So a prayer for Orthodox Christian- this is a conversation, communication with God. Turning to the Lord in prayer is the need of the soul of a believer, it is not for nothing that the holy fathers called prayer breath of the soul.
Fulfilling the daily prayer rule there are two things to keep in mind.
First ... Daily prayer is therefore called rule, which is mandatory. Every Orthodox Christian prays in the morning and before bedtime; he prays and before eating, a after meal thanks God. Christians pray before starting any business(work, study, etc.) and at the end... Before starting work, the prayer "Heavenly King ..." or special prayers for the beginning of any business is read. At the end of the case, the prayer to the Mother of God "It is worthy to eat" is usually read. All these prayers are contained in the Orthodox Prayer Book.
So, in the prayer life there should be regularity and discipline... The daily prayer rule should not be skipped and prayed only when you want and there is a mood. A Christian is a warrior of Christ, in baptism he takes an oath of allegiance to the Lord. The life of every warrior, soldier is called service. It is built according to a special schedule and charter. And the Orthodox person also carries out his service, fulfilling the prayer rule. This service to God takes place according to the statutes of the Church.
Second , which should be remembered when fulfilling the rule: you cannot turn daily prayer into formal proofreading of prescribed prayers. It happens that a priest in confession has to hear: “I began to read morning prayers and only in the middle I realized that I was reading evening rule". This means that the reading was purely formal, mechanical. It does not bear spiritual fruit. So that the execution of the rule does not turn into a formal proofreading, you need to read it slowly, better aloud or in an undertone, pondering the meaning of the prayer, standing reverently - after all, we stand before God Himself and talk with Him. If you are going to pray, you need to collect yourself, calm down, drive away all everyday thoughts and concerns. If during the reading of the prayers inattention and extraneous thoughts came and we stopped paying attention to what was being read, we need to stop and start reading the prayer again, already with due attention.
It can be difficult for a novice Christian to read a complete prayer rule right away. Then, with the blessing of the spiritual father or the parish priest, he can choose from the Prayer Book at least a few morning and evening prayers... For example, three or four, and pray according to this abbreviated rule, gradually adding one prayer from the Prayer Book - as if going up "from strength to strength."
Of course, it is not easy for a person taking the first steps in the spiritual life to follow the complete rule. There are still many things he does not understand. The Church Slavonic text is still difficult for him to comprehend. A small dictionary of Church Slavonic words should be acquired in order to better understand the meaning readable texts... Understanding and the skill of prayer will surely come with time if a person sincerely wants to understand what he has read and does not stand still in the prayer life.
In their morning prayers, Christians ask God for a blessing for the day to come and thank Him for the night that has passed. Evening prayers prepare us for sleep and are also a confession of sins bygone day... In addition to the morning and evening rules, an Orthodox person must keep the memory of God and mentally turn to Him throughout the day. You cannot do anything without Me, - says the Lord (Jn 15: 5). Any business, even the simplest one, must be started with at least a short prayer for God's help in our labors.
Many mothers of babies complain that they have no time for the daily rule at all. Indeed, when a child is growing up and needs to be cared for day and night, it is very difficult to follow the complete prayer rule. Here you can advise to constantly do inner prayer during the day and ask God for help in all matters and concerns. This applies not only to the mother of small children, but also to any Orthodox Christian. This is how our life will pass with permanent memory about God and we will not forget Him in the vanity of the world.
Prayers are conventionally divided into pleading, repentant, grateful and praises... Of course, we must not only turn to the Lord with requests, but we must constantly thank Him for His countless blessings. And, most importantly, they must be able to see the gifts of God in their lives and appreciate them. You need to take it as a rule: at the end of the day, remember all the good things that were sent from God on the last day, and read thanksgiving prayers... They are found in any complete Prayer Book.
In addition to the obligatory prayer rule, every Orthodox person can take upon himself an august rule. For example, read canons, akathists throughout the day. The peculiarity of the construction of the akathist in the word “rejoice” repeated many times. Therefore, he is distinguished by a special joyful attitude. In ancient times, the daily reading of the psalms occupied a special place in the spiritual life of a Christian.
Reading canons, akathists, psalms helps in sorrowful or difficult periods of life. For example, the canon of prayer to the Theotokos (it is in the Prayer Book) reads in all sorrow of soul and circumstances as its name suggests. If a Christian wants to take upon himself a special prayer rule (to read the canons or, for example, to perform the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner” according to the rosary), he must take the blessing of his spiritual father or parish priest for this.
In addition to a constant prayer rule, a Christian should regularly read Holy Bible Of the New Testament.
