Prayers for Advent
Advent Prayers for Every Day of Advent 2026
A short Catholic prayer for each of the 26 days of Advent 2026, from the First Sunday to Christmas Eve, with a candle prayer for every Sunday of the wreath
Advent prayers ask Jesus to come: at Christmas, into our lives today, and in glory on the last day.
Lord Jesus Christ,
you were born for us in Bethlehem,
you will return in glory on the last day,
and every day in between you come to us quietly:
in your word, in the Eucharist, and in the people around us.
These weeks go by so fast.
Slow me down enough to notice you.
Clear out what has piled up in my heart,
and make room there for you.
Where I am tired, keep me watching;
where I am afraid, give me hope.
Remember everyone who waits in the dark this year:
the sick, the grieving, the lonely,
and all who are far from home.
Holy Mary, who waited for him with faith,
pray for me, so I can wait with you.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
The oldest and shortest comes from the last page of the Bible, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20), which the first Christians also prayed in Aramaic as “Maranatha” (“Our Lord, come”). Below is a short Catholic prayer for each of the 26 days of Advent 2026, from the First Sunday on November 29 to Christmas Eve, each with a line from that day’s Gospel, and a candle prayer for each Sunday of the Advent wreath: a daily Advent devotional you can pray in a minute.
Go deeper
Advent 2026, week by week
2 min readAdvent 2026 has 26 days, from Sunday, November 29, to Thursday, December 24.
Advent 2026 has 26 days, from Sunday, November 29, to Thursday, December 24. Below is a short prayer for each one, with a line from that day’s Gospel at Mass, and on each Sunday a prayer for lighting the next candle of the wreath.
- Week 1: Watch (November 29 to December 5): the First Sunday, the candle of hope.
- Week 2: Prepare the way (December 6 to 12): the Second Sunday, the candle of peace; the Immaculate Conception on December 8; Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12.
- Week 3: Rejoice (December 13 to 19): Gaudete Sunday, the rose candle of joy. From December 17 the Church sings the O Antiphons, one each evening.
- Week 4: Emmanuel (December 20 to 24): the Fourth Sunday, the candle of love, and the last days before Christmas.
Pray each one in the morning, at the table, or by the wreath at night; a minute is enough. Most weekday prayers say “I”: pray them that way alone, and at the table let one person lead (saying “we” is fine) while everyone answers the last line, “Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.” If you miss a day, simply pray today’s. What Advent is, and why it is violet, is on our page on the season of Advent; for the fridge, there is a printable Advent calendar.
Day 1 · November 29 · First Sunday of Advent prayer
1 min readLight the first violet candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of hope.
Light the first violet candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of hope. In today’s Gospel (Mark 13:33–37) Jesus ends with one word for everyone: “And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch.” Pray this once the candle is lit, alone or with everyone at home.
Lord Jesus, we light one small flame tonight,
and the dark around it is still large.
Let this be the light of our hope:
not that everything will go our way,
but that you are coming, and you keep your word.
Keep us awake for you, these four weeks
and until you come again in glory.
When we grow tired, let this candle remind us
that you have not forgotten us.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Which candle is lit on which Sunday, why one is rose, and what each one stands for: see our Advent wreath guide. If you have no wreath, one candle on the table is enough.
Day 2 · November 30 · St. Andrew
1 min readThe feast of St. Andrew, the fisherman who brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus.
The feast of St. Andrew, the fisherman who brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. In the Gospel (Matthew 4:18–22) Jesus calls them from their nets: “Come ye after me, and I will make you to be fishers of men.”
Lord Jesus, you walked along the shore
and called two brothers away from their nets.
Call me, too, while I am busy with ordinary things.
Thank you for the people who first brought me to you;
bless them today, wherever they are.
Give me Andrew’s quick yes,
and one day let me lead another person to you,
as he led his brother.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Today many Catholics also begin the St. Andrew Christmas novena, one short prayer said fifteen times a day until Christmas Eve.
Day 3 · December 1 · What the little ones see
1 min readJesus rejoices that the Father shows himself to little ones (Luke 10:21–24), and says to his disciples: “Blessed are the eyes that see the things which you see.”
