Quotes on Prayer
When mind and heart are united in prayer and the soul is
wholly concentrated in a single desire for God, then the heart grows warm
and the light of Christ begins to shine and fills the inward man with peace
and joy.
We should thank the Lord for everything and give ourselves up to His will;
we should also offer Him all our thoughts and words, and strive to make
everything serve only His good pleasure.
-St. Seraphim of Sarov
Prayer is a conversation directly with God, being always with God, having
one's soul united with Him and one's mind inseparable. A person becomes one
with the angels and unites with them in perpetual praise and longing for
God.
-St. Symeon of Thessaloniki
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Trisagion
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to You, Christ our God, our hope, Glory to You!
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and
filling all things, Treasury of Goodness and Giver of life: come and abide
in us. Cleanse us from every stain of sin and save our souls, O Gracious
Lord.
Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal Have mercy on us.(3)
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen
All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon
our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for the glory
of Your name.
Lord, have mercy.(3)
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy
Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory of the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Morning Prayers
Prayers to the Holy Trinity
Having risen from sleep, we worship You, blessed God, and sing to You,
mighty Lord, the angelic hymn: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God; through the
prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Having awakened me from sleep, Lord, enlighten my mind and heart. Open my
lips to praise You Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God; through
the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on me.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
Suddenly the Judge will come and the deeds of all will be revealed.
Therefore, early in the morning let us cry out in awe: Holy, holy, holy are
you, O God; through the prayers of the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret
Lord, give me the strength to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in
all things to rely on Your holy will. Reveal Your will to me every hour of
the day. Bless my dealings with all people. Teach me to treat all people who
come to me throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction
that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and
feelings. In unexpected events, let me not forget that all are sent by you.
Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing
others. Give me the physical strength to bear the labors of this day. Direct
my will, teach me to pray, pray in me. Amen.
(Here you may add your own private prayers and intercessions, using your
own words or some of the Prayers found on the Web Page. When you have
finished, conclude with this prayer.)
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have
mercy on us and save us. Amen.
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Evening Prayers
(First say the
Trisagion Prayers just as in the morning)
Psalm 141:1-2
Listen to me when I call to you. Receive my prayer as incense, my lifted
hands as an evening sacrifice.
Prayers of Thanksgiving
Now that the day has ended, I thank you Lord, and I ask that the evening
and the night be sinless. Grant this to me, O Savior, and save me.
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit
Now that the day has passed, I glorify you, O Master, and I ask that the
evening and the night be without offense. Grant this to me, O Savior, and
save me.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
Now that the day has run its course, I praise you, O Holy One, and I ask
that the evening and the night be undisturbed. Grant this to me, O Savior,
and save me.
Prayers for Forgiveness
Lord, God our Father, if during this day I have sinned in word, deed or
thought forgive me in Your goodness and love. Grant me peaceful sleep;
protect me from all evil and awake me in the morning that I may glorify you,
Your Son and Your Holy Spirit now and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayers for Enlightenment
Christ our God, who is worshipped and glorified at all times and in every
hour in heaven and on earth; who is most patient, loving and kind; who loves
the just and shows mercy to sinners; who calls all to salvation through the
promise of the blessings to come; Lord, at this time receive our prayer and
direct our lives according to Your will. Bless our souls and bodies. Correct
our thoughts and purify our minds. Protect us from all evil and distress.
Surround us with Your holy angels, that guided and guarded by them, we may
attain the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Your unapproachable
glory, for you are blessed forever and ever. Amen.
(Here you may add your own private prayers and intercessions, using your
own words or some of the prayers found on this Web Page. When you have
finished, conclude with this prayer.)
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have
mercy on us and save us. Amen.
(As you lie down to sleep say:)
Lord, into Your hands I commend my soul and body. Bless me, be merciful to
me and grant me life eternal. Amen.
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Daily Meditation
(At 7:00am or upon arising from sleep, we ask God to guide us through
the day with His light.)
Christ, the true Light, You enlighten and sanctify every man. May Your light
shine in us that we may see Your radiance. Help us to live according to Your
commandments, through the prayers of Your all-pure Mother and all Your
Saints. Amen.
(At 9:00am- At this hour the disciples received the Holy Spirit on
Pentecost.)
Lord God, Almighty Father, Only Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit, one
God and one Power, have mercy on me a sinner and save me Your unworthy
servant according to the ways of Your wisdom, for You are blessed forever
and ever. Amen.
(At 12:00 noon- At this hour Jesus Christ was crucified.)
God, Maker of all creation, accept these prayers of appreciation and
petition from us sinners, and deliver us from any fatal fall into darkness
and from all enemies, visible or invisible. Lord, who loves everyone, by
Your great mercy, You have sent Your only son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, for
the salvation of all, and by Your Holy Cross, have cancelled the debt of our
sins and defeated the powers of darkness. Penetrate our bodies with Your
power and wrap our hearts with love in You, that we might always gaze upon
You and be guided by Your eternal light. We give unending praise and thanks
to You, eternal Father, to Your only Son and to Your all-holy, good and
life-giving Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.
(3:00pm- At this hour Jesus died on the Cross.)
Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, who patiently endured our sins and led us
to this hour, at which You were hung on the life-giving Cross, who opened
the way to Paradise for the penitent thief and destroyed death by Your
death, have mercy on us Your sinful and unworthy servants. We have sinned
and violated Your law; we are unworthy to lift up our eyes and look into the
heights of heaven, for we have forsaken the path of Your righteousness and
have walked according to the desires of our hearts. But now we beg You in
Your abundant goodness; spare us, Lord, in Your great mercy and save us for
the glory of Your Holy Name, for our days were spent in vain. Save us from
the hand of the enemy, forgive our sins and destroy the desires of our
flesh, that we might live anew in You, our Master and Benefactor. Help us
follow Your commandments, and attain eternal rest, where all the blessed
dwell. For You are truly the joy of all those who love You, Christ our God,
and we glorify Your eternal Father and Your all holy, good and life-giving
Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.
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The Creed
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and
earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the
Father before all ages.
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence
with the Father, through whom all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, He came down from heaven and was incarnate by
the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and He suffered and was
buried.
On the third day He rose according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. His Kingdom
will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the
Father,
who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who
spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the age to come.
Amen.
The Jesus Prayer
(Repeat this prayer as many times as possible regularly during the day)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Prayers to Your Patron Saint
Saint (Name), Holy Mother of God and all the saints, who have
pleased God in Your lives; pray to Christ my Lord that I might live this day
in peace love and humility.