One can hear the following opinion: why so often turn to God with your requests and prayers? The Lord already knows what we need. They say that you need to turn to God only in special cases when it is really necessary.
This opinion is just an excuse for your own laziness. God is our Heavenly Father, and like every Father, He wants His children to communicate with Him, turn to Him. Both God's grace and mercy towards us can never fail, no matter how much we turn to God.
I remember the following parable:
In the home of rich people, they stopped praying before eating. Once a priest came to visit them. The table was exquisite and the best food was served. We sat at the table. Everyone looked at the priest and thought that now he would pray before eating. But the priest said: "The owner should pray at the table, he is the first prayer book in the family."
There was an awkward silence: no one in this family prayed. The father cleared his throat and said: “You know, dear father, we do not pray, because in prayer before meals the same thing is always repeated. Why do the same thing every day, every year? No, we do not pray. " The priest looked at everyone in surprise, but then the seven-year-old girl said: "Dad, don't I need to come to you every morning and say" good morning "?"
In the morning, getting up from sleep, while still in bed, cross yourself with a prayer: Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Getting out of bed and washing your face, and in the evening, going to sleep, stand up reverently before the holy icons and, looking at them, directing your thoughts to the invisible God and his saints, earnestly, slowly, protecting yourself sign of the cross and bowing, say with tenderness the prayer of the publican:
(bow) (bow)... Without the number of those who have sinned, Lord, have mercy and forgive me, a sinner (bow).
(bow always to the earth).
(bow) (bow).
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless (bow).
Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Mother, by the power of the Honest and Life-giving Cross, and the holy Angel of my guardian, and for all for the sake of the saints, have mercy and save me a sinner, as it is Good and Humanitarian. Amen. (bow to earth, without the sign of the cross).
These prayers are called "beginning" or "incoming and outgoing bows" because they are performed at the beginning and after any prayer rule.
After that, repeat the prayer of the publican with bows:
God, have mercy, wake me a sinner (bow)... Create me, Lord, and have mercy on me (bow)... Without the number of those who have sinned, Lord, have mercy and forgive me, a sinner (bow).
And start your morning prayers with reverence.
For the prayers of the saints, our father, Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen (bow is always at the waist). Cross yourself and say three times:
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee for everyone's sake.
Further: God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have done nothing better before You (bow), but deliver me from the evil one, and Thy will be done in me (bow) May I open my unworthy mouth without condemnation and praise Your holy name: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen (bow).
Outlined prayers are not read in the evening.
Heavenly King, Comforter, True Soul, Whoever is everywhere and fulfilling everything, Treasure of the good and life to the Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save us, Blessed, our soul.
Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us (bow three times)... Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and forever and ever. Amen. Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse our sins. Master, forgive our iniquity. Holy ones, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name's sake. Lord have mercy (three times)... Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and forever and ever. Amen. Our Father, Thou art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Our daily bread and give us this day. And leave us our debts, as we also leave our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen. Lord have mercy (12 times).
If morning - reads:
Standing up from sleep, I thank Thee, the All-Holy Trinity, for for the sake of goodness and longsuffering I did not get angry with Thy sinful and lazy servant, and you did not destroy me with my iniquity, but love of mankind. And lying in lack of desire, raise me up to matinevate and glorify Thy invincible power. And now, O Lord, Most Holy God, enlighten the eyes of my heart and open my mouth to learn from Thy word, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and pet Thee in confession with the heart. Sing and glorify your most honorable and magnificent name: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
If evening:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And now, and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.
Come, let us worship our Tsar God (bow)... Come, let us worship Christ, the Tsar and our God (bow)... Come, let us worship and fall down to the very Lord Jesus Christ, the Tsar and our God (bow).
PSALM 50 (penitent)/>
Have mercy on me, God, according to Thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of Thy compassions, cleanse my iniquity. Wash me most of all from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and I will take out my sin before me. Thee, the only one, have sinned, and have done evil before thee. As if you were justified in your words and conquer, always to judge. Behold, in iniquity I am conceived, and in sin bore me my mother. Thou didst love this truth; You have revealed your unknown and secret wisdom. Sprinkle me with hyssop and I will be cleansed. Wash me, and I will whiten more than snow. To my hearing dasi joy and gladness: the bones of the humble will rejoice. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and cleanse all my iniquity. Build a pure heart in me, O God, and renew the spirit of rights in my womb. Do not open me from Thy face, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of Thy salvation and confirm me with the spirit of the Lord. I will teach the wicked in Thy way, and the wickedness will turn to Thee. Deliver me from the blood, O God, God of my salvation; my tongue will rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. As if he would have wanted the sacrifice, he would have given it; do not favor burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God - the spirit is broken: God will not despise a broken and humble heart. Bless, O Lord, with Thy good pleasure Zion; and let the walls of Jerosalim be built up. Then favor the sacrifice of righteousness, the exaltation and the burnt offering. Then they will put a calf on your altar.
