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A printable prayer resource · Advent 2026

Advent prayer guide for your city.

Four weeks of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love — praying for the people and streets around you as Christmas draws near. Use it alone, as a family, or as a church.

Christmas outreach ideas

How to use it

Each Sunday, read the Scripture and pray the prayer. During the week, pray for the people listed and say your city's name to God. Then do the one action. Five minutes a day is plenty — and it goes further with a few friends praying the same thing. If you can, take it on a prayer walk.

Week 1 · from Sunday November 29

Hope

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Isaiah 9:2

Jesus, Light of the world, shine into the dark places of our city. Where people feel hopeless this season, let them find hope in You.

Pray for

  • People who are lonely or grieving this Christmas
  • Anyone facing the season without enough
  • Your city by name — its streets, homes and leaders

This week

Write down three people you'll invite to a Christmas service, and pray for them by name every day this week.

Week 2 · from Sunday December 6

Peace

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Prince of Peace, bring Your peace to troubled homes, divided families and anxious hearts in our city. Make Your church peacemakers.

Pray for

  • Families under strain this season
  • Neighbourhoods and communities in conflict
  • Churches across the city to work together in unity

This week

Reach out to someone you've drifted from or disagreed with — a message, a card or a coffee.

Week 3 · from Sunday December 13

Joy

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10–11

Lord, let the good news of great joy reach every corner of our city. Give Your people courage and gladness to share it.

Pray for

  • People who have never heard the Christmas story clearly
  • Children and young people in your city
  • Every carol, service and outreach this month

This week

Give out your invitations by hand, or join a carol outreach. See Christmas outreach ideas.

Week 4 · from Sunday December 20

Love

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. Fill us with Your love for the people around us, and let many receive that gift this Christmas.

Pray for

  • Anyone who will hear the Gospel at a Christmas service
  • People who will be alone on Christmas Day
  • Those who serve: shelters, hospitals, emergency workers

This week

Serve someone who will be alone — a meal, a visit or a seat at your table.

December 25

Christmas Day

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Jesus, You came near. Thank You. Let everyone who heard the good news this season come to know You — and keep our city in Your light all year long.

Pray, then go.

Christmas is one of the few seasons when people who never think about church are open to it. Turn your prayers into invitations.

Christmas outreach ideas How to pray for your city