What is the prayer for the 4 candles of Advent?
This prayer guide blends elements from the Book of Common Prayer, the Catholic Roman Missal, and Protestant liturgies. It is suitable for family or small group devotions. (Note: Traditional practices may vary by denomination, so please follow your local church’s guidance.)
Advent Candle Prayers (Based on Ecumenical Traditions)
Week 1: Candle of Hope (Purple)
Theological Basis: Isaiah 9:2-7
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.”
Prayer:
“Everlasting Father,
In this first week of Advent, we light the purple candle symbolizing hope.
Awaken our hearts, just as You spoke through the prophet Isaiah about the coming of Christ.
Help us trust in Your promises as we wait, preparing our hearts to welcome the Savior.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
Family Practice Suggestion:
After reading Isaiah 9:2, take turns sharing one thing you are eagerly hoping for this year and pray for it.
Week 2: Candle of Peace (Purple)
Theological Basis: Luke 2:14
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!”
Prayer:
“Prince of Peace,
We light the second purple candle to remember the peace You brought into the world.
Calm the storms in our lives,
Unite our families and communities with Your love, becoming witnesses to Your peace.
Amen.”
Cultural Background:
In medieval monasteries, monks would fast and meditate in the second week, following Mary’s example of obedience in a world of turmoil.
Week 3: Candle of Joy (Pink)
Theological Basis: Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus,
The pink candle this week proclaims that joy is near!
Remove our worries,
Let us rejoice like the shepherds did when they heard the good news,
Living lives of gratitude and praise as we wait.
Amen.”
Fun Fact:
The term “Gaudete Sunday” (Joy Sunday) comes from Latin. During medieval times, the church allowed a break from fasting on this day, and believers could even enjoy sweet treats in celebration.
Week 4: Candle of Love (Purple)
Theological Basis: 1 John 4:9-10
“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.”
Prayer:
“God of Love,
The fourth candle reminds us of the sacrificial love You gave us in Christ.
Teach us to love one another,
Reflecting Your grace and becoming vessels of Your mercy in this broken world.
Amen.”
Action Challenge:
Use the light of the fourth candle to illuminate a piece of paper, and write down one specific act of love you will practice (such as visiting a lonely neighbor).
Week 5: Christ Candle (White)
Theological Basis: John 1:4-5
“In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Prayer:
“Word made flesh,
We light this white candle to celebrate the birth of Christ, who dispels the darkness!
May Your true light guide our path until Your glorious return.
Amen.”
Tradition Tip:
Some Protestant churches do not light the fifth candle, while Catholic and Anglican traditions typically retain this practice.
Symbolism of Advent Candles (With Authoritative Data Support) 1.Color Code
(Source: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops)
- Purple: Represents repentance, preparation, and royal dignity (dominant color of Advent).
Theological Meaning: Christ is the King of Kings, symbolized by purple, echoing the purple robe Pilate placed on Jesus (John 19:2).
- Pink: Used only in the third week, signifying joy breaking through the fasting period (from the Latin Gaudete, meaning “rejoice”).
- White: Used exclusively on Christmas Day, symbolizing purity and Christ’s victory.
Wreath Design
- Circular: Represents God’s eternal love, with no beginning or end.
- Evergreen: Pine or fir branches represent the hope of eternal life (still green even in the coldest of winters).
- Four Candles: Evenly spaced, representing the sacred rhythm of time.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Denominational Differences
- Catholic: Strictly follows the purple/pink color scheme, lighting the white candle on Christmas Eve.
- Lutheran: May use blue to symbolize hope (originating from Swedish tradition).
- Eastern Orthodox: The Advent period lasts 40 days, with different candle numbers and order.
Safety Tips
- Choose lead-free cotton wick candles to avoid harmful fumes.
- Keep candles away from children and pets, and use non-flammable candle holders (metal or ceramic are best).
Prayer Usage Disclaimer
These prayers are adapted from the Book of Common Prayer (public domain) and universal church traditions, and can be adjusted for individual devotional needs.
Let Tradition Illuminate Modern Life
Advent candles aren’t just a ritual; they act as “spiritual anchor points” against the tide of consumerism. Whether you read ancient prayers or set a candle reminder on your phone, the key is letting the waiting heart become a little light in the darkness.