Advent is a season of waiting, and for many Christians a season of praying for peace. Its readings speak of swords beaten into plowshares and of a child called the Prince of Peace. Here you will find short Advent prayers for peace, a prayer for each candle of the Advent wreath and a simple form for the four Sundays of Advent.
In short: On Sunday evening, light the candle of the week, say one of the prayers and then stay quiet for a few minutes. In 2026 the Sundays of Advent are November 29 and December 6, 13 and 20.
Words from the Bible for Advent
they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 2:4. The prophet's vision of nations unlearning war is one of the best-known passages on peace in the Bible. In the Catholic lectionary, Isaiah 2:1-5 is the first reading on the First Sunday of Advent in Year A. In the other years, including 2026, it is read on the Monday of the first week of Advent.
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (9:5 in some Bibles). Christians read this promise as announcing the birth of Jesus, and many churches hear it at Midnight Mass or on Christmas Eve.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14. The song of the angels over the fields of Bethlehem, the moment all of Advent leads toward.
Bible text: King James Version.
An Advent prayer for peace
God, we are waiting for you.
We wait in a world where weapons are louder than words.
Keep us alert to those who suffer because of war today,
and patient with those who think differently from us.
Let what we hope for from you grow in us:
a heart that does not hate, and hands that make peace.
Come, and bring your peace into our time. Amen.
A prayer by Aurel for Cosmic Peace Prayers. You are free to use it, for example in a parish bulletin, a service or at the family table.
A prayer for each candle of the Advent wreath
First Sunday: waking up
The first candle is burning. We pause and look: at the places where there is war, and at the unrest within ourselves. Give us watchful eyes and an open heart.
Second Sunday: taking the first step
The second candle is burning. Where we have hurt others, let us take the first step. Where we have been hurt, do not let us grow hard.
Third Sunday: hoping
The third candle is burning. We think of all who are waiting for a ceasefire, for news of those they love, for a home. Do not let their hope come to nothing.
Fourth Sunday: receiving peace
Four candles are burning. Christmas is near. Make us ready to receive your peace and to pass it on, to the people beside us and to the whole world.
It also works without religious language: light the candle, think of a place where there is war, and quietly say this site's short prayer: "May there be peace in the cosmos. May there be peace within me. May there be peace here and now."
Eight minutes every Sunday of Advent
Every Sunday at 8 PM local time, people pause for eight minutes to pray or sit in silence for peace. In Advent this form fits well:
- Light the candle (1 min). Arrive, a few calm breaths.
- A Bible verse or the Advent prayer (2 min). Read slowly, twice if you like.
- Silence (3 min). Nothing to do. Let thoughts come and go.
- A name (1 min). Name a person or a place you wish peace for.
- The candle prayer of the week (1 min). To close, then let the candle burn.
The timer on our home page rings a soft bell at the beginning and at the end.
For parishes and groups
You may freely use the Advent prayer and the candle prayers, in a bulletin, an Advent service or a prayer group. Ready-made notices and a printable prayer card are on the material page. We only ask that you do not sell them.
Frequently asked questions about Advent prayer
When does Advent begin in 2026?
On Sunday, November 29, 2026. The other Sundays of Advent are December 6, 13 and 20. Christmas Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday.
What is a short Advent prayer for peace?
For example: "Come, and bring your peace into our time." Or the words of peace from Isaiah 2:4: "they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks."
Why do Christians pray for peace in Advent?
Advent prepares for Christmas, the feast of the birth of Jesus, whom Christian tradition links with the title "Prince of Peace" from Isaiah 9. Praying for peace in Advent takes that hope seriously: peace is not only a feeling, but something that comes and for which we prepare the way.
Can I take part without religion?
Yes. A candle, a few quiet minutes and a good wish for a person or a place are enough. The Sunday practice of Cosmic Peace Prayers is open to every tradition and to people without religion.