. Merry Christmas, Lord. Amen.

For lighting the wreath on your own: in an apartment, a dorm room, or a quiet house.

Lord, it’s just me at this table tonight, and one small flame. Thank You that I’m not really alone. You came for the lonely, the single, and the far from home. As I light this candle, sit with me. Fill this quiet room with Your presence, and let this Advent be a season of meeting You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For the other six nights of the week, when you light the same candles again.

Lord Jesus, we light these candles again tonight, on an ordinary weeknight in Advent. Thank You for today. Forgive what we got wrong. Keep us waiting and watching for You, and be the light of this home while we sleep. Amen.

The candles are out. The day is starting.

Lord, the candles are out and the morning is still dark. Before the day begins, I remember last night’s flame: Jesus, the true Light, has come. Go with me today, and let something of that light shine through me, in what I say and how I treat people. In Jesus’ name, amen.