Pray this first section every week followed by the prayers of the week:
Father: Our help is in the Name of the Lord.
Everyone: Who hath made heaven and earth.
Father: Let us pray, Oh God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth Thy blessings on this wreath, and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ and may receive from Thee abundant graces. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
[Bless the wreath with holy water on the First Sunday of Advent only.]
First week: One purple candle lit by youngest child.
Father: Oh Lord, stir up Thy power, we beg Thee, and come, that by Thy protection, we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and be saved by Thy deliverance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Second week: Two purple candles lit by oldest child.
Father: Oh Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare the ways of Thine only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with purified minds. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Third week: One rose and two purple candles lit by the mother.
Father: Oh Lord, we beseech Thee, incline Thine ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fourth week: All candles lit by the father.
Father: Oh Lord, we beseech Thee, stir up thy power and come and with great might deliver us, that with the help of Thy grace, Thy merciful forgiveness may hasten what our sins impede. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.