Short Daily Reflections on the "O Antiphons"
Below is a simple, quick, easy-to-use guide for individuals or families to pray and reflect on the "O Antiphons" each day from December 17-23.
You can do these in 30 seconds or 3 minutes.
You can use these in a chapel, at your home, at the dinner table, or around the hearth.
Each day includes:
the actual O Antiphon prayer used in the Church's Evening Prayer ("vespers" of the Divine Office) and in the daily Mass before the Gospel readings
and a short prompt for your reflection and prayer.
You can simply recite the O Antiphon and then take a few moments to ponder the prompt and talk to God about it in prayer.
December 17 - O Wisdom
O Wisdom of our God Most High,
guiding creation with power and love:
come to teach us the path of knowledge!
Reflect: What is something you are seeking God's guidance on in your life? Ask Him to come fill you with his Wisdom.
December 18 - O Lord (O Leader)
O Leader of the House of Israel,
giver of the Law to Moses on Sinai:
come to rescue us with your mighty power!
Reflect: Tell God about a trial you are facing and beg him, the Lord, to rescue you with his mighty power.
December 19 - O Root of Jesse
O Root of Jesse’s stem,
sign of God’s love for all his people:
come to save us without delay!
Reflect: Examine your conscience and tell God you are sorry for your sins. Ask Jesus, the Root of Jesse's stem, to save you from your sins that separate you from Him.
December 20 - O Key of David
O Key of David,
opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom:
come and free the prisoners of darkness!
Reflect: Consider the weaknesses and sins that imprison you--those faults you struggle most to overcome. Ask Jesus, the Key of David, to free you from them.
December 21 - O Radiant Dawn
O Radiant Dawn,
splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:
come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.
Reflect: In what ways might you feel you are in darkness-- unsure of where your life is going, why certain things are happening, and wondering where God is in the midst of it. Ask Jesus, the Radiant Dawn, to shine his light to guide you in your darkness.
December 22 - O King of Nations
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church:
come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
Reflect: God made us from the dust of the earth. And because of our sins, we will die and return to the dust of the earth. Ask the King of all Nations to save you from eternal death and from whatever areas of your life may currently be languishing.
December 23 - O Emmanuel
O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law:
come to save us, Lord our God!
Reflect: Jesus is not just a wise teacher, ruler, or king. He is Emmanuel: God with us. What area of your life are you longing for God to be with you most? Ask Jesus, Emmanuel, to come to you in that area and save you.