Advent Prayers for you from the Faculty–Week Two

We invite you to take a moment, center yourself and read this prayer–as we pray with and for you.

This Advent Week Two prayer was submitted by Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo, Jr., Columbia’s President and Professor of Practical Theology

Advent Reflective Prayer: “Rooted in Peace”

Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo, Jr.

President and Professor of Practical Theology

Opening Reflection:
Holy One, in this season of waiting and hope,
we pause to remember that peace is not the absence of struggle
but the presence of Your steadfast Spirit among us.
From the stump of Jesse, You bring forth new life:
a tender shoot that bears the fruit of justice,
wisdom, and understanding.
In this promise, we find the courage to wait
and the faith to work toward Your peaceable kingdom.

Prayer:
God of Peace,
You are the One who makes the wolf lie down with the lamb,
who turns fear into trust and enemies into neighbors.
We confess that our world often feels far from that vision—
our hearts restless, our communities divided,
our hopes dimmed by weariness and worry.

Yet Your Word reminds us:
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.

So we dare to hope again.
Let Your Spirit of wisdom and understanding
rest upon us.

Grant us counsel that listens before it speaks,
and strength that serves rather than controls.
May we see the world through the eyes of the Child
who leads even the fiercest creatures into peace.

When anxiety rises like a storm,
still our hearts with Your calm.
When anger burns like fire,
quench it with Your mercy.

When cynicism takes root,
plant in us the seeds of compassion.
Teach us to live as citizens of Your peaceable kingdom—
where justice and gentleness meet,
where truth and tenderness embrace,
where Christ, our peace, reigns in every heart.

Closing Petition:
O God of holy patience,
as we light the second candle of Advent,
let its steady flame remind us
that peace is both gift and calling.

Shape our lives to reflect Your harmony,
until all creation rests in the fullness of Your love.

In the name of the Prince of Peace,
we pray. Amen.

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