Jesus rejoices that the Father shows himself to little ones (Luke 10:21–24), and says to his disciples: “Blessed are the eyes that see the things which you see.”
Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
you show yourself to the little ones,
to those who come with empty hands.
I have nothing much to bring you today.
Open my eyes to the quiet good you are doing around me,
and teach me to give thanks first, and ask second.
Give me the eyes of a child this Advent.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 4 · December 2 · Seven loaves
1 min readA hungry crowd on a hillside, and Jesus asks his disciples: “How many loaves have you? But they said: Seven, and a few little fishes” (Matthew 15:34).
A hungry crowd on a hillside, and Jesus asks his disciples: “How many loaves have you? But they said: Seven, and a few little fishes” (Matthew 15:34). In his hands it is enough for everyone.
Lord Jesus, a tired, hungry crowd stood in front of you,
and your heart went out to them.
Look at me that way today.
What I can offer seems small:
a little time, a little patience, a little money.
Take it as it is.
In your hands, let it be enough for someone.
And on the days when I am the hungry one,
feed me yourself.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 5 · December 3 · The house on the rock
1 min readNot everyone who says “Lord, Lord” enters the kingdom, Jesus says; the one who hears his words and does them is like “a wise man that built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24).
Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” enters the kingdom, Jesus says; the one who hears his words and does them is like “a wise man that built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24). Today is also the memorial of St. Francis Xavier, who carried the Gospel to India and Japan.
Lord Jesus, saying “Lord, Lord” comes easily to me.
Help me also to obey you
in the plain duties of this one day.
Where my life rests on sand,
give me the courage to rebuild, one stone at a time.
When the rain comes and the wind beats on this house,
let it stand, because it stands on you.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 6 · December 4 · Do you believe I can?
1 min readTwo blind men follow Jesus into a house, and he asks them: “Do you believe, that I can do this unto you? They say to him, Yea, Lord” (Matthew 9:28).
Two blind men follow Jesus into a house, and he asks them: “Do you believe, that I can do this unto you? They say to him, Yea, Lord” (Matthew 9:28). Bring him today the prayer you stopped praying.
Son of David, have mercy on me.
You know the prayer I stopped praying,
the one I gave up on because the waiting hurt.
I bring it back to you today.
I cannot see the way through,
but you ask whether I believe you can do this.
Lord, I believe; make my small faith stronger.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 7 · December 5 · Freely give
1 min readJesus sees the crowds “lying like sheep that have no shepherd” and sends out the Twelve with these words: “freely have you received, freely give” (Matthew 9:36, 10:8).
Jesus sees the crowds “lying like sheep that have no shepherd” and sends out the Twelve with these words: “freely have you received, freely give” (Matthew 9:36, 10:8).
Lord Jesus, everything good I have was your gift.
I did not earn my life, my faith,
or the people who love me.
Make me generous with what I was given freely:
my time, my attention, my forgiveness.
Send workers into your harvest,
and if you want to send me, here I am.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 8 · December 6 · Second Sunday of Advent prayer
1 min readLight the first candle again, then the second violet candle, the candle of peace.
Light the first candle again, then the second violet candle, the candle of peace. In today’s Gospel John the Baptist cries out in the desert: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” (Mark 1:3).
Lord Jesus, we light a second candle,
and the light on our table grows.
John told us to prepare your way,
and so much in us is in the way:
old grudges, careless words, sins we stopped noticing.
Give our home your peace,
first between the people around this table,
then with everyone we find hard to love.
Make the road straight in us.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
December 6 is also St. Nicholas Day. This year it falls on a Sunday, so Mass is of the Second Sunday of Advent, but many families still keep his customs at home, like shoes set out the night before.
Day 9 · December 7 · Through the roof
1 min readFriends carry a paralyzed man to Jesus, and when the crowd blocks the door they go up on the roof “and let him down through the tiles with his bed into the midst before Jesus” (Luke 5:19).
Friends carry a paralyzed man to Jesus, and when the crowd blocks the door they go up on the roof “and let him down through the tiles with his bed into the midst before Jesus” (Luke 5:19). Today is the memorial of St. Ambrose, bishop of Milan.
Lord Jesus, you saw the faith of the friends on the roof.