Pray unto God for me, O Holy Saint (Name), well-pleasing to God: for
I turn to you, who are a speedy helper and intercessor for my soul.
Prayer to Your Guardian Angel
O Angel of Christ, holy guardian and protector of my soul and body,
forgive me of everything I have done to offend you every day, and protect me
from all influence and temptation of the evil one. May I never offend God by
my sin. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make me worthy of the grace of
the All-holy Trinity, and of the Most Blessed Theotokos, and of all the
Saints. Amen.
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Mealtime Prayers
Various Prayers Before Meals
Christ our God, bless us Your servants, our home, the food and drink
before us for You are the Source of all blessings, now and forever and ever.
Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ our God, You blessed the five loaves in the wilderness and
fed the multitudes of men, women and children. Bless also these Your gifts
and increase them for the hungry people in the world. You are the One who
blesses and sanctifies all things and to You we give glory forever. Amen.
The hungry shall eat and shall be satisfied. Those who seek the Lord shall
praise Him; their hearts shall live forever. Bless us Lord and Your gifts
which we are about to receive. You are blessed and glorified forever. Amen.
Various Prayers After Meals
We thank you, Christ our God, for providing us with Your earthly gifts.
Deprive us not of Your heavenly Kingdom. Lord, as you entered among Your
disciples to give them peace, enter among us, give us Your peace and save
us. Amen.
Glory to You, Lord and King! You have gladdened our hearts through Your
earthly gifts. Fill us also with the gift of Your Holy Spirit, that we may
abound in every good work to the glory of Your name. Amen.
We thank You Lord, Giver of all good things, for these Your gifts and all
Your mercies, and we bless Your holy name forever. Amen.
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Prayers at Church
Prayer Upon Entering a Church
I will come into Your house in the greatness of Your mercy: and in fear I
will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness
because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me, that with a clear
mind I may glorify You forever, One Divine Power worshiped in three persons:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer upon Leaving a Church
Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for
my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of
all people; a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people
Israel.
Prayer at the Icon of Christ
We reverence Your spotless icon, O gracious Lord, and ask forgiveness of
our transgressions, O Christ our God. Because of Your own good will You
ascended the Cross in the flesh, that You might deliver those who You had
created from the bondage of the enemy. We cry aloud unto You: You have
filled all things with joy, O our Savior, for You came to save the world.
Amen.
Prayer at the Icon of
the Theotokos
Tenderness springs forth from you, O Theotokos, make us worthy of
compassion. Look upon sinful people, reveal your power for ever as we hope
in you and cry aloud: Hail! as did the Archangel Gabriel, Chief Captain of
the Bodiless Powers. Amen.
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Family Prayers
Family or Group Prayer
Leader: May the grace or our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the
Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
All: And with your Spirit.
All: You have given us grace at this time to offer You a common prayer
together and have promised that when two or three are gathered together in
Your name, that You will grant their requests; fulfill, Lord, the prayers of
Your servants, which are for our welfare, grant us the knowledge of Your
truth in this world and life everlasting in the world to come. Amen.
(At this point you may add your own private prayers and intercessions,
using your own words or some of the prayers found on this Web Page. When you
have finished, conclude with this prayer.)
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have
mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Parent's Prayer for
Their Children, Relatives & Friends
O God, our heavenly Father, who loves mankind and are a most merciful and
compassionate God, have mercy upon Your servants (Name those whom you
wish to remember) for whom I humbly pray to You to care for and protect.
O God, be their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the
path of Your truth, and draw them nearer to You, so that they may lead a
godly and righteous life in Your love as they do Your will in all things.
Give them Your grace, and mercy so that they may be patient, hard working,
tireless, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the
enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and
corruption, and direct them in the way of Salvation, through the goodness of
Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the prayers of His Holy Mother and
the blessed saints. Amen.
Prayer of a Single Parent
Lord Jesus Christ my God, who carried Your own Holy Cross to Golgotha,
grant me the strength, patience and wisdom to bear the burdens of
parenthood. Fulfill in me anything I may be lacking and grant that through
our prayers and those of Your Holy Mother, our family may grow closer to You
and a Life in Christ. Amen
Prayer for Your Parents
Lord and Savior, You have taught us to honor our fathers and mothers, and
to show love and obedience toward them. From the depth of my heart I
fervently pray to You, Jesus, my God: hear my prayer. Bless my parents who
have raised me up with the help of Your grace. Protect them from evil, harm
and sickness. Grant them faith, health and joy. Bless all their works that
they may give You honor and glory all the days of their lives. Amen
Child's Prayer
Heavenly Father, bless my parents and all those who love and care for me.
Help me in all ways to be respectful and obedient to them according to Your
will. Send down upon me Your grace to perform all my duties carefully and
faithfully, to avoid unacceptable company and influence and to resist all
temptation that may come my way. Help me Lord to live a serious, good and
godly life, praising You constantly and glorifying Your holy Name. Amen.
Praying with Toddlers
Teach them early to venerate icons and to Cross themselves. Explain
simple concepts of God and Jesus. Pray with them by helping enumerate their
blessings-
Jesus loves my _______ . Thank you God, for _______ .
Prayer of a Married Person
Lord Jesus Christ, by Your presence You blessed the wedding in Cana and
showed us that You are the true priest of mystical and pure marriage. We
thank You for the day on which by Your heavenly blessing You joined us in
the sacrament of marriage. Lord, continue to bless and enrich our marriage
in love companionship, mutual support, oneness of heart and progress in
faith and life. Protect our Holy wedlock from sin, evil and danger. Nurture
between us the spirit of understanding, the spirit of forgiveness and the
spirit of peace, that no resentment, quarrel or other problem may cause us
to stumble and fall. Grant us to see our own faults and not to judge each
other. Keep our bond of love always new. Gladden our lives with the joys of
marriage, that with one heart we may praise and glorify You. Amen.
Prayer of a Single Person
Jesus my Lord, Who became man and graced us with the beauty of Your life
and with the example of faith, purity and love; help me, I pray, to love You
with all my mind, heart and soul, and to live according to Your teachings.
Strengthen me when temptations strike, that I may remain pure in thought and
steadfast in virtue, doing only things that are pleasing to You. Guide me to
live Your will and not my own as I look to the future. Grant me faith,
courage and love, that I may serve You in holiness all the days of my life,
through the prayers of the Theotokos and of all the Saints. Amen.