Shielding ourselves reverently with the sign of the Cross, we pronounce the SYMBOL OF FAITH - the words of the Fathers of the First and Second Saints Of the Ecumenical Council(sign of the cross without bowing):
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only begotten, who was born of the Father before all ages. Light from Light, God is true from God, true, born, not created, consubstantial with the Father, who is all by Him. For us, for the sake of man, and for our salvation, descended from heaven, and incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, incarnate. Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried. And he rose again on the third day after the writing. And he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. And packs coming with glory to judge the living and the dead, His kingdom has no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the true and life-giving Lord, who proceeds from the Father, who is like the Father and the Son, we are worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. And in one holy cathedral and apostolic church... I confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. Tea for the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the next century. Amen.
Virgin Mary, rejoicing, delighted Mary, the Lord is with You, blessed are You in women and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb, as if you gave birth to Christ the Savior, the Deliverer of our souls (bowing three times).
O! All-chanting Mother, who gave birth to all the saints, the most holy Word, accept the present offering, save everyone from every misfortune, and the coming torment, crying Ty: Alleluia (three times, with earthly bows).
Invincible and divine power of the honest and life-giving Cross of the Lord, do not leave me a sinner who trusts in You (bow)... My Most Holy Lady Theotokos, have mercy on me, and save me, and help me now, in this life, and in the exodus of my soul, and in the future (bow)... All heavenly powers, holy angels and archangels, cherubs and seraphim, have mercy on me, and pray for me as a sinner to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and in the exodus of my soul, and in the future eve (bow)... Angel of Christ, my guardian of holiness, have mercy on me and pray for me as a sinner to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and in the exodus of my soul, and in the future eve (bow)... Holy Great John, prophet and Forerunner of the Lord, have mercy on me, and pray for me a sinner to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and in the exodus of my soul, and in the future ever (bow)... Saints of glory, apostles, prophets and martyrs, saints, reverends and righteousness and all saints, have mercy on me, and pray for me as a sinner to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and in the exodus of my soul, and in the future. (bow).
After this, pray three times with bows the following prayers.
Most Holy Trinity our God, glory to Thee. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Glory, Lord, to Thy Honest Cross. Most Holy Lady Theotokos, save me Thy sinful servant. To the Angel of Christ, the keeper of my holy, save me Thy sinful servant. Holy archangels and angels, pray to God for me as a sinner. Holy Great John, prophet and Forerunner, Baptist of the Lord, pray to God for me as a sinner. Holy glorious prophet Elijah, pray to God for me as a sinner. Holy forefathers, pray to God for me as a sinner. Holy prophets, pray to God for me as a sinner. Holy Apostles, pray to God for me as a sinner. Saints of glory to the apostles and evangelists: Matthew, Marko, Luko and John the Theologian, pray to God for me as a sinner. Holy glory of the supremacy of the Apostles Peter and Paul, pray to God for me as a sinner. Saints of Greatness Trio Saints: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, pray to God for me as a sinner. Saint Nicholas of Christ, pray to God for me as a sinner. Venerable Father Sergius, pray to God for me as a sinner. Holy Hieromartyr and Confessor Avvakum, pray to God for me as a sinner. Holy Hierarch of Christ and Confessor Ambrose, pray to God for me as a sinner. Reverend and God-bearing our fathers, shepherd and teacher of the universe, pray to God for me as a sinner. All holy ones, pray to God for me as a sinner.
After that, pray to the saint whose name you bear, and to the saint celebrated on this date, as well as other saints, whoever you want. Do not forget to pray and penance, which obeisances you have from your spiritual father.
Then pray for the health of the ruling bishop, spiritual father, parents, relatives and friends, bowing three times for health and salvation:
Merciful Lord, save and have mercy on your servant (bow) (name the names for whom you are praying)... Deliver them from all sorrow, anger and want (bow)... From every illness of mental and physical (bow)... And forgive them every sin, voluntary and involuntary (bow)... And create useful for our souls (bow).
Then pray for the repose of spiritual fathers, parents and loved ones, and for whom you have zeal, saying with bows three times:
Peace, O Lord, the soul of the departed is Thy servant (bow) (name the names for whom you are praying)... And the tree in this life is like men have sinned, but you, like a Humanitarian God, forgive them and have mercy (bow)... Deliver eternal torment (bow)... Participants in the kingdom of heaven (bow)... And create useful for our souls (bow).