Today I bring you someone I love who is stuck:
in illness, in sin, or in a sadness that will not lift.
I cannot get them to you by myself,
so I lower them down to you in prayer.
Look at them, and speak your word over them.
And give me friends like those,
who will not give up on me.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 10 · December 8 · The Immaculate Conception
1 min readThe Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: God kept Mary free from original sin from the first moment of her life, to be the mother of his Son.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: God kept Mary free from original sin from the first moment of her life, to be the mother of his Son. In the Gospel (Luke 1:26–38) the angel greets her: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.” In the United States it is a holy day of obligation.
Father, you chose Mary to be the mother of your Son,
and kept her free from sin
from the first moment of her life.
Her whole life was your gift before it was her yes.
When I feel too far gone to come near you,
remind me that your grace reaches me
before I have done anything to deserve it.
O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
What the feast means, and why it is about Mary’s conception and not Christ’s, is on our page on the Immaculate Conception.
Day 11 · December 9 · Come to me
1 min readJesus calls everyone who is worn out: “Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you” (Matthew 11:28).
Jesus calls everyone who is worn out: “Come to me, all you that labour, and are burdened, and I will refresh you” (Matthew 11:28).
Lord Jesus, you invite everyone who is worn out,
and today I am one of them.
December asks so much,
and I have been carrying it alone.
I give you the heaviest thing on my mind right now.
Teach me your gentleness, with myself and with others,
and let me find the rest you promised,
even in a busy week.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 12 · December 10 · Ears to hear
1 min readJesus praises John the Baptist and ends with a warning that is also an invitation: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).
Jesus praises John the Baptist and ends with a warning that is also an invitation: “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15).
Lord Jesus, you speak to me more often than I notice:
in your word, in my conscience,
in the people I would rather not listen to.
Forgive me for walking past you so often.
Give me ears to hear you this Advent,
and do not let me miss you
when you come in the plainest disguise.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 13 · December 11 · Nothing pleases us
1 min readJesus compares his generation to children in the marketplace who will join no game: “We have piped to you, and you have not danced: we have lamented, and you have not mourned” (Matthew 11:17).
Jesus compares his generation to children in the marketplace who will join no game: “We have piped to you, and you have not danced: we have lamented, and you have not mourned” (Matthew 11:17).
Lord Jesus, I can be hard to please.
When you invite me to joy, I find reasons to hold back;
when you call me to repent, I find reasons to wait.
Forgive me for judging the people you send me.
You sat at table with sinners;
sit with me, too.
And the next time you play the music of your invitation,
let me get up and dance.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 14 · December 12 · Our Lady of Guadalupe
1 min readThe feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared to St. Juan Diego near Mexico City in 1531 and is honored as patroness of the Americas.
The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who appeared to St. Juan Diego near Mexico City in 1531 and is honored as patroness of the Americas. In the Gospel (Luke 1:39–47), “Mary rising up in those days, went into the hill country with haste” to her cousin Elizabeth.
Holy Mary, Our Lady of Guadalupe,
you hurried over the hills to help your cousin,
and centuries later you came to a poor man on a hillside
and spoke to him as a mother.
Find me on the road I am on today.
Look after all who are far from home this Advent,
every mother waiting for a child,
every family that is struggling.
Bring us all to your Son.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
The nine days before the feast, December 3 to 11, are kept as the Our Lady of Guadalupe novena.
Day 15 · December 13 · Gaudete Sunday prayer
1 min readLight the two violet candles and then the rose candle, the candle of joy.
Light the two violet candles and then the rose candle, the candle of joy. This is Gaudete Sunday, named for the first word of the day’s entrance antiphon, from St. Paul: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4). In the Gospel (John 1:6–8, 19–28) John the Baptist says of himself: “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness.”
Lord Jesus, today the Church tells us to rejoice,
and the rose candle burns among the violet.
Not everything is ready, and not everything is well,
but you are near, and that is reason enough to be glad.
Give us the joy of John,
who was content to be only the voice.
Make our home a place where joy is easy to find this week.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 16 · December 14 · An honest answer
1 min readThe chief priests ask Jesus, “By what authority dost thou these things?”