Prayer of a Widow or Widower
Lord Jesus Christ, Who through your mercy, resurrected the only son of
the widow in Nain; I pray to You in need and all alone, putting my hope in
God and asking for help. O You who fulfill our every need and complete
everything we lack, grant me faith, courage, love and understanding of Your
Will. Remember Your Servant (name of spouse) in Your kingdom, always now and
forever. Amen
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Prayers in Time of Illness
Prayer of a Sick Person
Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, You became man and died on the cross
for our salvation. You healed people of sickness and affliction through Your
love and compassion. Visit me, Lord and grant me strength to bear this
sickness with which I am afflicted, with patience, submission to Your will
and trust in Your loving care. I pray that You will bless the means used for
my recovery and those who administer them. Grant that my sickness may be to
my spiritual benefit and that I may live the rest of my life more faithfully
according to Your will. For You are the source of life and healing and to
You I give praise and glory, now and forever. Amen.
Prayers for a Sick Person
Heavenly Father, physician of our souls and bodies, Who have sent Your
only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ to heal every sickness and
infirmity, visit and heal also Your servant (name) from all physical
and spiritual ailments through the grace of Your Christ. Grant him (her)
patience in this sickness, strength of body and spirit, and recovery of
health. Lord, You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other
that we may be healed. I pray, heal Your servant (name) and grant to
him (her) the gift of complete health. For You are the source of healing and
to You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord our God, Who by a word alone did heal all diseases, Who did cure the
kinswoman of Peter, You Who chastise with pity and heal according to Your
goodness; Who are able to put aside every sickness and infirmity, do You
Yourself, the same Lord, grant aid to Your servant (name) and cure
him (her) of every sickness of which he (she) is grieved; and send down upon
him (her) Your great mercy, and if it be Your will, give to him (her) health
and a complete recovery; for You are the Physician of our souls and bodies,
and to You do we send up Glory: to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Both now
and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Thanksgiving after Recovery
Almighty God and heavenly Father, You are the fountain of life and
healing. I bless Your holy name and offer to You thanks for having delivered
me from sickness and restored me to health. Grant me Your eternal grace, I
pray, that I may live a new life in true obedience to You. Guide me to do
Your will in all things devoting my life to Your service. Thus living for
You may I be found worthy of Your kingdom, where You dwell in glory with
Your Son and Your Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
O Lord God Jesus Christ, the Life and strength of all that put their hope in
You, Whose mercies are numberless, and the treasury goodness that is
infinite, we give thanks to You for the blessings which You have bestowed.,
and we humbly beseech You to continue Your goodness toward us. As You have
been well pleased to restore us to our bodily health, so do imbue our souls
with all the heavenly graces, perseverance in good works, and prepare us by
Your blessings in this life for the enjoyment of eternal happiness in the
Life to come. For to You are due all glory, honor, and worship, as also to
Your Eternal Father and Your All-holy Good and Life-creating Spirit, both
now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer for the Terminally Ill
Lord, Jesus Christ, Who suffered and died for our sins that we may live,
if during our life we have sinned in word, deed or thought forgive us in
Your goodness and love. All our hope we put in You; protect your servant (name)
from all evil. We submit to Your will and into Your hands we commend our
souls and bodies. For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame
and suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgment seat of
Christ, we pray to you O Lord. Bless us, be merciful to us and grant us life
eternal. Amen.
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Prayers in Time of Trouble
Lord of the Powers be with us, for in
times of distress we have no other help but You.
Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.
Prayers in Time of Need
Almighty God, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, come to my
help and deliver me from this difficulty that besets me. I believe Lord,
that all trials of life are under Your care and that all things work for the
good of those who love You. Take away from me fear, anxiety and distress.
Help me to face and endure my difficulty with faith, courage and wisdom.
Grant that this trial may bring me closer to You for You are my rock and
refuge, my comfort and hope, my delight and joy. I trust in Your love and
compassion. Blessed is Your name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and
forever. Amen.
O God, our help in time of need, Who are just and merciful, and Who inclines
to the supplications of His people. Look down upon me and have mercy on me
and deliver me from the trouble that now besets me. Deal with us not
according to our iniquities, but according to Your manifold mercies, for we
are the works of Your hands, and You know our weaknesses. I pray to you to
grant me Your divine helping grace, and endow me with patience and strength
to endure my hardships with complete submission to Your Will. Only You know
our misery and sufferings, and to You, our only hope and refuge, I flee for
relief and comfort, trusting in Your infinite love and compassion, that in
due time, when You know best, You will deliver me from this trouble, and
turn my distress into comfort. We then shall rejoice in Your mercy, and
exalt and praise Your Holy Name, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit, both now and
forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
Prayer Against Demonic
Influence
Almighty God, Who delivered Your people from the bondage of the
adversary, and through Your Son cast down Satan like lightning, deliver me
also from every influence of unclean spirits. Command Satan to depart far
from me by the power of Your only begotten Son. Rescue me from demonic
imaginings and darkness. Fill me with the light of the Holy Spirit that I
may be guarded against all snares of crafty demons. Grant that an angel will
always go before me and lead me to the path of righteousness all the days of
my life, to the honor of Your glorious Name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
now and forever. Amen.
Prayer for Our Enemies
Lord Jesus Christ, in Your great mercy You prayed for the forgiveness of
those who crucified You, and You taught us to love our enemies and to pray
for those who persecute us. Lord, I pray that You forgive those who treat me
unjustly and speak out against me, and that You bless them and guide them
according to Your will. Take away any bitterness I may have in my heart
against them. Lord, may Your forgiveness, goodness and love be revealed in
all of us, to Your praise and glory. Amen.
Prayer for Peace
Almighty God and Creator, You are the Father of all people on the earth.
Guide, I pray, all the nations and their leaders in the ways of justice and
peace. Protect us from the evils of injustice, prejudice, exploitation,
conflict and war. Help us to put away mistrust, bitterness and hatred. Teach
us to cease the storing and using of implements of war. Lead us to find
peace, respect and freedom. Unite us in the making and sharing of tools of
peace against ignorance, poverty, disease and oppression. Grant that we may
grow in harmony and friendship as brothers and sisters created in Your
image, to Your honor and praise. Amen.