Finishing your prayers, say:
Lord, either in word, or in deed, or in thought of those who have sinned in all my life, have mercy on me and forgive me, for Thy mercy (bow to earth)... I place all my hope in You, Mother of God, keep me in Your blood (bow to earth)... My hope is God, and my refuge is Christ, and my patron is the Holy Spirit. (bow to earth).
It is worthy to eat, as truly blessed Theotokos, ever blessed and most blameless, and the Mother of our God. The most honest cherub and the most glorious truly seraphim, who gave birth to the Mother of God without corruption of God the Word, we magnify Thee (bow always to the earth).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (bow)... And now and forever and forever and ever, amen (bow)... Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless (bow).
And let go:/>
Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Mother and the reverend and God-bearing father of ours and all saints, have mercy and save me a sinner, as it is Good and Humanitarian. Amen.
And, bending down to the ground, without overshadowing yourself with the sign of the cross, read forgiveness:
Weaken, leave, let go, O God, my sins, voluntary and involuntary, even in word and in deed, and even in knowledge and not in knowledge, even in mind and in thought, even in days and nights, forgive all of me, like The Lover of Man is also good. Amen.
Standing up, read this prayer with bows:
Forgive those who hate and offend us, Lord, Human-loving. Do good to those who do good, to our brethren and to all our relatives, like those who have retired, grant them all, even for salvation, petitions and eternal life (bow)... In the diseases of existence, visit and heal, in the dungeons of existing freedom, in the waters that float, Wake up the ruler and others like him who travel on journeys, correct and hurry (bow)... Remember, Lord, those who were captured by our brethren, of the Orthodox faith of the same faith, and deliver them from every evil of the situation (bow)... Have mercy, Lord, who gave us alms and commanded us unworthy to pray for them, forgive them and have mercy (bow)... Have mercy, O Lord, on those who labor and serve us, who have mercy and nourish us, and grant them all, even for salvation, petitions and an eternal life. (bow)... Remember, O Lord, before the fathers departed and our brethren and brought them in, where the light of Thy face is present. (bow)... Remember, Lord, and our weakness and poverty, and enlighten our mind with the light of reason of Thy holy Gospel, and guide us on the path of Thy commandments, with the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints, amen (bow).
These prayers end with the usual seven-bow beginning (see "incoming and outgoing bows" at the beginning).
At the end of the prayers, both in the morning and in the evening, shielding yourself with your pectoral cross, say: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, bless and sanctify, and preserve me by the power of Thy Life-giving Cross.
Then kiss the cross.
And read the prayer to the Cross, crossing yourself:
May God rise again, and disdain Him, and let those who hate Him flee from the face of Him, as if the smoke disappears, may they disappear. As if the wax melts from the face of fire, so may demons perish from the face of those who love God, and those who are marked by the sign of the cross, and let us rejoice in the river: rejoicing, the Cross of the Lord, driving away demons by the power of our God-soaked Lord Jesus Christ on Thee, who descended into hell, and the devil has taken the power of the devil , and who gave us His Honest Cross to drive out every adversary.
O! Blessed and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, help me, with the Most Holy Lady Theotokos, and with all the holy heavenly powers, always and now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
Part 1.
Where did morning or evening prayers come from? Could something else be used instead? Do you have to pray twice a day? Is it possible to pray according to the rule of St. Seraphim of Sarov?
We talk about the prayer rule with Archpriest Maxim Kozlov, rector of the Church of the Holy Martyr Tatiana at Moscow State University.
- Father Maxim, where did the existing prayer rule come from - morning and evening prayers?
- In the form in which the prayer rule is now printed in our prayer books, others do not know it Local Churches, except for those Slavic Churches, which at one time began to focus on church seal Russian Empire and de facto borrowed our liturgical books and related printed texts. In Greek speaking Orthodox Churches we will not see this. There, as morning and evening prayers for the laity, the following scheme is recommended: in the evening - shortening of Compline and some elements of Vespers, and as morning prayers - unchangeable parts borrowed from Midnight Office and Matins.
If we look at a tradition recorded relatively recently by historical standards - for example, we open the Domostroy of Archpriest Sylvester - then we will see an almost fantastic Russian family. The task was to give a certain role model. Such a family, being literate according to Sylvester's idea, reads the sequence of Vespers and Matins at home, standing in front of the icons along with the household and servants.
If we pay attention to the monastic, priestly rule known to the laity in preparation for the reception of the Saints Mysteries of Christ, then we will see the same three canons that are read in Little Compline.
