L: Come, People of God, let us walk in the light of God!

All: We have come to God’s house, that we may learn God’s ways.

L: Now is the favorable time: now is the time of salvation!

All: We will put off darkness and clothe ourselves in Christ.

The first candle is lit.

L: The light of Christ!

All: Thanks be to God!

L: Let us pray.

All: Holy God, you have gathered us into your presence to praise and thank you. By the light of this Advent Candle, give us purpose and hope. Keep our  hearts awake and watching for the savior you promised, so that when he comes he may find us ready, occupied with the works of peace, and learning war no more. We ask this in his name. Amen.

L: Come, People of God, bless the God who does wonders!

All: Blessed be God, whose glory fills the earth!

L: Let us gather in harmony by God’s grace,

All: And be filled with peace and joy in believing!

Two candles are lit.

L: The light of Christ!

All: Thanks be to God!

L: Let us pray.

All: Give justice to the poor and meek of the earth, O God. By the light of these Advent candles, may we leave old ways behind and witness to the new thing you are doing on the earth, so that the peaceable kingdom you promise may be the inheritance of every creature. Through Christ the savior, we pray. Amen.

L: Come, People of God, return to the Lord rejoicing!

All: We come back singing, joy everlasting upon our heads!

L: Be strong, fear not! Here is our God!

All: Happy are we whose help is the God of ages!

Three candles are lit.

L: The light of Christ!

All: Thanks be to God!

L: Let us pray.

All: Gracious God, thank you for lifting the lowly and announcing good news to the poor. Together we wait in hope for the early and late rain of your mercy, for the harvest of peace. By the light of these Advent candles, make us ready to welcome the savior, and to receive from his fullness grace upon grace. We pray in his name. Amen.

L: Come, People of God, for God is ready to restore our hearts!

All: God gives grace and peace to all who wait in hope.

L: Here is a sign for us: a woman bears a child,

All: And she names him “God-is-with-us”!

Four candles are lit.

L: The light of Christ!

All: Thanks be to God!

L: Let us pray.

All: Gracious God, you send us dreams of angels, visions of salvation, hopes of peace. Give us the courage to welcome your message and to do your will. By the light of these Advent candles, may we learn to refuse evil and choose the good, giving testimony of your love  in all times and places. We ask in Christ’s name. Amen.

L: Let us pray.

Other prayers for candle-lighting

Holy God, you call us to your house

to grow in love together.

By the light of this Advent Candle,

make our joined hearts eager and strong.

Keep us on tiptoe,

watching for the One you are sending,

so that when he comes, we will greet him

with hands made holy by the works of peace.

We pray in his name. Amen.

L:  Come, People of God, return to the Lord rejoicing!

C:  We come back singing, joy everlasting in our hearts!

L:  Be strong, fear not!  Here is our God!

C:  Happy are we whose help is the God of ages!

The candles are lit.

L:  The light of Christ!

C:  Thanks be to God!

L:  Let us pray.

C:  Gracious God, we thank you

for the early and late rains of your mercy,

and for the harvest of peace that one day will come.

By the light of these Advent candles,

grant us the joy that never ends,

and give us courage to proclaim

good news to the broken-hearted,

release to captive, and justice to the poor.

We pray in Christ’s name.  Amen.

L: Beloved, come! Hear the promises of God!

All: The promise of comfort, the promise of strength!

L: The promise of peace!

All: The promise of light!

L: Our God is still speaking!

All: We long to hear God’s voice!

The candles are lit.

L: The light of Christ!

All:  Thanks be to God!

L: Let us pray.

All: Most merciful God,

by the light of this Advent Candle,

open our hearts to your Word

and set our open hearts ablaze!

Melt away our despair!

Refine in us a new hope,

new life, and new songs,

so that in this world you love

we might be the praise of your glory

now and forever! Amen.

L: Out of Bethlehem will come a savior!

C: From something small, something great!

L: Our shepherd is coming to gather us in!

C: We will live in safety: he will be our Peace!

The candles are lit.

L: The light of Christ!

C: Thanks be to God!

L: Let us pray.

All: Holy God, prompt our hearts

to leap for joy at the coming of our Peace.

By the light of the Advent candles,

help us also to find our way to each other.

May we welcome your life into our lives

and proclaim your justice to the world.

We pray in the name of Jesus,

who is coming soon. Amen