The chief priests ask Jesus, “By what authority dost thou these things?” (Matthew 21:23). When he asks them about John’s baptism, they weigh what each answer would cost them and reply: “We know not.” Today is the memorial of St. John of the Cross.
Lord Jesus, you answered every honest question,
but you would not be trapped by those who came to test you.
Make me honest with you.
When I hedge and say “I don’t know”
because the truth would cost me,
show me that the cost is worth it.
St. John of the Cross, who loved God in the dark,
pray for me when I cannot feel him near.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 17 · December 15 · He said no, then went
1 min readA father asks his two sons to work in his vineyard.
A father asks his two sons to work in his vineyard. The first refuses, “But afterwards, being moved with repentance, he went” (Matthew 21:29). The second says yes and never goes.
Father, you know the times I have said no to you,
and the times I said yes and never moved.
Thank you for giving me time to change my mind.
Turn my heart again today.
Whatever I keep putting off for you, let me do it now:
the call, the apology, the confession I keep postponing.
Ten days remain until Christmas;
let me spend them in your vineyard.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
If the confession is the thing you keep postponing, even after many years away, parishes add extra times in these last weeks; here is how to go to confession, step by step.
Day 18 · December 16 · Are you the one?
1 min readFrom prison, John the Baptist sends two disciples to ask Jesus: “Art thou he that art to come; or look we for another?”
From prison, John the Baptist sends two disciples to ask Jesus: “Art thou he that art to come; or look we for another?” (Luke 7:19). Jesus answers with what he is doing: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor hear the good news.
Lord Jesus, even John had his question,
and he was not afraid to send it to you.
If part of me is still asking whether you are the One,
I bring that question to you, too.
Answer me as you answered him:
show me the signs of your work in the people around me,
and keep me faithful while I wait.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 19 · December 17 · O Wisdom
1 min readFrom today until December 23 the Church sings the O Antiphons at Evening Prayer, the prayer she says as the day ends: seven short verses, one each evening, each calling on Christ by one of his Old Testament titles.
From today until December 23 the Church sings the O Antiphons at Evening Prayer, the prayer she says as the day ends: seven short verses, one each evening, each calling on Christ by one of his Old Testament titles. If you know the carol “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” you already know them: its verses are built on them. Tonight’s is O Sapientia, O Wisdom. The Gospel (Matthew 1:1–17) is the family tree of Jesus, down to Joseph, “the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”
O Wisdom of the Most High,
you were in no hurry:
you prepared your coming through generation after generation,
kings and shepherds, saints and sinners alike.
Teach me to trust how patiently you work,
in the world, in my family, and in me.
Where my life seems tangled,
show me the thread of your plan.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
The full text of each antiphon, in Latin and English, with a printable for the week, is on our page on the O Antiphons.
Day 20 · December 18 · O Adonai
1 min readTonight’s antiphon is O Adonai, O Lord, the God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush.
Tonight’s antiphon is O Adonai, O Lord, the God who spoke to Moses from the burning bush. In the Gospel (Matthew 1:18–25) an angel speaks to Joseph in a dream: “Joseph, son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife.”
O Lord, you spoke to Moses from the fire,
and in a dream you spoke to Joseph,
and both of them got up and obeyed.
Often I cannot see where you are leading me.
Show me the next step, only the next one,
and help me take it quietly, as Joseph did.
St. Joseph, guardian of the Redeemer, pray for us.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 21 · December 19 · O Root of Jesse
1 min readTonight’s antiphon is O Radix Iesse, O Root of Jesse, from Isaiah’s promise: “there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1).
Tonight’s antiphon is O Radix Iesse, O Root of Jesse, from Isaiah’s promise: “there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1). In the Gospel (Luke 1:5–25) the angel tells the old priest Zechariah: “Fear not, Zachary, for thy prayer is heard.”
O Root of Jesse,
from a family tree cut down to the stump
you made a green shoot rise.
Zechariah had prayed for a child so long
that he no longer believed it,
and still you answered.
Where my family or my heart looks cut down to the stump,
make something green grow there again,
in your time and in your way.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Many families trace this same family tree through Advent with a Jesse tree, one ornament and one short reading a day.
