A Sunday Morning Prayer of Advent Hope

Holy Spirit, it is Sunday, and I need hope.

Not the wishful kind that crosses its fingers,
but the kind Your people held on to for centuries.
Hope that remembers what You have done
and trusts what You have promised.

This morning Your church is gathering everywhere.
In great cathedrals and small rooms,
in hospital beds and kitchen chairs,
we are all waiting for the same thing:
the coming of Christ.

Fill us with that hope today.
Fill those who lead worship, and every tired helper.
Fill the one who comes to church carrying bad news.
And fill me, where my hope has worn thin.

Let hope be the first thing I carry into this week,
and the last thing I let go of.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this on a Sunday morning in Advent, especially the first Sunday, when many churches light the candle of hope. It can be prayed at home before church, or in the pew while you wait for the service to begin.

A Verse to Hold On To

"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." — Romans 15:13 (BSB)