Prayers for Advent

Michael Perras, OFM

Contact Michael Perras, OFM

A Prayer for Advent

“Stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” – Luke 21.28

God of Hope,
The countdown Advent days have begun
and the frantic pace is settling in.
In these days of preparation when
demands seem more,
needs seem high,
and expectations seem otherworldly,
let us settle into hope.

Your hope, O God,
is not of gifts wanted,
chores done,
or cookies baked.
Your hope is about the movement of the heart,
how light settles into us this season,
and how we carry this light
as hope-bearers on the way to the manger.

In these Advent days
fill us with your hope, O God,
for it is the anchor of faith
and the response of love.
As each Advent day disappears
may we be renewed
as pilgrims on the way
to the Bethlehem crib.

Guide us, O God,
in your ways of hope
so, the frantic pace
may know moments of pause,
the demands
gain perspective,
the needs
met with kindness,
and the expectations
seen in perspective.

In this Advent season
we will gather with family and friends
in these moments
stir up in our hearts
hope
which leads us to the manger (not the malls)
where we will meet the Child – our true and lasting Hope.
Amen.

Another Prayer for Advent

“Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” – Luke 3.5-6

God of Peace,
Our world is so topsy-turvy
it always has been,
and yet you promise us
peace which is everlasting.

Our hearts may feel anything but peaceful
during this Advent time.
We have things to do,
people to see,
gifts to wrap,
and cookies to bake.
When our to do list grows too big
gently remind us
you came among us
to be our peace.

Your peace
is the deepest longing
in our heart.
Your peace
is what settles
our worries and fears.
Your peace
is always present
even when we do not know it.

As we settle into this season
may we be aware of those
who do not know peace and your peace:
those who are at war
and those who live in war zones,
those who are restless and disturbed
and those who feel helpless,
those who are isolated and alone
and those who are on the edge,
those who are hungry and homeless
and those who are seeking community.

Fill our hearts with your peace
so we may be messengers of peace
in our actions and in our words
in this season and beyond.

Your invitation to peace is the instrument
shaping our Advent path to the manger
where we meet the Prince of Peace.
Amen.

Photo Credit: Joanna Kosinska

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About the author

Friar Michael Perras, OFM was born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, the oldest of four. Along with his siblings he grew up in his parent’s grocery store where he learned about community and service. Brother Michael appreciates quiet moments of prayer, music, Lego, journaling, being creative in the kitchen, lingering meals, socks, collecting quotes and Christmas. One of his greatest joys is being an uncle and a Godfather. His favorite Saints are of course St. Michael, St. Francis and St. Clare. His favorite Bible story is Noah’s Ark and his favorite parable is the Lost Coin in Luke 15. Prior to joining the Franciscans, he served in several communities as a Youth Minister and Pastoral Assistant. Brother Michael holds Certificates in Youth Ministry, Lay Ministry, Liturgical Studies, and Spiritual Direction along with a Bachelor of Theology degree. He is a non-ordained Franciscan Friar (Brother), solemnly professed since August 2019. He is the Guardian (local leader) of the Franciscan community at The Mount, serves as part of the Retreat Team and is on the Canadian Franciscan Provincial Council.

Contact Michael Perras, OFM

Provincial Office
6455, avenue Louis-Riel
Montreal (Quebec)
H1M 1P1

Phone : 514 259-2542
communications@ofmca.com

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