Prayers |
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| * If you have a prayer that you would like to share with us, please contact Fr. Ciprian to have it added on this page. |
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About Prayer |
Prayer is doxology, praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication and intercession to God. "When I prayed I was new," wrote a great theologian of Christian antiquity, "but when I stopped praying I became old." Prayer is the way to renewal and spiritual life. Prayer is aliveness to God. Prayer is strength, refreshment, and joy. Through the grace of God and our disciplined efforts prayer lifts us up from our isolation to a conscious, loving communion with God in which everything is experienced in a new light. Prayer becomes a personal dialogue with God, a spiritual breathing of the soul, a foretaste of the bliss of God's kingdom.
How is one to pray? Only the Holy Spirit can guide us to pray as we should. Just as a child learns to walk by walking, one can best learn to pray by praying, trusting in the help of God. Put your whole soul into your prayer. Think about the meaning of every word you pray. Make it your own personal prayer. Be persistent in prayer. Do not yield to carelessness or neglect. Strengthen your prayer through a lively faith in the Lord, a spirit of forgiveness toward others, and genuine Christian living.
As we pray deeply within our hearts we grow in prayer. By the grace of God we suddenly catch a glimpse of the miracle of the presence of the Holy Spirit working within us. At first it is only a spark but later it becomes a flame freeing and energizing our whole being, provided we do nothing to grieve the Holy Spirit; and if we do sin we repent of our sin immediately and ask for God's forgiveness. To experience the fire of God's holy love, to give it space within us to do its cleansing and healing work as a breath of the Holy Spirit, and to use it as light and power for daily living -- such are the goals as well as the fruits of true prayer. (http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/articles/article8634.asp)
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10 Steps to Better Prayer Life |
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Designate A Prayer Space: Whether it is in the corner of your desk or a little stand in your room, it is important to have a place where you can put your Bible, Icons, etc. Dedicate the use of that space for God alone.
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Acquire A Time: Incorporate prayer in your routine and set time aside to center your thoughts to God.
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Acquire A Library: Start with a Bible, then get a small Orthodox Prayer Book, after that start collecting books. Here are some suggestions: 'Living the Liturgy' (Fr. Stanley Harakas), 'The Way of a Pilgrim' (Monk of the Eastern Church), 'For the Life of the World' (Fr. Alexander Schmemann), 'Beginning to Pray' (Metropolitan Anthony Bloom), 'Bread for Life' (Fr. Theodore Stylianopoulos), 'The Orthodox Way' (Bishop Kallistos Ware), 'Way of the Aesetic (Tito Collander).
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Assemble An Altar: In your prayer center gather icons (Christ, Theotokos, Guardian Angel and patron saint), service books, incense, votive light, a cross, a prayer rope, etc. Incorporate your five senses in prayer.
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Pray: Speak from your heart. Learn prayers of the Church. Try the Jesus Prayer or the Lord's Prayer. Also incorporate your own prayers and thoughts.
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Acquire A Spiritual Father: This is a very important step. One should build a relationship with either a member of the clergy, monk or nun, who will become your spiritual guide. He/she will help guide and pace you to a balanced prayer life. The Sacrament of Confession can be arranged through your priest.
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Fasting and Almsgiving: Fasting adds a dimension to your prayer life. Your fasting practice should be regulated to avoid physical and spiritual harm. As for alms, give where you see a need and trust that the Lord will provide.
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Build On What You Already Have: If you already have a routine, build on it. If, for example, you pray before you go to sleep, it will be easier to read a chapter from the Bible before your bedtime prayers, than to set up some time during the day to read.
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Sanctify All That You Do. You may have set aside a time and space for a prayer routine, but that doesn't mean you should separate your life into sacred and secular. Privately thank God for what you have at all times, and make Him aware of your every concern. Dedicate everything you do to Him.
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Remember the power of the Life-giving Cross. The sign of the Cross is a reminder of Christ in our lives. Blessing oneself with the cross by holding the first two fingers of the right hand and thumb together represents the Holy Trinity. The last two fingers held to the palm represent the two natures of Christ - God and man. Orthodox Christians cross themselves from the head to the breast and from shoulder to shoulder, right to left. This unique and all embracing symbol shows that the cross is the inspiration, power and indeed the very content of our lives.
