Here is a set of Advent candle-lighting prayers written by Katherine Hawker and posted on her excellent website, Liturgy Outside the Box.
Katherine writes: “These prayers were a response to the violence erupting in our world and should be tailored to fit the context in which they are used.”
Advent 1: Peace in our World
On this first Sunday of Advent, we pray for peace in our world.
Headlines from the news this week (add appropriate headlines)
Peacemaking God, we turn to you in prayer. The world around us trumpets violence and destruction. Nations know war all too well. Your invitation to carry an olive branch seems ludicrous as the call to arms is sounded. Help us to seek your reconciliation.
(Light one purple/blue candle)
Advent 2: Peace with the Earth
On this second Sunday of Advent, we pray for peace with the earth.
Headlines from the news this week (add appropriate headlines)
Peacemaking God, we turn to you in prayer. The earth groans under the weight of its human inhabitants. Our trail is too often measured by its destruction. The love you share for all of your creation atrophies in our hands. Help us to seek your harmony.
(Light two purple/blue candles)
To see her prayers for the other two Sundays (Advent 3: Peace in our relationships and Advent 4: Peace within ourselves), click here.
For a different set of candle-lighting prayers written by Katherine Hawker, click here.
For more worship resources for the season of Advent, see this index of Advent Worship Resources, or click on Advent 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. For Christmas worship resources, see this index of Christmas Worship Resources.
