St Mary's Prays
Prayer
Advent always starts four Sundays before Christmas. This year, in 2024, Advent starts Sunday, December 1.
Advent prayers are a wonderful way for Christians to prepare their hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In prayer, we can access God's world and ask Him to ready our hearts the way He prepared all of history to receive the gift of His Son. Traditionally, Advent prayers are said on each Sunday of Advent while lighting the Advent wreath and candles.
Prayer for Lighting the First Candle - Hope:
"Loving God, as we light the first Advent candle of hope, we ask for your presence to fill our hearts and homes. May the hope of Christ's coming bring light to our darkness and renew our spirits. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
Building Communities & Resilience
In BCR this week we will continue to explore the character strength of ‘hope’ which links beautifully with the lighting of the first Advent candle representing ‘hope’. The following story will be shared and discussed with the students.
Story Reflection
- What do you think of the boy’s response to the businessman? Do you agree?
- What would the world be like without any hope?
- Why do you think it is important to have a hopeful mindset?