Thanksgiving After Trouble
Almighty and merciful God, I most humbly and heartily thank Your divine
majesty for Your loving kindness and tender mercies, that You have heard my
humble prayer, and graciously granted me deliverance from my trouble and
misery. I pray to you to continue granting Your helping grace, that I may
lead a life pleasing to You, that I may continually offer to You a sacrifice
of praise and thanksgiving, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
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General Prayers
Prayers Before Any Task
Lord Jesus Christ, my God, You have said, "Apart from me You can do
nothing." In faith I embrace Your words, Lord, and I entreat Your goodness.
Help me to carry out the work I am about to begin, and to bring it to
completion. To You I give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty God, our Help and Refuge, who knows that we can do nothing right
without Your guidance and help; direct me by Your wisdom and power, that I
may accomplish this task and, whatever I do according to Your divine will,
so that it may be beneficial to me and others and to the glory of Your holy
Name. Amen.
My Lord and Savior, You became man and labored with Your hands until the
time of Your ministry. Bless me as I begin this work. Help me to bring it to
completion. Lord, enlighten my mind and strengthen my body, that I may
accomplish my task according to Your will. Guide me to bring about works of
goodness to Your service and glory. Amen.
Prayer After Any Task
Thank You, Lord, for Your strength and guidance in my work. You are the
fulfillment of all good things. Fill also my soul with joy and gladness,
that I may praise You always. Amen.
Prayer Toward the Unknown
O Lord, You who steadied the hand of Peter as he began to sink on the
stormy sea, if you are with me, no one is against me. Grant to me the shield
of faith and the mighty armor of the Holy Spirit to protect me and guide me
to do Your will. The future I put into Your hands, O Lord, and I follow You
to a life in Christ. Amen
Prayers Before Travel
Lord Jesus Christ my God, be my Companion, guide and protector during my
journey. Keep me from all danger, misfortune and temptation. By Your divine
power grant me a peaceful and successful journey and safe arrival. In You I
place my hope and trust and You I praise, honor and glorify, together with
Your Father and Holy Spirit now and forever and ever. Amen.
Lord Jesus, You traveled with the two disciples after the resurrection
and set their hearts on fire with Your grace. Travel also with me and
gladden my heart with Your presence. I know, Lord, that I am a pilgrim on
this earth, seeking the citizenship which is in heaven. During my journey
surround me with Your holy angels and keep me safe from seen and unseen
dangers. Grant that I may carry out my plans and fulfill my expectations
according to Your will. Help me to see the beauty of creation and to
comprehend the wonder of Your truth in all things. For You are the way, the
truth and the life, and to You I give thanks, praise and glory forever. Amen
Prayers for Repentance
God, my good and loving Lord, I acknowledge all the sins which I have
committed every day in my life, whether in thought, word or deed. I ask for
forgiveness from the depths of my heart for offending You and others and
repent of my old ways. Help me by Your grace to change, to sin no more and
to walk in the way of righteousness and to praise and glorify Your Name,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord my God, I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word and
deed. I have also omitted to do what Your holy law requires of me. But now
with repentance and contrition I turn again to Your love and mercy. I
entreat You to forgive me all my transgressions and to cleanse me from all
my sins. Lord, fill my heart with the light of Your truth. Strengthen my
will by Your grace. Teach me both to desire and to do only what pleases You.
Amen.
Prayer for Love
Christ my God, set my heart on fire with love in You, that in its flame I
may love You with all my heart, with all my mind, and with all my soul and
with all my strength, and my neighbor as myself, so that by keeping Your
commandments I may glorify You the Giver of every good and perfect gift.
Amen.
Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord make me an Instrument of Your peace;
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Divine Master, grant that I may not seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love;
for it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
Lenten Prayers
Almighty Master, who created all things in wisdom, by Your providence and
great goodness, you have led us to this lenten season for purification of
our souls and bodies, and for control of our passions in the hope of the
resurrection; You, who after forty days gave Moses the tablets of the law
inscribed by Your divine hand, grant to us the strength to fight the good
fight, to fast, to keep the faith, to crush under foot all evil demons, and
to become victorious over sin and to celebrate Your holy Resurrection. For
blessed and glorified is Your most honored and majestic name of the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of
ages. Amen.
Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
Lord and Master of my life, deliver me from the spirit of laziness,
meddling, ambition and gossip.
Give me, Your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love.
Lord and King, grant that I may see my sins and faults and not judge my
brother, for You are blessed forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for Acceptance of
God's Will
Lord, I do not know what to ask of You. You know better than me what my
needs are. You love more than I know how to love. Help me to see clearly my
real needs which I do not see. I open my heart to You. Examine and reveal to
me my faults and sins. I put all trust in You. I have no other desire than
to fulfill Your will. Teach me how to pray. Pray in me. Amen.
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Prayers for Study
Prayer of a Student
Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, who opened the eyes of the
blind man and transformed the fishermen into wise heralds and teachers of
the gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit, shine also in my mind the
light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment, understanding
and wisdom in learning. Enable me to complete my assignments and to abound
in every good work, for to You I give honor and glory. Amen.
Prayers Before Study
Most blessed Lord, send the grace of Your Holy Spirit on me to strengthen
me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study and by it become a
better person for Your glory, the comfort of my family and the benefit of
Your Church and our Nation. Amen
Christ, the true light, who enlightens and sanctifies every person coming
into the world, let the light of Your countenance shine upon me (us) that I
(we) may see Your unapproachable light; and guide my (our) steps in the way
of Your commandments, through the intercessions of Your all-holy Mother and
of all the Saints. Amen.
Prayer After Study
I thank You, Lord our God, that again on this occasion You have opened my
eyes to the light of Your wisdom. You have gladdened my heart with the
knowledge of truth. I entreat You, Lord, help me always to do Your will.
Bless my soul and body, my words and deeds. Enable me to grow in grace,
virtue and good habits, that Your name may be glorified, Father, Son and
Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
Prayer Before Studying the
Bible
Master who loves us, shine Your eternal light in our hearts that we may
better know you. Help us to fully understand Your gospel message. Instill in
us respect for Your holy commandments, that by overcoming our worldly
desires we might life a spiritual life of thoughts and deeds which pleases
You. We ask this of You, O Christ our god, for You are the light of our
souls and bodies and You we glorify with Your eternal Father and Your
all-holy good and life-giving Spirit now and forever. Amen.
