The word Advent means "coming." During the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts once again for the arrival of Jesus. The following prayer celebration is penitential in nature. Use this liturgy as a non-sacramental opportunity to deepen awareness of the need for healing and forgiveness.

See Liturgical Calendar–Seasons–Advent for additional background information and prayer.


"Recognizing Our Sinfulness" Prayer Celebration Notes

Focus		Recognizing our sinfulness and choosing love
Materials		Prayer table with Bible and Advent Wreath or candle, and music
Reading		Isaiah 35:1–10
Music		"The Lord's Prayer," Blest Are We Music CD 4; "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," (VENI, VENI EMMANUEL, LM), "Prepare the Way," Christopher Walker (OCP Publications)
Preparation		Invite children to write a prayer to God, focusing their thoughts on forgiveness. Print out and photocopy the liturgy, "Recognizing Our Sinfulness." Select a leader, a Scripture reader, and a petition reader. Assign sides for the antiphonal reading of Psalm 40.
Adaptation		Invite children to suggest gestures they might use as they pray the Lord's Prayer together at the end of the prayer celebration.
Additional Materials		"The Lord's Prayer" Blest Are We Music CD 4 Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725). ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36655-7 Blest Are We Song Book Words and melody for children; contains music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36617-4 Blest Are We Accompaniment Book Contains accompaniment music for levels 1-8 ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36618-2