The meeting of prayers under the numbers arose quite late. The first text we know is Francysk Skaryna's "Travel Book", and today liturgists have no unequivocal opinion when and why such a meeting was made. My assumption (it cannot be considered the final statement) is this: these texts first appeared in southwestern Russia, in the volosts, where there was a very strong Uniate influence and contacts with the Uniates. Most likely, there is, if not a direct borrowing from the Uniates, then a certain kind of borrowing of the liturgical and ascetic logic characteristic of the Catholic Church at that time, which clearly divided its composition into two categories: the church of teachers and the church of students. For the laity, texts were offered that had to be different from the texts read by the clergy, taking into account the different educational level and the internal church status of the laity.
By the way, in some prayer books of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries we still see a relapse of that consciousness (now it is not reprinted, but in pre-revolutionary books it can be found): for example, prayers that a Christian can read during the liturgy during the first antiphon; prayers and feelings that a Christian should read and experience during the Little Entrance ... What is this if not a kind of analogue for a layman of those secret prayers that a priest reads during the corresponding parts of the liturgy, but only referred not to the priest, but to the layman? I think that the fruit of that period in the history of our Church was the emergence of today.
Well, the general distribution in the form in which it is now, the prayer rule received already in the synodal era in the XVIII-XIX centuries and gradually became established as a generally accepted norm for the laity. It is difficult to say in what year, in what decade this happened. If we read the lesson about the prayer of our authoritative teachers and fathers of the XIX century, then there are no analyzes, discussions about morning-evening rule Neither Saint Theophanes, nor Saint Philaret, nor Saint Ignatius will we find it.
So, on the one hand, recognizing the existing prayer rule that has been used within the Russian Church for several centuries and in this sense has become partly an unwritten, partly written norm of our spiritual-ascetic and spiritual-prayer life, we should not overestimate the status of today's prayer books and they contain prayer texts as the only possible norm for organizing a prayer life.
- Can the prayer rule be changed? Now such an approach has been established among the laity: one can supplement, but cannot be replaced and reduced. What do you think about this?
- In the form in which they are, morning and evening prayers are in some inconsistency with the principle of construction Orthodox worship, in which, as we all well know, the mutable and immutable part are connected. At the same time, among the variable parts there are repeated - daily, weekly, once a year - circles of worship: daily, weekly and yearly. This principle of connecting a solid unchanging backbone, a skeleton on which everything is built up, and variable, changeable parts is very wisely arranged and corresponds to the very principle of human psychology: on the one hand, it needs a norm, a charter, and on the other hand, variability so that the charter does not turn into into formal proofreading, repetition of texts that no longer evoke any internal response. And here there are just problems with prayer rule where the same texts are in the morning and in the evening.
In preparation for Communion, the laity have three of the same canons. Even in priestly preparation, the canons are different in weeks. If you open the service book, it says that on every day of the week, their canons are read. And among the laity, the rule is invariable. And what, to read only it all my life? It is clear that certain kinds of problems will arise.
Saint Theophan gives advice, which I was very happy with in my time. I myself and others I know have found much spiritual benefit in this counsel. He advises, when reading the prayer rule to combat coldness and dryness some times a week, noticing the standard chronological interval that goes into reading the usual rule, try in the same fifteen to twenty minutes, half an hour, not to set yourself the task of reading everything without fail, but repeatedly returning to the place from which we were distracted or left with a thought to the side, to achieve the utmost concentration on the words and meaning of prayer. If only in the same twenty minutes we read only the initial prayers, but then we would learn to do it for real. At the same time, the saint does not say that it is generally necessary to switch to such an approach. And he says that you need to combine: on some days, read the entire rule, and on some days, pray in this way.
If we take the church-liturgical principle of building a prayer life as a basis, it would be reasonable to either combine or partially replace certain components of the morning and evening rules with, say, the canons that are in the canon - there are clearly more of them than in the prayer book. There are absolutely marvelous, amazing, beautiful prayers of Octoichus that go back in large part to the Monk John of Damascus. Preparing for Communion on Sunday, why not read that Canon of the Theotokos or that Sunday canon to the Cross of Christ or the Resurrection that is in the Octoix? Or take, say, the canon to the Guardian Angel of the corresponding voice from the Octoichus, rather than the same one that is proposed to be read to a person for many years.
For many of us, on the day of accepting the Holy Mysteries of Christ, especially for the laity, regardless of the frequency of communion, the soul, and not laziness, prompts a person to seek thanksgiving to God on that day rather than to repeat in the evening the words that “have sinned, transgressed” and so on. ... When everything in us is still full of gratitude to God for accepting the Holy Mysteries of Christ, why not, for example, take this or that akathist singing or, say, an akathist to Jesus the Sweetest, or some other prayer and not make it the center of your prayer rule for this day?