Shine within my heart, loving Master, the pure light of Your divine
knowledge, and open the eyes of my mind that I may understand Your
teachings. Instill in me also reverence for Your blessed commandments, so
that having conquered sinful desires I may pursue a spiritual way of life,
thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You,
Christ my God, are my light, and to You I give glory together with Your
Father and Your Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
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Prayers for the Dead
General Prayers for the Dead
Christ our eternal King and God, You have destroyed death and the devil
by Your Cross and have restored man to life by Your Resurrection; give rest,
Lord, to the soul of Your servant (name) who has fallen asleep, in Your
Kingdom, where there is no pain, sorrow or suffering. In Your goodness and
love for all men, pardon all the sins he (she) has committed in thought word
or deed, for there is no man or woman who lives and sins not, You only are
without sin.
For You are the Resurrection, the Life, and Repose of Your servant (name),
departed this life, O Christ our God; and to You do we send up glory with
Your Eternal Father and Your All-holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit; both
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
Prayer for a Dead Child
O Lord who watches over children in the present life and in the world to
come because of their simplicity and innocence of mind, abundantly
satisfying them with a place in Abraham's bosom, bringing them to live in
radiantly shining places where the spirits of the righteous dwell: receive
in peace the soul of Your little servant (name), for You Yourself have said,
"Let the little children come to Me, for such is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Amen.
Prayer After a Miscarriage
O Sovereign Master, Lord our God, Who was born of the all-pure Theotokos
and Ever-Virgin Mary, and as an infant was laid in a manger: do You
Yourself, according to Your great mercy, have regard for this Your servant
(Name) who has miscarried that which was conceived in her. Heal her
suffering, granting to her, O Loving Lord, health and strength of body and
soul. Guard her with a shining Angel from every assault of sickness and
weakness and all inward torment. You who accept the innocence of infancy in
Your Kingdom, comfort the mind of Your servant and bring her peace. Amen.
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Communion Prayers
Prayers Before Receiving
Communion
Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
Lord, Jesus Christ my God, forgive the faults and sins which I, Your
unworthy servant have committed from my youth to this day and hour, whether
knowingly or in ignorance, whether by words, deeds, intentions or thoughts
and whether by habit or through any of my senses. By the prayers of Your
pure and Virgin Mother, make me worthy without condemnation to receive Your
precious, immortal and life-giving Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and
eternal life. May the Eucharist sanctify, enlighten, strengthen and heal my
soul and body and thus destroy my evil thoughts, intentions and prejudices.
For Yours, Christ our God, is the Kingdom, the power, the glory, the honor
and worship with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer of St. John of Damascus
Master and Lord, Jesus Christ our God, You alone have authority to forgive
my sins, whether committed knowingly or in ignorance, and make me worthy to
receive without condemnation Your divine, glorious, pure and life-giving
Mysteries, not for my punishment, but for my purification and
sanctification, now and in Your future Kingdom. For You, Christ our God are
compassionate and love mankind and to You we give glory with the Father and
the Holy Spirit now and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayers Right Before
Communion
I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of
the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the
first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is
truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and
forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed,
known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of
Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. Amen
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I
dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it
is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the
angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my
condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and
sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and
kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of
my salvation.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will
not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as
did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your
Kingdom.
Prayers After Receiving
Communion
Lord Jesus Christ, my God, now that I have received Your holy Body and
Blood, grant me forgiveness of my sins and life everlasting.
I thank You, loving Master, benefactor of my soul, that on this day You have
again made me worthy of Your heavenly and immortal mysteries. Direct my way
on the right path. Establish me firmly in Your fear. Guard my life. And make
my endeavors safe, through the prayers of the glorious Theotokos and
ever-virgin Mary and of all Your Saints. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ my God, let Your sacred Body be unto me for eternal life
and Your precious Blood for forgiveness of sins. Let this Eucharist be unto
me for joy, health and gladness. And in Your awesome Second Coming make me,
a sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your glory; through the
intercessions of Your pure Mother and of all Your Saints. Amen.
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Morning Service
(An abbreviated Orthros Service for Retreats & Youth Gatherings.)
Priest: Blessed is our God, always both now and forever and to the
ages of ages.
People: Amen
Priest: Glory to You, Christ our God, our hope, Glory to You!
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and
filling all things, the Treasury of Blessings and Giver of life: come and
abide in us. Cleanse us from all impurity and save our souls, O Good One.
The Trisagion Prayers
People: Amen
Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal Have mercy on us.(3)
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen
All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon
our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for the glory
of Your name.
Lord, have mercy.(3)
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy
will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory of the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages
of ages.
People: Amen
Prayers to the Holy Trinity
Having risen from sleep, we worship You, blessed God, and sing to You,
mighty Lord, the angelic hymn: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God; through the
prayers of the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit
Having awakened me from sleep, Lord, enlighten my mind and heart. Open my
lips to praise You Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God; through
the prayers of the Theotokos have mercy on me.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
Suddenly the Judge will come and the deeds of all will be revealed.
Therefore, early in the morning let us cry out in awe: Holy, holy, holy are
You, O God; through the prayers of the Theotokos have mercy on us.
The Great Litany
Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls, let
us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the peace of the whole world, the stability of the holy
churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith,
reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our Archbishop _______, our Bishop _______, the honorable
presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and
laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our country, the president, and all those in public
service, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our Youth Program, all those who participate and help and
for their families, that the Holy Spirit may protect and strengthen their
faith, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this city, for every city and country, and for the
faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the
earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For travelers by sea, land and air, for the sick, the
suffering, the captives and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to
the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger and
necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by
Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious
Lady, the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: (In a low voice)
We give You thanks, Lord our God, for raising us from our bed and for
putting words of praise into our mouths, that we may worship and invoke Your
holy Name. We are in need of Your mercies, which You have always provided
for our life. Now, too, send forth Your help to those who stand in the
presence of Your holy glory, waiting for Your rich mercy. Grant that they
may worship You always with awe and love; praising, singing, and glorifying
Your inexpressible goodness.
Priest: For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Theos Kyrios
Psalm 117(118)
People: Amen. God is the Lord and has appeared to us. Blessed is
He Who comes in the name of the Lord.
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures
forever!
God is the Lord and has appeared to us. Blessed is He Who comes in the name
of the Lord.
All nations surround me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off!
God is the Lord and has appeared to us. Blessed is He Who comes in the name
of the Lord.
This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
God is the Lord and has appeared to us. Blessed is He Who comes in the name
of the Lord.
Priest: Again in Peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by
Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady,
the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People:To You, O Lord.
Priest:For Yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power, and the
glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to
the ages of ages.
