Presider: As we begin this season of watchful waiting, let us bring our prayers before the Lord who comes to us in light.
For Pope Leo and all who keep watch over the Church: that they may lead with wisdom and courage, guiding us to walk together in the paths of the Lord.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.
For our community of faith: that our lives may express the hope of Advent, waiting with joyful expectation for Christ’s return, neither sleepwalking through our days nor anxious in our watching, but awake with love.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.
For all who have lost hope: for those exhausted by disappointment, wearied by waiting, or sitting in darkness—that they may be embraced by the Light of the World and find strength to embrace that light in return.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.
For those in material or spiritual need: that this Advent season may make their cry audible to our hearts and to our communities, and bring the response they need.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.
For those who keep watch through their work: soldiers standing guard, firefighters on call, nurses through long nights, caregivers keeping vigil—that they may know they do not watch alone, and that Christ is their armor and their rest.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.
For ourselves: that in awaiting Christ’s coming, we may remain open to his presence in those around us, recognizing him in our brothers and sisters.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.
For peace in our world: that nations may stream toward justice rather than violence, beating swords into plowshares, and that peace may begin in our own hearts, our own homes, our own walls.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.
For those who have died: that they may find their feet set within the gates of the eternal Jerusalem, rejoicing in the house of the Lord forever.
Lord, hear us.
All: Lord, graciously hear us.
Presider: God of all watchfulness, hear the prayers of your household as we prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son, who lives and reigns with you forever and ever. Amen.
Want to understand the scriptural foundations of these intercessions? Read the full Biblical Background →
Looking for a contemplative practice to carry these prayers into your week? Experience the Watchman’s Vigil →
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