Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
First Sunday of Advent – November 29, 2026
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect  
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come, that by your protection we may be rescued from the threatening perils of our sins and saved by your mighty deliverance; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  (Gregorian Sacramentary, 6th Century)
Thematic Collect  
Gracious God, you are the Alpha and Omega, our beginning and end. May your Spirit kindle in us a spirit of readiness, that we might at all times and in all places be prepared for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For Advent  
God of new beginnings, in these days of Advent prepare our hearts and minds to receive your Word in ever powerful ways. By the power of your Holy Spirit, stir us to wait with joyful expectation for the coming of your Son. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.  
For God’s Presence 
God of light and life, shine the light of your presence into our lives during these weeks of waning daylight. Fill the darkness of this world with your love, that all people would see your glory and know that you are the source of all good things. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Christ’s Imminent Return  
Holy God, you give us signs of Jesus’ return. Help us to see and discern those signs that we would be prepared for his coming and be ready for his arrival. Let us not be complacent in showing love to others. Let us not be slow to act when we see a neighbor in need. Let us not fall asleep spiritually, but continue to listen and watch for Jesus each day of our lives, serving him in faithfulness and devotion. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Healing 
God of comfort, your healing touch transcends time and space.  Strengthen and console those who are anxious, grieving, lonely, ill, or discouraged in any way. [We pray particularly for …] Shine the light of your presence into their lives through the compassion which your people share with them.  Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Second Sunday of Advent – December 6, 2026
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect  
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of your only-begotten Son, that by his coming we may be enabled to serve you with pure minds; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect  
Gracious God, the Alpha and Omega, our beginning and our end, may your Spirit kindle in us a heart so willing to follow your Son, that your reign of righteousness and peace is made visible through our lives. We ask this through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For the Word
God of all comfort, strengthen all those who are weary and suffering that they might be renewed by your Holy Word, [especially those we name to you now. . . ]
Guide your church to speak words of grace, mercy, and hope into a world wracked with pain and angst. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.  
For Shelter 
Holy Father, as winter months bring colder temperatures in many parts of the world, work through your faithful people to care for those who are without adequate shelter. You are our dwelling place in all generations and we trust that you will provide shelter for the homeless, warmth for the cold, and food for the hungry. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.  
For Hope 
Creator God, all things wither and perish, but you are the source of life even out of death. Remind those who sit in deepest gloom and despair that they are not beyond the reach of your love. Speak your word of hope and reconciliation to those people in your world who abide in dark valleys of division, despair, and tyranny. Bring all people to the light of your joyous peace. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Preparing the Way of the Lord
Faithful God, you called John to prepare the way for Jesus, and you call each of us to do the same. Be with all the baptized, that we would continue to be strengthened through Word and Sacrament, attend to our relationship with you, and be bold in our proclamation of your saving love and desire for all people to know you. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Third Sunday of Advent – December 13, 2026
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect  
Lord Jesus Christ, give ear to our prayers, and lighten the darkness of our hearts by your gracious visitation; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gregorian Sacramentary, 6th Century)
Thematic Collect  
Gracious God, the Alpha and Omega, our beginning and our end, may your Spirit kindle in us patience and strength and endurance in the face of suffering, love and mercy toward our neighbors that reflects your own. We pray in Jesus’ name, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For Advent 
God of light and life, by the power of your Spirit and the light of your Word, enable us to continue our Advent waiting in faithfulness as we prepare to receive the one who is the Light of the World. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.  
For Regeneration
Holy Lord, in these early days of winter the creation groans with change. Some places in your world will begin to experience snow and bitter cold. Fields will lay fallow, trees and plants will no longer blossom or bear fruit. In other places, more moderate weather allows for growth and food production. Bring to each region the moisture, sunshine, and time of regeneration that is needed. Allow your people to experience that same rest and regeneration so that we would have strength for each new day. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.  
For Bearing Witness to God’s Love 
Holy Spirit, giver of faith, empower us to bear witness to your light and life in the wilderness places of your world – in war-torn countries, dilapidated neighborhoods, poverty-stricken lives, and in the empty and searching hearts that we encounter daily. Fill with your love and hope, those who are struggling with addiction and despair. Help us to be bearers of your Good News to all who need to hear a word of love. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Health and Healing 
God of strength, stir in us and make us aware of the needs of the whole human family. Help us to bring words of understanding, comfort, and hope to those who are unemployed, ill in body, mind, or spirit, or grieving. [We pray particularly for …] Keep us mindful that while most of us experience this as a time of joyful expectation, for many it is a difficult time of the year. Bring light to those who are in darkness so that the coming Christ would lift their hearts in joy. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.

Sola Publishing – Prayers of the Church
Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 20, 2026
Sola Online Worship Resource Site - © Sola Publishing: www.solapublishing.com
(permission is granted to active subscribers to reproduce and edit this sheet for local congregational use)
Prayers of the Day
Historical Collect  
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. With your great might, give us your help, that whatever is hindered by our sins may be speedily accomplished by your grace; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Gelasian Sacramentary, 7th Century)
Thematic Collect  
Gracious God, the Alpha and Omega, our beginning and our end, may your Spirit kindle in us patience and peace as we wait for the coming of your Son, and the humility and boldness to proclaim his reign. We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayers of the Church
For Faithful Witness
Emmanuel, God with us, through your Word you beckon all people to the light of your love. May your Spirit kindle in your church and particularly this congregation a desire and ability to carry the torch of faithful witness to a world in need of your message of hope and salvation. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Safe Travel
Protecting God, grant safe journeys to those who will be traveling in the days ahead. May they be blessed with joyful homecomings. Bring us all to peaceful rest as we find ourselves at home in your presence. Grant that as we celebrate the nativity of our Lord, that we would be filled with a renewed hope for the world you love. Let Christ’s love shine through us and illuminate a world in darkness and need. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.  
For Leaders  
Holy Lord, give your wisdom and compassion to all who rule and guide the nations of this world.  Through their wise leadership may your saving justice be made known. Put an end to violence and destruction in the world and let your peace reign in every corner of the creation. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.
For Those in Affliction 
God of healing and wholeness, grant the light of your healing presence to all who are suffering illness, loss, grief, or anxiety this season. Give to all in any kind of need the assurance of your life-giving presence during trials.  [We pray particularly for …]  Remind all who are facing troubles that you are God-with-us and that your promises of new life, here and now and in eternity, are trustworthy and true. Lord in your mercy … hear our prayer.