People: Amen
Priest: Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos the Mother of
light!
People: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in
God my savior.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the
Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you,
the true Theotokos.
For he who is mighty has done to me great things; and holy is his name;
and his mercy is on them who fear him from generation to generation.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the
Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you,
the true Theotokos.
He has pulled down the mighty from their throwns and raised up those who
were low; he has filled the hungry with good things and the rich he has sent
away empty.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the
Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you,
the true Theotokos.
He has helped his servant Israel in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke
to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the
Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you,
the true Theotokos.
Doxology
People: Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will
among all. We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we
give thanks to You for Your great glory. Lord, King, heavenly God, Father
almighty; Lord, the Only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. Lord,
God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father who takes away the sin of the world,
have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world. Receive our
prayer, You Who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.
For You only are holy, You only are the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of
God the Father. Amen.
Each day I will bless You and praise Your name forever. Lord, You have been
our refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on
me. Heal my soul for I have sinned against You. Lord, in You have I taken
refuge. Teach me Your will, for You are my God. For in You is the source of
life, and in Your light we shall see light. Extend Your mercy to those who
know You. Grant, Lord, to keep us this day without sin. Blessed are You,
Lord, God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name forever.
Amen.
Lord, let Your mercy come upon us, for we have trusted in You. Blessed are
You, Lord, teach me Your commandments. Blessed are You, Holy One, enlighten
me with Your commandments. Lord, Your love endures forever; do not turn away
from the work of Your hands. To You belong praise, song, and glory, to the
Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of
ages. Amen.
Epistle
(Daily Epistle Readings can be found on our
Daily Bible Reading
Guide Web Page!)
Priest: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader chants the verses from the Psalms called the prokeimenon.)
Priest: Wisdom.
Reader: The reading is from ________
(the name of the book of the New Testament from which the Epistle reading
is taken).
Priest: Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the Epistle reading for the current day.)
Priest: Peace be with you.
People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Gospel
(Daily Gospel Readings can be found on our
Daily Bible Reading
Guide Web Page!)
Priest: Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel. Peace be with you
all.
People: And with Your spirit.
Priest: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to (Name).
Let us be attentive.
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
(The priests reads the Gospel reading for the current day.)
People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
The Dismissal
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.
May Christ our true God, as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy on
us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother;
the power of the precious and life-giving cross; the protection of the
honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable,
glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious, and
praiseworthy apostles; the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs; the holy
and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; our holy and God-bearing Fathers;
Saint (Saint of the Day) whose memory we commemorate today, and all
the saints.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have
mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
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Evening Service
(An abbreviated Vespers Service for retreats & Youth Gatherings.)
Priest: Blessed is our God, always, both now and forever and to
the ages of ages.
People: Amen
Prayer for the Acceptance of God's Will
Lord, I do not know what to ask of You. You alone know my true needs. You
love me more than I know how to love. Help me to see clearly my real needs
which I do not see. I open my heart to You. Visit and help me, for Your
Great Mercy's sake. Examine and reveal to me my faults and sins. I put all
my trust in You. I have no other desire than to fulfill Your will. Teach me
how to pray. Pray in me. Amen.
The Evening Thanksgiving
People: O Joyful Light! Holy Glory of the immortal Father, the
heavenly, holy, and blessed One! O Jesus Christ! Now that we have reached
the setting of the sun and have seen the evening light, we sing to God --
Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is fitting at all times to praise You with
glad voices, Son of God, the Giver of life. Behold, the universe sings Your
glory!
The Evening Prayer
Grant, Lord, to keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are You O Lord,
God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name for ever. Amen.
Lord, let Your mercy come upon us, O Lord, for we have trusted in You.
Blessed are You O Lord, teach me Your commandments. Blessed are You O
Master, make me to understand Your commandments. Blessed are You, O Holy
One, enlighten me with Your commandments. Lord, Your love endures forever;
Do not turn away from the work of Your hands. To You belong praise, song;
and glory, to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, both now and
forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Petitions
Priest: Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God
by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: That the whole evening may be holy, peaceful, and sinless,
let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our
souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions,
let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For all that is good and beneficial to our souls, and for
peace in the world, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For our Youth Program, all those who participate and help and
for their families, that the Holy Spirit may protect and strengthen their
faith, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For the completion of our life in peace and repentance, let
us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and
suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgement seat of
Christ, let us ask the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady,
the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For You are a good and loving God, and to You we give glory,
to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to
the ages of ages
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with Your spirit.
Priest: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: (In a low voice)
Lord our God Who bent the heavens and came down for the salvation of
humankind, look upon Your servants and Your inheritance. Your servants have
bowed their heads and bent their necks before You, the awesome and merciful
judge. It is not from human beings that they expect help, but from You they
hope for mercy and salvation. Protect them at all times, both during this
evening and throughout the coming night from every enemy, from every assault
of the powers of hell, from vain deliberations, and from evil thoughts.
Priest: Blessed and glorified is the power of Your Kingdom, of the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of
ages.
People: Amen.
The Prayer of St. Symeon
Priest: Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to
Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in
the presence of all peoples; a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the
glory of Your people Israel.
The Trisagion Prayers
People: Amen
Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal Have mercy on us.(3)
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen
All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon
our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for the glory
of Your name.
Lord, have mercy.(3)
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy
will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory of the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages
of ages.
People: Amen
The Dismissal
Priest: Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.
May Christ our true God, as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy on
us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother;
the power of the precious and life-giving cross; the protection of the
honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable,
glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious, and
praiseworthy apostles; the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs; the holy
and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; our holy and God-bearing Fathers;
Saint (Saint of the Day) whose memory we commemorate today, and all
the saints.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have
mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
Morning
Prayers Trisagion Evening Prayers
Quotes on Prayer
When mind and heart are united in prayer and the soul is
wholly concentrated in a single desire for God, then the heart grows warm
and the light of Christ begins to shine and fills the inward man with peace
and joy.
We should thank the Lord for everything and give ourselves up to His will;
we should also offer Him all our thoughts and words, and strive to make
everything serve only His good pleasure.
-St. Seraphim of Sarov
Prayer is a conversation directly with God, being always with God, having
one's soul united with Him and one's mind inseparable. A person becomes one
with the angels and unites with them in perpetual praise and longing for
God.