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Adult Prayer |
Lord our God, whatever sins I have committed this day, in word, deed or thought, forgive me, for you are good and love all people. Grant me a peaceful and undisturbed sleep. Protect me from every abuse and plot of the evil one. Raise me up in due time that I may glorify you, for you are blessed, together with your only begotten Son, and your all holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
At all times and in every hour, you are worshiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, you love the righteous and show mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord, receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to your commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with your holy angels that, guarded and guided by their host, we may arrive at the unity of the faith and the understanding of your ineffable glory. For you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.
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Children Prayer |
Lord Jesus Christ, you received the children who came to you, receive also from the lips of your child this evening prayer. Shelter me under the protection of your wings that I may lie down in peace and sleep. Awaken me in due time that I may glorify you, for you alone are good and love all people.
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Communion Prayer |
PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION
I believe, Lord, and confess, that You are truly the Christ, Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the greatest. I also believe that this is truly Your spotless Body, and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Wherefore I pray You: have mercy on me and forgive my offenses, whether or not intended, whether committed in word or deed, knowingly or unwittingly; and count me worthy to share without judgment in Your pure Mysteries, for remission of sins and for everlasting life. Amen.
You have beguiled me with yearning, O Christ, and by love divine transformed me. Consume my sins in ethereal flame, and let me be filled with the sheer delight of You, O Gracious Lord, that leaping for joy, I may magnify both Your Advents.
How shall I, so unworthy, come into the splendor of Your Saints? If I dare to enter the bridal feast, my clothing will disgrace me, since it is not a wedding garment. Then I shall be bound and cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, purge my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ my God, let not these holy Gifts become a judgment against me because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of both soul and body, and as an earnest of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God, to place in Him the hope of my salvation.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical supper; for I will not reveal the Mystery to Your enemies, nor give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
THANKSGIVING PRAYERS AFTER HOLY COMMUNION
Admonitory Verses
Having received the perfect Communion and its life-giving mystical Gifts, now then give praise and great thanks. From your soul, fervently say to God, "Glory to You, O God; glory to You, O God; glory to You, O God."
I thank You O Lord, my God, for allowing me to become a communicant of Your Holy gifts and for not rejecting me, a sinner. I thank You, that You deemed me worthy, to receive Your pure and heavenly Gifts. Loving Master, who died and rose for us, granting these dread and life-giving mysteries for the benefit and sanctification of our souls and bodies, let them be for the healing of my soul and body. Let these mysteries also be for keeping away all that is adverse; for the illumination of the eyes of my heart; for peace of mind; for faith not put to shame; for love unfeigned; for an increase in the abundance of wisdom; for the keeping of Your Commandments; for the increase of Your Divine Grace and for the attainment of Your Kingdom. Thus, by them protected in Your Holiness I may ever remember Your Grace and no longer live for myself but rather for You, my Master and Benefactor. And when I have passed from this life, in hope of life eternal, let me attain everlasting rest where the unceasing sound of music and the infinite joy of those who behold Your countenance and Your ineffable beauty, rejoice.
For truly You are the desire and inexpressible gladness of those who love You, Christ Our God, and all creation praises You forever.
A PRAYER BY SAINT BASIL
Having received Your pure and life-giving mysteries O Master, Christ our God, King of Ages and Creator of all, I thank You for every good thing You have granted me. Therefore, I pray You, O Good and Loving One, keep me in Your shelter and under the shadow of Your wings. Grant that I may, in clear conscience, and until my final breath, worthily partake of Your Holy Gifts for the forgiveness of my sins and life everlasting. You are the bread of life, source of sanctification and giver of all that is good and to You we give glory, as with Your Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.
A PRAYER BY SAINT SIMON THE TRANSLATOR
He who willingly gave me His flesh for nourishment is fire and consumes the unworthy. Do not consume me, my Creator, do not! Rather, come into the members of my body and all that compose me; my rhenal internals and into my heart. Burn away the thorns of my sins; cleanse my soul, sanctify my thoughts, strengthen my knees and my bones and enlighten my senses; wholly instill in me Your fear; ever guard me; keep me and protect me from every deed and word that may corrupt my soul. Purify me. Purge and put my life in order. Give me beauty, understanding and enlightenment. Prove me to be the dwelling of Your One Spirit and no longer the dwelling of sin. Through Holy Communion You entered within me and I became Your dwelling place. Therefore, let every evil doer and every calamity flee from me as though I were fire. All the Saints, the ranks of the Bodiless Powers, the Forerunner, the wise Apostles and Your pure, immaculate Mother, I bring before You as my intercessors. As compassionate Christ, receive their prayers, and make me, who worships You, a child of light. For You alone, O Good One, are the sanctification and radiance of our souls and to You, fittingly, as God and Master, we all offer praise daily.