Day 22 · December 20 · Fourth Sunday of Advent prayer
1 min readLight all four candles; the last violet one is the candle of love.
Light all four candles; the last violet one is the candle of love. In today’s Gospel (Luke 1:26–38) the angel Gabriel brings God’s message to Mary, and she answers: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word.” Tonight’s antiphon is O Clavis David, O Key of David.
Lord Jesus, all four candles are burning now,
and Christmas is almost here.
Mary heard the angel, asked her question, and said yes,
and by the Holy Spirit you came to live within her.
Give us her trust tonight.
You who hold the key of David,
open what we keep locked:
the hurts we will not talk about,
the doors we keep shut to each other.
Let love be the last thing we prepare before you come.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 23 · December 21 · O Radiant Dawn
1 min readTonight’s antiphon is O Oriens, O Radiant Dawn, sung on one of the longest nights of the year north of the equator.
Tonight’s antiphon is O Oriens, O Radiant Dawn, sung on one of the longest nights of the year north of the equator. In the Gospel (Luke 1:39–45) Mary visits Elizabeth, who cries out that “the infant in my womb leaped for joy.”
O Radiant Dawn, you came hidden in Mary,
and a child not yet born leaped for joy at your nearness.
On these long nights, shine on us.
Shine on all who are in darkness today:
the sick, the grieving, those afraid of the morning.
Make me like Elizabeth, quick to bless and slow to envy,
and let me carry your light to someone, as Mary did.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 24 · December 22 · O King of the Nations
1 min readTonight’s antiphon is O Rex Gentium, O King of the Nations.
Tonight’s antiphon is O Rex Gentium, O King of the Nations. The Gospel (Luke 1:46–56) is Mary’s song, the Magnificat: “He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble.”
O King of all the nations,
you did not come with an army, but as a child,
and the first to sing about you was a young woman of Nazareth.
Bring peace between peoples who hate each other,
and between the people in my own house.
Lift up the lowly this Christmas,
and humble the pride in me.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
The whole of Mary’s song, and what each line means, is on our page on the Magnificat.
Day 25 · December 23 · O Emmanuel
1 min readTonight’s antiphon, the last, is O Emmanuel, God with us.
Tonight’s antiphon, the last, is O Emmanuel, God with us. In the Gospel (Luke 1:57–66) Zechariah, who has not been able to speak since the angel’s visit, writes on a tablet, “John is his name,” and his voice comes back.
O Emmanuel, God with us,
tomorrow night we keep the feast of your birth.
Zechariah’s silence ended when he trusted your word;
end the silences in me that come from doubt or fear.
Let my first words at Christmas be thanks,
and let your name be the one I say with all my heart.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Day 26 · December 24 · Christmas Eve
1 min read
The last day of Advent. In the Gospel at the morning Mass (Luke 1:67–79) Zechariah sings the Benedictus, and it ends with the promise of this night: “the Orient from on high hath visited us: To enlighten them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet into the way of peace.” “Orient” here means the rising sun.
Lord Jesus, Advent ends tonight,
and whether I kept it well or barely kept it at all,
you are coming just the same.
Be born in the middle of whatever is unfinished:
the half-wrapped gifts, the strained conversations;
and stay close to every home with an empty chair tonight.
Shine on us who sit in the dark,
and lead us on the road of peace.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
For tonight and tomorrow, see our Christmas prayers: a Christmas Eve prayer, a grace for the Christmas table and a blessing for the Nativity scene.
Short Advent prayers and an Advent grace before meals
1 min readFor the car, the checkout line, or the moment before sleep, the Church’s own Advent prayers are very short: “Come, Lord Jesus.”
For the car, the checkout line, or the moment before sleep, the Church’s own Advent prayers are very short:
- “Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20, on the last page of the Bible)
- “Maranatha”: “Our Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22; the Catechism explains it at CCC 671)
- “Shew us, O Lord, thy mercy; and grant us thy salvation.” (Psalm 84:8; Psalm 85 in newer Bibles)
- “Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain the just.” (Isaiah 45:8, sung in Advent as the Rorate)
And a grace for the family table on any evening of Advent, before or after the usual “Bless us, O Lord.” One person leads; everyone says the last line.