Generally speaking, prayer, I will say such a terrible phrase, must be treated creatively. It cannot be dried to the level of a formally executable scheme: on the one hand, to have the burden of the fact that this scheme has to be performed day after day, year after year, and on the other hand, some kind of periodic inner satisfaction from the fact that I am doing what I should. , and what else do you want from me in heaven, I did so, not without difficulty, what is supposed to be. Prayer cannot be turned into reading and performing only duties, and counting - here I do not have the gift of prayer, I am a small person, holy fathers, ascetics, mystics prayed, but we’ll wander around in prayer, and there’s no demand.
- Who should decide what prayer rule should be - is it the person himself who should decide or is it still necessary to go to the confessor, to the priest?
- If a Christian has a confessor with whom he determines the constants of his inner spiritual order, then it would be absurd to do without him in this case, and to decide what to do with his own head. We initially assume that a confessor is a person who is at least no less experienced in spiritual life than the one who turns to him, and in most cases, somewhat more experienced. And in general - one head is good, but two are better. From the outside it is more visible that a person, even reasonable in many respects, may not notice. Therefore, it is prudent to consult with a confessor when determining something that we strive to make permanent.
But you cannot take advice on every movement of the soul. And if today you wanted to open the Psalter - not in terms of regular reading, but simply open and add the psalms of King David to your usual prayer work - do not call the priest? It's another matter if you want to start reading the kathisma along with the prayer rule. Then you need to consult and take a blessing for this, and the priest, based on whether you are ready, will help you with advice. Well, but simply the natural movements of the soul - here somehow you have to decide for yourself.
- I think that it is better not to omit the initial prayers unnecessarily, because they may have the most concentrated experience of the Church - “Heavenly King”, “Holy Trinity”, who taught us the prayer “Our Father” we already know, "It is worthy to eat" or "Theotokos Virgin rejoice" - there are so few of them, and they are so obviously chosen by the prayer experience of the Church. The Charter suggests that sometimes we should refrain from them. “Heavenly King” - we wait 50 days before the feast of Pentecost, on Bright Week we have a special prayer rule. I don’t understand the logic of this refusal.
- Why should you pray exactly twice a day - in the morning and in the evening? One of our readers writes: when I am working with the children, cooking or cleaning, it is so easy for me to pray, but as soon as I stand in front of the icons, everything is cut off.
- Several topics arise at once. Nobody calls us to restrict ourselves to only the morning or evening rule. The Apostle Paul says bluntly - pray incessantly. The task of a good organization of a prayer life implies that a Christian strives not to forget about God during the day, including not to forget prayerfully. There are many situations in our life when prayer can be developed in oneself in a distinct way. But with the unwillingness to get up and pray exactly when it is supposed to be a duty, we must fight, because, as we know, the enemy of the human race is especially opposed there when there is no self-desire. It's easy to do, which is done when I want to. But that becomes a feat that I have to do regardless of whether I want to or not. Therefore, I would advise not to give up the effort to supply yourself to morning and evening prayers. Its size is a different matter, especially for a mother with children. But it should be like some constant value of the prayer dispensation.
As for prayers during the day: you stir up the porridge, young mother, - well, hum a prayer to yourself, or if you can somehow concentrate more - read the Jesus prayer silently to yourself.
Now for most of us there is a great school of prayer - this is the road. Each of us travels to school, to work in public transport, in a car in Moscow's well-known traffic jams. Pray! Don't waste time, don't turn on unnecessary radio. If you do not know the news, you will survive several days without it. Do not think that you are so tired on the subway that you want to forget and fall asleep. Well, well, if you can't read the prayer book in the metro, read "Lord, have mercy" to yourself. And this will be a school of prayer.
- And if you drive and put on the disc with prayers?
- I once treated this very harshly, I thought - well, these disks, some kind of trash, and then, through the experience of various clergy and laity, I saw that this could be of help in the prayer rule.
The only thing I would say is that you don't need to reduce your entire prayer life to listening to discs. It would be absurd to come home in the evening and take the evening rule, instead of himself, turn on the disc, and some reverent Lavra choir and an experienced hierodeacon will begin to lull you with his usual voice. Everything should be in moderation.
- How can you relate to the rule given by the great saint? As to the rule given by the great saint. I just want to remind you of the circumstances under which he gave it: he gave it to those nuns and novices who were on hard laborious obediences for 14-16 hours a day. He gave them so that they could begin and end their day without being able to fulfill the regular monastic rules, and reminded them that this rule should be combined with internal prayer work during the labors that they carry out during the day.