ANOTHER PRAYER
O Lord Jesus, Christ, our God, may your Holy Body become for me life eternal and Your precious Blood, the Remission of my sins. May this Eucharist be for my health, joy and gladness. At Your dread second coming deem me, a sinner, worthy to stand at the right hand of Your glory through the intercessions of Your All-immaculate Mother and of all the Saints. Amen.
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The Creed |
I believe in one God, Father 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.
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried;
And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father;
And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; His kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father,
Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead,
And the life of the age to come. Amen
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Morning Prayer |
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth,
who are present everywhere filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us.
Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3x).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 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 your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 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,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Having risen from sleep, we fall before you, 0 good One,
and sing to you, mighty One, the angelic hymn: Holy, holy, holy are you, 0 God.
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Having aroused me from sleep and bed, 0 Lord,
enlighten my mind and open my heart and lips
that I may sing to you, Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are you, 0 God.
Through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Suddenly the Judge will come and everyone's deeds will be revealed.
But with awe we cry out in the middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy are you, 0 God.
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy (12x).
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Mealtime Prayer |
BEFORE BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
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,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Christ our God, bless the food and drink of your servants,
for you are holy always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
THANKSGIVING AFTER BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
We thank you, Christ our God, for you have satisfied us with earthly gifts.
Do not deprive us of your heavenly kingdom, but as you,
0 Savior, came among your disciples and gave them peace,
come among us also and save us.
PRAYERS BEFORE DINNER
The poor shall eat and be satisfied,
and they who seek the Lord shall praise him;
their hearts shall live to the ages of ages.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
THANKSGIVING AFTER DINNER
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Lord, you have gladdened our hearts in your creation,
and we have rejoiced in the work of your hands.
The light of your countenance has shined upon us, Lord.
You have gladdened our hearts.
We have been satisfied with the good things of the earth.
We shall sleep in peace and repose in you,
for you alone, Lord, have sustained us in hope.
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Practicing Daily Prayer |
Prayer on a daily basis creates a rhythm to our lives and helps us in attaining the central goal of human life: to become more Christocentric. In the Orthodox Church that process is called theosis. We never fully achieve it in this life, but we keep striving toward God, day by day.
We may attend church regularly and be involved in the educational, governmental, social, and even the spiritual life of the parish, but if we do not take that one-to-one time with the Lord every day to renew and revitalize ourselves with Him, we may find that Christ no longer is our central focus in the actual way in which we live our daily lives. We can become so involved with the tasks of living - with doing all that the external world demands of us each day - that we can forget and lose the joy of real Life. We may turn to and think of Him just occasionally, or in a time of serious personal need or in hurried superficial prayer - when we repeat written prayers without giving much thought to what we are saying.
Using the established prayers of the Church and the Psalms can be a liberating experience for us, one in which our own spirit becomes more open to the Spirit of God. We soar to the heights of communion with Christ in glimpsing His Way. When we feel His nearness, we receive a foretaste of Heaven. Prayer helps us to lessen our dependence on erroneous models for living, such as pride, fear, self-centeredness, and lack of love for other people. Prayer gives us the hope of salvation: by the Grace of God and through our perseverance in faith and in lovingly serving other people to His glory, we will have the promise of being with God in Paradise.
Christ promised us that when we pray to Him, He will be there with us. "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20). His support is the answer we need to our prayers. Often we are waiting for a palpable answer to a specific problem. Christ tells us that, when we put Him first at the center of our lives in a selfless way, our other needs will be addressed. Often we want God to conform to our will, whereas it is we who need to conform to His will if we are to be His disciples.
When we "agree with one another" and "live in peace" (2 Corinthians 13:11), we realistically can hope that the "grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit..." (2 Corinthians 13:14) will sustain us so that we will have His armor of faith, about us (Ephesians 6: 11,13) to help us with the challenges, problems and tragedies of life.
Through the ages, the Church Fathers tell us that prayer includes elements of praise, thanksgiving, petition and repentance. Praise expresses the awe, honor, and love that we have for God as our Creator and Savior. We give thanksgiving to God for the blessings He gives us - for our very lives. Blessings are those joyful experiences and things we recognize as positive and joyful. Blessings also include the temptations, trials, and problems that we have. Hopefully the difficult times will teach us and lead us to rely on Christ; then the negative experiences also become positive, as we learn to grow more Christ-like from them. We need to thank God for all that comes our way: "For those blessings both apparent and not apparent that have been bestowed upon us."
