Advent Hope Rooted in Faith

Advent begins with hope—the quiet, steady light that faith ignites in the darkness. Hope is not wishful thinking; it is the assurance that God’s word is enough. In this season, we remember that Christ came as a child, vulnerable yet victorious, and we wait with confidence that He will come again. Faith gives birth to hope, and hope sustains us in prayer, even when the world feels uncertain.

Rita A. Simmonds captures this truth beautifully in her poem Praying with the Centurion. With each refrain—“Only say the word”—she reminds us that hope is not rooted in our strength but in God’s promise. This prayer echoes the centurion’s faith in the Gospel, a faith that trusted Christ’s word to heal and restore.

As we light the first candle of Advent, may this prayer guide us into a deeper state of hope, where every need, every longing, and every act of love is entrusted to the One who speaks life.

Praying with the Centurion

By Rita A. Simmonds

I pray at the foot of your throne,
“Only say the word and my soul will be healed.”
I pray with love and faith,
“Only say the word and all will be well.”
I pray with the angels and saints,
“Only say the word and the world will be saved.”
I pray for people far away,
“Only say the word and they will find grace.”
I pray for the hungry and thirsty,
“Only say the word and they will be satiated.”
I pray for the forgotten and lonely,
“Only say the word and they will be seen and heard.”
I pray for those dear to me who are distant from you,
“Only say the word and they will return.”
I pray for all my enemies,
“Only say the word and I will open my soul.”
I pray for all who’ve gone to their graves,
“Only say the word and they will awake.”
I pray for innocent sufferers,
“Only say the word and they will gain strength.”
I pray for those sick in body or mind,
“Only say the word and they will be cured.”
I pray through pain and uncertainty,
“Only say the word and I will keep praying.”