Of course, if a person in a hot workshop or in no less tedious office work comes home so that he can eat dinner made by his beloved wife on hastily and to read prayers is all for which he has the strength, let him read the rule of the Monk Seraphim. But if you still have the strength to sit at the table without haste, make a few unnecessary phone calls, watch a movie or news on TV, read your friend's tape on the Internet, and then - oh, get up to work tomorrow and only a few minutes remain - then, perhaps, it would not be the most correct way to limit yourself to the Seraphim rule.
To be continued…
This article contains: prayer in the evening when to read - information taken from all over the world, electronic network and spiritual people.
Every Orthodox Christian must adhere to a certain prayer rule, performed every day: morning prayers are read in the morning, and prayers for the coming sleep must be read in the evening.
Why do you need to read prayers before bed
There is a certain rhythm of prayer intended for monastics and laymen who are experienced in the spiritual understanding.
But for those who have recently come to the Church and are just beginning the prayer path, it is quite difficult to read it in its entirety. And it happens that the laity have unforeseen situations when there is too little opportunity and time for prayer.
In this case, it is better to read short rule than ranting the full text thoughtlessly and without reverence.
Often, confessors bless beginners to read several prayers, and then, after 10 days, add one prayer to the rule every day. Thus, the skill of prayer reading is formed gradually and naturally.
Important! Any prayer appeal will be supported by Heaven when a person directs his activities to the service of God and people.
Evening prayers
In the evening, laymen read a short rule - a prayer at night before going to bed:
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfill everything, Treasure of the good and life to the Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save our souls, Beloved.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)
Our Father, Who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we also leave our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us; every answer is bewildered, this Ti prayer as if to the Lord of sin we bring: have mercy on us.
Glory: Lord, have mercy on us, in You with hope; Do not be angry with us, remember our iniquities below, but look after us and now, as if you are well-to-do, and deliver us from our enemies; Thou art our God, and we are Thy people, all works Thy hand, and we call on Thy name.
And now: Open the doors of mercy to us, blessed Mother of God, hoping in Thee, let us not perish, but let us get rid of Thy troubles: Thou art the salvation of the Christian race.
Lord have mercy. (12 times)
Eternal God and the King of every creature, vouching for me even at this hour of age, forgive my sins, I have also done this day in deed, word and thought, and cleanse, Lord, my humble soul from all defilement of flesh and spirit. And grant me, Lord, in the night of this dream to pass in peace, so that, standing up from the humble bed, I will delight in Thy holy name, all the days of my life, and I will overcome the fleshly and incorporeal enemies who fight me. And deliver me, O Lord, from vain thoughts that defile me, and the lusts of the wicked. As Thine is the kingdom, and the power and glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
Good King Mother, Most Pure and Blessed Mother of God Mary, pour out the mercy of Thy Son and our God on my passionate soul and with Thy prayers guide me to good deeds, so that the rest of my life will pass without blemish and I will find Paradise by Thee, Virgin Mary, one Pure and the Blessed One.
To the Angel of Christ, my saint guardian and protector of my soul and body, all forgive me, the tree of those who have sinned in this day, and save me from all cunning of the enemy, so that I will anger my God in no way; but pray for me a sinful and unworthy slave, as if you were worthy of me showing the goodness and mercy of the All-Holy Trinity and the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints. Amen.
To the chosen Voevoda, victorious, as if we will get rid of the wicked, we will grateful to Ty Thy servant, the Mother of God, but as the one who has an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call Ty; Rejoice, Unmarried Bride.
Glorious Ever-ever, Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Thy Son and our God, that Thou mayst save our souls.
I place all my hope in You, Mother of God, keep me under Your roof.
Virgin Mary, do not despise me, a sinner, demanding Your help and Your intercession, my soul trusts in You, and have mercy on me.
My hope is the Father, my refuge Son, my cover is the Holy Spirit: Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.
It is worthy to eat as truly blessed Thee, Mother of God, Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and Mother of our God. The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption, we magnify the Mother of God.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Mother, venerable and God-bearing father of ours and all saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Interpretation of individual prayers
- Heavenly King.
In supplication, the Holy Spirit is called King, because He, as God the Father and God the Son, rules the world and reigns in it. He is a comforter and to this day he comforts those who need it. He instructs believers on the righteous path, and therefore is called the Spirit of Truth.
The petition is addressed to three persons Holy Trinity... The great song is sung by the angels of heaven before the throne of God. God the Father is the Holy God, God the Son is the Holy All-Powerful. This conversion is due to the victory of the Son over the devil and the destruction of hell. Throughout the prayer, a person asks for permission from sins, healing spiritual infirmities for the sake of glorifying the Most Holy Trinity.