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Thanksgiving Prayer |
As I rise from sleep, I thank you, Holy Trinity, for because of your great goodness and patience, you were not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor have you destroyed me in my sins, but have shown your usual love for me. And when I was prostrate in despair, you raised me to glorify with your power. Enlighten now my mind's eye, open my mouth to study your words and understand your commandments, to do your will and sing to you in heartfelt adoration, and praise your most holy name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Glory to you, King, God almighty, who through your divine and loving providence have consented that I, an unworthy sinner, should rise from sleep and obtain entrance into your holy house. Accept, Lord, the voice of my prayer as you accept those of your holy and spiritual powers; and that not through my defiled lips, but from a pure heart and humble spirit, praise may be offered to you so that I also, with the bright lamp of my soul, may become a companion of the wise virgins and glorify you, God the Word, who is glorified in the Father and the Spirit. Amen.
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Before-sleep Prayer |
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth,
who are present everywhere filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life,
come and dwell in us.
Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
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 your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
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,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Now that the day has come to a close, I thank you, Lord,
and entreat that the evening and the night be sinless.
Grant this to me, Savior, and save me.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Now that the day has passed, I glorify you, Master,
and I entreat that the evening with the night be without offense.
Grant this to me, Savior, and save me.
· Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Now that the day has ended, I praise you, Holy One,
and entreat that the evening and the night be undisturbed.
Grant this to me, Savior, and save me.
Lord, have mercy (12x)
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Other Prayers |
PSALM 120 (121)
I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who watches over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord shall protect you; the Lord is your shelter at your right hand. The sun shall not burn you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; the Lord shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and forevermore.
Another Prayer
Blessed is God, who has mercy upon us and nourishes us from his bountiful gifts by his grace and love always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret
Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely on Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. 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 . In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all things are under Your care. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray Yourself in me. Amen.
Prayer of Repentance
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.
Prayer of St. Ephraim
O Lord and Master of my life, take away from me the will to be lazy and be sad; the desire to get ahead of other people and to boast and brag.
Give me instead, a pure and humble spirit, the will to be patient with other people, and to love them.
Grant Lord that I may realize my own mistakes, and keep me from judging the things other people do.
For You are blessed now and forever. Amen.
The Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Prayers to the Theotokos
O spotless, undefiled, unstained, chaste and pure Virgin, Lady and Bride of God! Through your wondrous birthgiving you have united God and Word with humanity; you have brought together our fallen nature and the things of heaven. You are the hope of the hopeless, the help of the assaulted, the ready protection of those who hasten to you, the refuge of all Christians.
Do not despise me, a sinner, having wholly defiled myself with unclear thoughts, words and deeds; and having become through an indolent will a slave to life's evil pleasures. But as the Mother of the loving God, show loving mercy to me, a sinner and prodigal, and accept this prayer from my impure lips.
In your maternal boldness, entreat your Son, our Master and Lord, to open to me the depths of His loving kindness; to overlook my countless transgressions; to lead me to repentance and to make me a worthy keeper of His commandments.
Since you are merciful, compassionate and loving, be my constant companion. In this life be my fervent champion and helper, repulsing the assaults of my adversaries and leading me to salvation.
Most glorious, ever-virgin and blessed Theotokos, present our prayer to your Son, and our God, and through your intercession entreat Him to save our souls.
All my hope I place in you, Theotokos; keep me in your care.
Prayer to the Holy Trinity
The Father is my hope. The Son is my refuge. The Holy Spirit is my protection. Holy Trinity, glory to You!
Student's Prayer
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.
Prayer Before a Task
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.
Prayer 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. You have taught us through Your word to pray for each other that we may be healed. I pray that You 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.
Psalm 50 (51)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinner, and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and blameless in Your judgment. Behold I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother bear me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Fill me with joy and gladness; let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You. Deliver me from guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of Your deliverance. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You have no delight in sacrifice: were I to give a burnt offering, You would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
Prayer for the Living
Lord, bless Your servants (names), and grant them health, peace, joy and the grace of Your Spirit. Fulfill their special needs, and guide them in all things with Your loving care. Amen.
Prayer for the Departed
Christ our God, give rest to the soul of your servant with the Saints, where there is no pain, no sorrow, no suffering but life everlasting.
Prayers Before Confession
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 way. 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 Holy Name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
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