Advent Worship Litanies
Advent is a time of yearning and gestation, a season when God’s Spirit seeds our souls with what seems impossible. Each of these litanies invites lighting a candle to embody both the desire for something new and the affirmation of its coming. You may choose to use an Advent wreath or a single candle. Allow time both before and after the candle lighting for silent reflection on the questions in each litany. If you use these in small-group worship, after lighting the candle you may invite group members to mention one insight or idea that came to them during the silent reflection.
First Sunday of Advent
Say: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope” (Ps. 130:5, NIV).
Read: Psalm 130
Reflect: What are your deepest yearnings for yourself . . . for those around you . . . for your community . . . for the world?
[Silence]
Light a candle.
[Silence]
Relate: Invite each person to say one sentence about their thoughts during the silence.
Sing: “All Earth Is Waiting” / “Toda la Tierra” (UM Hymnal, #210)
Pray: God of our deepest hopes and stirrings, we come to you at the start of this Advent season with open and eager hearts. In the midst of the myriad voices that clamor for our attention, teach us by your Spirit to discern your voice. Beyond our own yearnings, help us recognize your yearnings for us and for all creation. May your name be praised in and through our lives this season. Amen.
Second Sunday of Advent
Say: “Nothing is impossible with God” (Luke, 1:37, NIV).
Read: Luke 1:26-38
Reflect: What does God promise to you and to the world that seems impossible at this time? What voices within us and outside us call things impossible? What is God’s Spirit saying?
[Silence]
Light a candle.
[Silence]
Relate: Invite each person to say one sentence about their thoughts during the silence.
Sing: “He Came Down” (The Faith We Sing, #2085)
Pray: God of eternal promises and unwavering power, thank you for all that is ours in Christ. We ask forgiveness for
the times we forget your promises and doubt your power to fulfill them. Like Mary and Joseph, we believe beyond what we can see, for nothing is impossible with you, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all that is and will be. Amen.
Third Sunday of Advent
Say: “Christ came that all may have abundant life” (based on John 10:10).
Read: John 3:16-17
Reflect: Who needs an expression of God’s love today? What places in your life and in the world need more abundant life?
[Silence]
Light a candle.
[Silence]
Relate: Invite each person to say one sentence about their thoughts during the silence.
Sing: “Star-Child” (The Faith We Sing, #2095)
Pray: God of ever-expanding love, we bring ourselves to you, and with us all those who are in need. We remember those who suffer due to illness, war, poverty, estrangement, injustice, or any other condition that steals the abundant life that you want for each of us. God of all creation, Spirit of redemption, may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, now and forever. Amen.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Say: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me” (Luke 4:18, NRSV).
Read: Isaiah 61:1-3
Reflect: What is God’s call for your life? What present
situations tug at you and call you to loving action?
[Silence]
Light a candle.
[Silence]
Relate: Invite each person to say one sentence about insights or thoughts or questions that came to them
during the silence.
Sing: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” (UM Hymnal, #206)
Pray: Unwavering God, the persistence of your call is matched only by the tenacity of your love. Your Spirit beckons us each moment, calling us by name. Help us to listen and follow with courage. In all things may we be molded in the image of the perfect servant, your son, Jesus the Christ. Amen.
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day
Say: The Eternal One says, “I am making all things new!” (Rev. 21:5, NRSV)
Read: Revelation 21:1-5
Reflect: What are the signs of God ushering a new thing in your life . . . in the life of those around you . . . in your community . . . in the world?
[Silence]
Light a candle.
[Silence]
Relate: Invite each person to say one sentence about their thoughts during the silence.
Sing: “This Is a Day of New Beginnings” (UM Hymnal, #383)
Pray: God of glad surprises and unexpected turns, you have blessed the world with a new beginning. We don’t want to miss out on this amazing gift so we come — ready to be made new, ready for a fresh start, ready for our lives to embody your reign. Live within us Holy One, Holy Three, blessed God of possibility. Amen.
From The Upper Room daily devotional guide, November/December 2009. Copyright © 2009 The Upper Room. All Rights Reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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