Blessed are you, Lord our God,
for this food, for the hands that made it,
and for the people gathered here.
While we wait for Christmas,
make us grateful for what we have,
generous to those who have less,
and quick to make room for anyone who is alone.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
Questions
What is the most popular prayer for Advent?
“Come, Lord Jesus.” It comes from the last page of the Bible (Revelation 22:20), and the first Christians prayed it in Aramaic as “Maranatha” (“Our Lord, come”; 1 Corinthians 16:22). Catholics also pray the Advent wreath prayers on the four Sundays, the St. Andrew Christmas novena from November 30 to Christmas Eve, and, from December 17, the O Antiphons.
What is the prayer for the first Sunday of Advent?
The First Sunday of Advent is November 29, 2026. Light the first violet candle, the candle of hope, and pray: “Lord Jesus, we light one small flame tonight, and the dark around it is still large. Let this be the light of our hope: not that everything will go our way, but that you are coming, and you keep your word. Keep us awake for you, these four weeks and until you come again in glory. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.” The day’s Gospel is Mark 13:33–37, where Jesus says: “Watch.”
What do you say when lighting the Advent candles?
Keep it short. Make the Sign of the Cross, read one line of that Sunday’s Gospel, light one candle for each Sunday so far, counting this one, say the candle prayer for that Sunday, and end with the Our Father. On weekdays, relight the Sunday’s candles and pray the prayer for the day. A family can do it in two minutes before dinner.
What is a good short Advent prayer?
“Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20) is the shortest and oldest. A short one for the morning: “Lord Jesus, this is one more day of waiting for you. Whatever comes today, let me meet you in it. Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.”
What prayer is not said during Advent?
At Sunday Mass in Advent the Gloria, “Glory to God in the highest,” is left out, so that it rings out again at Christmas with the angels’ song. The Alleluia stays; it is Lent that drops it. The Gloria is still said on the feasts and solemnities inside Advent, such as St. Andrew on November 30 and the Immaculate Conception on December 8 (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 53).
What rosary do you pray during Advent?
There is no special Advent rosary, but the Joyful Mysteries fit the season best: the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation and the Finding in the Temple. St. John Paul II suggested praying them on Mondays and Saturdays (Rosarium Virginis Mariae, 38), and many families pray them on other Advent days too.
What is an Advent devotional?
A short daily practice for the four weeks before Christmas: usually a Scripture reading, a reflection and a prayer for each day. This page is one, with a prayer for each of the 26 days tied to that day’s Gospel. The AngelGuard app has a narrated Advent plan for the evenings, “Come, Lord Jesus”: about nine minutes a night on the same Gospels, and a guided wreath lighting for each Sunday. The first night and the four Sunday wreath lightings are free.
Is there a daily Advent prayer?
Yes. This page has one for each of the 26 days of Advent 2026, from Sunday, November 29, to Christmas Eve, each tied to that day’s Gospel at Mass, and the four Sunday prayers are said at the Advent wreath. A minute is enough, morning or evening. If you miss a day, simply pray today’s; there is nothing to make up.
What do you pray from December 17 to 23?
These are the days of the O Antiphons, sung at Evening Prayer, each calling on Christ by an Old Testament title. Each day’s prayer on this page uses that evening’s title: O Wisdom, O Adonai, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David (on the Fourth Sunday), O Radiant Dawn, O King of the Nations and O Emmanuel. The antiphons themselves, in Latin and English, and the hidden message in their first letters, are on our O Antiphons page. The carol “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is built on them.
Keep praying
- Christmas PrayersFor Christmas Eve, the Christmas table, the blessing of the Nativity scene, and anyone who is alone at Christmas
- The Magnificat: Mary’s Song in Full, Verse by VerseMary’s song of praise from Luke 1:46–55 in the Douay-Rheims Bible: what each verse means, its roots in Hannah’s song, the Latin, and how the Church prays it every evening
- The Angelus Prayer: Full Text, When to Pray It, and the LatinTraditional midday prayer
A prayer from AngelGuard
Upcoming · Oct 28
Sts. Simon and Jude
See the full liturgical calendar — every feast this year, and an embed for your parish site.