Since the seventh century, prayers such as the following seven prayers have been sung or recited over the final days of Advent.
Each prayer addresses God with “O” and a biblical name and concludes with a call for God to come. They remind us of the well-known Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” We are invited to pray these from December 17 to 23.
O Wisdom, holy word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet gentle care: Come and show us the way to life.
O God of ancient Israel, you showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: Come, stretch out your mighty hand to set all free in our time.
O Flower of Jesse’s stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples; rulers stand silent in your presence and peoples of all nations give praise. Come, let no earthly power or politics keep you from coming to the aid of those living in powerlessness and abject poverty .
O Key of David, Come, break down the walls for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and lead into freedom those trapped in all forms of oppression and slavery.
O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death in all its forms.
O Ruler of all the nations, the only joy of every human heart: Come and save all that you fashioned out of love and clothed in dignity.
O Emmanuel, gift of God and savior of all people: Come and set us free.