Holy Spirit School

#29 Ilang-Ilang Road, Cubao, Quezon City

Prayer Service – 1st Week of Advent

December 04, 2023

Introduction

Let us welcome God’s loving presence in our midst. In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Advent is a time of waiting. It is a time when we prepare our HEARTS for the coming of Jesus, the
Son of God. It is a call to a personal renewal, a change of heart. The Lord coming is a time of joyful
hope, a time of celebration. Before He comes, we must cleanse ourselves and prepare a pure heart.
We are called to examine our conscience and reflect on what needs change in us.

OPENING SONG: Advent Song

Blessing and Lighting of Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath is green, the color of new life and hope. Green reminds us of the newborn
Jesus, who came to show us the way to everlasting life. Green reminds us of the gift of new life we
received at baptism. Green also reminds us that we are people of hope, because God is always with
us, to raise us up when we are sad, when we are sick, and even when we die.

The Advent wreath has three purple candles and one pink candle. Purple is the color of kings
and queens. It is also the color of penance: the small sacrifices we make to welcome Jesus in our
hearts, in our neighbor and to prepare ourselves to meet him on Christmas day. Pink is the color of Joy.
It reminds us of the joy of meeting Jesus at Christmas.

Dear Father, we ask you to bless this wreath in the name of Jesus. You love us so much that you gave us
the gift of Your Son. We light a single candle to remind us of Jesus, who comes to us as Light of the
World.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 8:5-11

A reading from the gospel of Matthew.

All: Glory to You, Lord.

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. “Lord,” he
said, “my servant lies at home paralyzed, suffering terribly.” Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal
him?” The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the
word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell
this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he
does it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have
not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the
west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven”

The gospel of the Lord.

All: Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection:

The gospel is reminding us about humility and loving others. Like the centurion in our gospel, we, human
beings must have the humility and love of God in dealing with people. We acknowledge that we are
under the authority of God. When we are powerless, we need to turn to God who is powerful. How do I
see those little sacrifices in my life?

PAUSE FOR 10 SECONDS

Prayers of the Faithful

The Lord Jesus has called us to watch for the day of his return. As we enter this season of Advent, let us
come to the Father in prayer, watching and waiting for his beloved Son.

Let our response be: We wait in joyful hope.

1. For Pope Francis, bishops, and all our religious brothers and sisters, that they may continue to
bring the good-news of Christ's arrival for the salvation of all. We pray. (R)
2. For our government leaders, they may always follow God’s will and seek the welfare of those
under their care, especially the poor and the less privileged. We pray. (R)
3. For those who have been victims of injustice and oppression: May the spirit of Advent and
Christmas instill in their hearts thoughts of forgiveness and peace. Let us pray to the Lord. (R)
4. For all families, especially the ones who are undergoing severe crises: May the spirit of Advent
and Christmas help them rediscover the roots of their love and enable them to overcome all
difficulties. We pray. (R)
5. For all of us gathered, help us to remember the meaning and significance of Advent in our lives.
Help us to be a people of hope to others especially to the lost, least and last. We pray. (R)
6. Let us pause for a moment for our personal intentions. (R)

Closing Prayer
Christ, the light of all who love you, help us to get ready for your
birthday by preparing a room for you in our hearts. Let no selfishness darken our
homes. Let no ill feelings spoil our fun. Draw us closer together by showing us the way
to love you and others. Amen.

National Anthem

Panunumpa sa Katapatan ng Watawat ng Pilipinas

HSS Hymn