-St. Symeon of Thessaloniki
Prayers of St. Nicholas off South Canaan
Waves of passion disturb my spirit, great sadness and anguish
have overwhelmed my soul. Embalm my soul with Thy Son's peace, O Most Holy
One, and by His Grace drive away every doubt and despair. Calm the storm of
my sins that, like a fiery worm, burn me, and quench its flame. Fill my
heart with joy, O Most Pure One, and disperse the fog of my iniquities
before me, for it confuses me. Illumine me with the light of Thy Son.
Helpless is my soul, and everything is cumbersome, even prayer. Here I am,
cold as a stone, my lips whispering prayers, while my heart remains
immovable, for it is smothered in anguish. Melt the ice which envelops my
soul and warm my heart with Thy love.
I rely not on human protection, but fall down before Thee, O Most Pure
Sovereign Mother of God; reject me not, but hearken unto the prayer of Thy
servant. Sadness has overcome me; I can endure the demonic attack no more. I
have no protection; there is no shelter for this poor man, and in this
battle I am ever being wounded. I have no consolation, but in Thee, O Holy
Sovereign. O Hope and Protection of all who believe, reject not my prayer.
Amen
O Most Holy Mother of Christ, Most Pure, Most Blessed
Theotokos, Satan is pounding at me like the waves of the sea against a ship,
pursuing me by day and tormenting me at night. I have no peace; turbulent is
my soul, my spirit trembles. Hearken, O Most Holy One and help me. Intercede
before the dear Lord that He may have mercy on me and forgive the sins I
have committed. O Most Holy Mother of Jesus, Thy grace is great, and the
mightiest opponent to the powers of hades. Thou art able to save even the
greatest of sinners who, having been cast into the depths of hell by unclean
powers, should call upon Thee. So too, save me, for lo, Satan will have me
stumble and will destroy my faith, but I trust in the Lord. I magnify Thee,
Who art more holy than the Cherubim and the Seraphim
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Morning Prayers
Trisagion Prayers
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to You, Christ our God, our hope, Glory to You!
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and
filling all things, Treasury of Goodness and Giver of life: come and abide
in us. Cleanse us from every stain of sin and save our souls, O Gracious
Lord.
Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal Have mercy on us.(3)
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen
All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon
our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for the glory
of Your name.
Lord, have mercy.(3)
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy
Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not
into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory of the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Go to
Evening Prayers
Prayers to the Holy Trinity
Having risen from sleep, we worship You, blessed God, and sing to You,
mighty Lord, the angelic hymn: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God; through the
prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Having awakened me from sleep, Lord, enlighten my mind and heart. Open my
lips to praise You Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God; through
the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on me.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
Suddenly the Judge will come and the deeds of all will be revealed.
Therefore, early in the morning let us cry out in awe: Holy, holy, holy are
you, O God; through the prayers of the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret
Lord, give me the strength to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in
all things to rely on Your holy will. Reveal Your will to me every hour of
the day. Bless my dealings with all people. Teach me to treat all people who
come to me throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction
that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and
feelings. In unexpected events, let me not forget that all are sent by you.
Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing
others. Give me the physical strength to bear the labors of this day. Direct
my will, teach me to pray, pray in me. Amen.
(Here you may add your own private prayers and intercessions, using your
own words or some of the Prayers found on the Web Page. When you have
finished, conclude with this prayer.)
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have
mercy on us and save us. Amen.
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Evening Prayers
(First say the
Trisagion Prayers just as in the morning)
Psalm 141:1-2
Listen to me when I call to you. Receive my prayer as incense, my lifted
hands as an evening sacrifice.
Prayers of Thanksgiving
Now that the day has ended, I thank you Lord, and I ask that the evening
and the night be sinless. Grant this to me, O Savior, and save me.
Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit
Now that the day has passed, I glorify you, O Master, and I ask that the
evening and the night be without offense. Grant this to me, O Savior, and
save me.
Both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen
Now that the day has run its course, I praise you, O Holy One, and I ask
that the evening and the night be undisturbed. Grant this to me, O Savior,
and save me.
Prayers for Forgiveness
Lord, God our Father, if during this day I have sinned in word, deed or
thought forgive me in Your goodness and love. Grant me peaceful sleep;
protect me from all evil and awake me in the morning that I may glorify you,
Your Son and Your Holy Spirit now and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayers for Enlightenment
Christ our God, who is worshipped and glorified at all times and in every
hour in heaven and on earth; who is most patient, loving and kind; who loves
the just and shows mercy to sinners; who calls all to salvation through the
promise of the blessings to come; Lord, at this time receive our prayer and
direct our lives according to Your will. Bless our souls and bodies. Correct
our thoughts and purify our minds. Protect us from all evil and distress.
Surround us with Your holy angels, that guided and guarded by them, we may
attain the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Your unapproachable
glory, for you are blessed forever and ever. Amen.
(Here you may add your own private prayers and intercessions, using your
own words or some of the prayers found on this Web Page. When you have
finished, conclude with this prayer.)
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have
mercy on us and save us. Amen.
(As you lie down to sleep say:)
Lord, into Your hands I commend my soul and body. Bless me, be merciful to
me and grant me life eternal. Amen.
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Daily Meditation
(At 7:00am or upon arising from sleep, we ask God to guide us through
the day with His light.)
Christ, the true Light, You enlighten and sanctify every man. May Your light
shine in us that we may see Your radiance. Help us to live according to Your
commandments, through the prayers of Your all-pure Mother and all Your
Saints. Amen.
(At 9:00am- At this hour the disciples received the Holy Spirit on
Pentecost.)
Lord God, Almighty Father, Only Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit, one
God and one Power, have mercy on me a sinner and save me Your unworthy
servant according to the ways of Your wisdom, for You are blessed forever
and ever. Amen.
(At 12:00 noon- At this hour Jesus Christ was crucified.)
God, Maker of all creation, accept these prayers of appreciation and
petition from us sinners, and deliver us from any fatal fall into darkness
and from all enemies, visible or invisible. Lord, who loves everyone, by
Your great mercy, You have sent Your only son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, for
the salvation of all, and by Your Holy Cross, have cancelled the debt of our
sins and defeated the powers of darkness. Penetrate our bodies with Your
power and wrap our hearts with love in You, that we might always gaze upon
You and be guided by Your eternal light. We give unending praise and thanks
to You, eternal Father, to Your only Son and to Your all-holy, good and
life-giving Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.
(3:00pm- At this hour Jesus died on the Cross.)
Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, who patiently endured our sins and led us
to this hour, at which You were hung on the life-giving Cross, who opened
the way to Paradise for the penitent thief and destroyed death by Your
death, have mercy on us Your sinful and unworthy servants. We have sinned
and violated Your law; we are unworthy to lift up our eyes and look into the
heights of heaven, for we have forsaken the path of Your righteousness and
have walked according to the desires of our hearts. But now we beg You in
Your abundant goodness; spare us, Lord, in Your great mercy and save us for
the glory of Your Holy Name, for our days were spent in vain. Save us from
the hand of the enemy, forgive our sins and destroy the desires of our
flesh, that we might live anew in You, our Master and Benefactor. Help us
follow Your commandments, and attain eternal rest, where all the blessed
dwell. For You are truly the joy of all those who love You, Christ our God,
and we glorify Your eternal Father and Your all holy, good and life-giving
Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.
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The Creed
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and
earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the
Father before all ages.
Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence
with the Father, through whom all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, He came down from heaven and was incarnate by
the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and He suffered and was
buried.
On the third day He rose according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. His Kingdom
will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the
Father,
who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who
spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the age to come.
Amen.
The Jesus Prayer
(Repeat this prayer as many times as possible regularly during the day)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Prayers to Your Patron Saint
Saint (Name), Holy Mother of God and all the saints, who have
pleased God in Your lives; pray to Christ my Lord that I might live this day
in peace love and humility.
Pray unto God for me, O Holy Saint (Name), well-pleasing to God: for
I turn to you, who are a speedy helper and intercessor for my soul.
Prayer to Your Guardian Angel
O Angel of Christ, holy guardian and protector of my soul and body,
forgive me of everything I have done to offend you every day, and protect me
from all influence and temptation of the evil one. May I never offend God by
my sin. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make me worthy of the grace of
the All-holy Trinity, and of the Most Blessed Theotokos, and of all the
Saints. Amen.
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Mealtime Prayers
Various Prayers Before Meals
Christ our God, bless us Your servants, our home, the food and drink
before us for You are the Source of all blessings, now and forever and ever.
Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ our God, You blessed the five loaves in the wilderness and
fed the multitudes of men, women and children. Bless also these Your gifts
and increase them for the hungry people in the world. You are the One who
blesses and sanctifies all things and to You we give glory forever. Amen.
The hungry shall eat and shall be satisfied. Those who seek the Lord shall
praise Him; their hearts shall live forever. Bless us Lord and Your gifts
which we are about to receive. You are blessed and glorified forever. Amen.
Various Prayers After Meals
We thank you, Christ our God, for providing us with Your earthly gifts.
Deprive us not of Your heavenly Kingdom. Lord, as you entered among Your
disciples to give them peace, enter among us, give us Your peace and save
us. Amen.
Glory to You, Lord and King! You have gladdened our hearts through Your
earthly gifts. Fill us also with the gift of Your Holy Spirit, that we may
abound in every good work to the glory of Your name. Amen.
We thank You Lord, Giver of all good things, for these Your gifts and all
Your mercies, and we bless Your holy name forever. Amen.
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Prayers at Church
Prayer Upon Entering a Church
I will come into Your house in the greatness of Your mercy: and in fear I
will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness
because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me, that with a clear
mind I may glorify You forever, One Divine Power worshiped in three persons:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer upon Leaving a Church
Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for
my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the presence of
all people; a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people
Israel.
Prayer at the Icon of Christ
We reverence Your spotless icon, O gracious Lord, and ask forgiveness of
our transgressions, O Christ our God. Because of Your own good will You
ascended the Cross in the flesh, that You might deliver those who You had
created from the bondage of the enemy. We cry aloud unto You: You have
filled all things with joy, O our Savior, for You came to save the world.
Amen.
Prayer at the Icon of
the Theotokos
Tenderness springs forth from you, O Theotokos, make us worthy of
compassion. Look upon sinful people, reveal your power for ever as we hope
in you and cry aloud: Hail! as did the Archangel Gabriel, Chief Captain of
the Bodiless Powers. Amen.
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Family Prayers
Family or Group Prayer
Leader: May the grace or our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the
Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
All: And with your Spirit.
All: You have given us grace at this time to offer You a common prayer
together and have promised that when two or three are gathered together in
Your name, that You will grant their requests; fulfill, Lord, the prayers of
Your servants, which are for our welfare, grant us the knowledge of Your
truth in this world and life everlasting in the world to come. Amen.
(At this point you may add your own private prayers and intercessions,
using your own words or some of the prayers found on this Web Page. When you
have finished, conclude with this prayer.)
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have
mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Parent's Prayer for
Their Children, Relatives & Friends
O God, our heavenly Father, who loves mankind and are a most merciful and
compassionate God, have mercy upon Your servants (Name those whom you
wish to remember) for whom I humbly pray to You to care for and protect.
O God, be their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the
path of Your truth, and draw them nearer to You, so that they may lead a
godly and righteous life in Your love as they do Your will in all things.
Give them Your grace, and mercy so that they may be patient, hard working,
tireless, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the
enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and
corruption, and direct them in the way of Salvation, through the goodness of
Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the prayers of His Holy Mother and
the blessed saints. Amen.
Prayer of a Single Parent
Lord Jesus Christ my God, who carried Your own Holy Cross to Golgotha,
grant me the strength, patience and wisdom to bear the burdens of
parenthood. Fulfill in me anything I may be lacking and grant that through
our prayers and those of Your Holy Mother, our family may grow closer to You
and a Life in Christ. Amen
Prayer for Your Parents
Lord and Savior, You have taught us to honor our fathers and mothers, and
to show love and obedience toward them. From the depth of my heart I
fervently pray to You, Jesus, my God: hear my prayer. Bless my parents who
have raised me up with the help of Your grace. Protect them from evil, harm
and sickness. Grant them faith, health and joy. Bless all their works that
they may give You honor and glory all the days of their lives. Amen
Child's Prayer
Heavenly Father, bless my parents and all those who love and care for me.
Help me in all ways to be respectful and obedient to them according to Your
will. Send down upon me Your grace to perform all my duties carefully and
faithfully, to avoid unacceptable company and influence and to resist all
temptation that may come my way. Help me Lord to live a serious, good and
godly life, praising You constantly and glorifying Your holy Name. Amen.
Praying with Toddlers
Teach them early to venerate icons and to Cross themselves. Explain
simple concepts of God and Jesus. Pray with them by helping enumerate their
blessings-
Jesus loves my _______ . Thank you God, for _______ .
Prayer of a Married Person
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