This is an appeal directly to the Almighty as a Father, we stand before Him as children before mother and father. We affirm the omnipotence of God and His might, we implore you to control human spiritual forces and direct them to the true path, so that after death we will be honored to be in the Kingdom of Heaven.
He is Kind spirit for every believer, determined by God Himself. Therefore, prayer to Him in the evenings is simply necessary. It is he who will warn against committing sins, help to live holy and will patronize the soul and body.
In the prayer, the danger of attacks by the enemies of the body (people pushing them to commit sin) and disembodied (spiritual passions) is especially highlighted.
Nuances of the evening rule
Most people have a question: is it possible to listen to Orthodox chants in audio recordings?
In the Epistle of the Apostle Paul it is said that it does not matter what a person does, the main thing is that any of his work should be done for the glory of God.
The prayer should be started before bed. Before starting to read the rule, it is recommended to thank God for everything that He was given for the whole day. You need to turn to Him with your mind and heart, realizing the meaning of each spoken word.
Advice! If the text is readable on Church Slavonic, then you need to study its Russian translation.
V modern practice the rule is supplemented by the reading of prayers about:
- close and dear people
- the living and the dead;
- about enemies;
- virtues and the whole world.
In a dream, a person is especially vulnerable to the devil's army, he is visited by sinful thoughts, bad desires. Night in the Christian sense is considered a time of revelry of demons. A person can receive information that can seduce his body and lead his soul into sin. Demons are very insidious, they can send nightmares in a dream.
That is why believers pray every day before going to bed.
Advice! Even when all life circumstances develop successfully, one should not forget about faith and about the Heavenly Father, because human destinies are initially predetermined in Heaven. Therefore, it is necessary to turn to God before going to bed and the next day will definitely turn out better than the previous one.
- It is useful to listen to the singing of the elders of Optina Pustyn. This male monastic abode is famous for miracle workers who could and can foresee human destinies. The need to serve the Almighty is conveyed through their prayer songs and tunes in to the righteous path.
- The Church has a positive attitude towards viewing Orthodox videos, but this material must be treated with great care, and while listening or watching, it is recommended to postpone worldly activities.
- Clergymen advise to include in the evening rule the prayers of the Optina elders. Their texts have evolved over the centuries and each of their phrases carries the greatest wisdom that can explain the basics Orthodox faith and know their full depth.
Prayer is the breath of the soul an orthodox person... He practically cannot control his sleep; other life processes are also difficult to control. Therefore, prayer before going to bed is aimed at the Creator's participation in human life, otherwise He will not have the opportunity to help us.
Important! The ascension of prayer before bedtime is the acquisition of protection and support by an Orthodox Christian. In addition to their own protection, mothers beg God to protect their children and bestow upon them mercy.
Prayer Rule.
What is a prayer rule? These are prayers that a person reads regularly, every day. The prayer rule is different for everyone. For some, the morning or evening rule takes several hours, for others, a few minutes. It all depends on the spiritual constitution of a person, on the degree of his rootedness in prayer and on what time he has.
It is very important that a person fulfills the prayer rule, even the shortest one, so that there is regularity and constancy in prayer. But the rule should not turn into a formality. The experience of many believers shows that with the constant reading of the same prayers, their words fade, lose their freshness, and a person, getting used to them, ceases to focus on them. This danger must be avoided by all means.
I remember when I took monastic tonsure (I was twenty years old then), I turned to an experienced confessor for advice and asked him what prayer rule I should have. He said: “You must read the morning and evening prayers daily, three canons and one akathist. Whatever happens, even if you are very tired, you must read them. And even if you read them hastily and inattentively - it doesn't matter, the main thing is that the rule should be read. " I tried. It didn't work out. The daily recitation of the same prayers led to the fact that these texts quickly became boring. In addition, every day I spent many hours in the church at the services that spiritually nourished me, nourished, inspired me. And the reading of the three canons and the akathist turned into some kind of unnecessary "appendage". I started looking for another piece of advice that was more suitable for me. And he found it in the works of St. Theophan the Recluse, a remarkable ascetic of the 19th century. He advised the prayer rule to count not by the number of prayers, but by the time that we are ready to devote to God. For example, we can make it a rule to pray in the morning and in the evening for half an hour, but this half hour must be completely devoted to God. And it is not so important whether we read all the prayers during these minutes, or just one, or maybe we will devote one evening entirely to reading the Psalter, the Gospel or prayer in our own words. The main thing is that we are focused on God, so that our attention does not slip away and that every word reaches our hearts. This advice worked for me. However, I do not exclude that the advice I received from a spiritual father would be more suitable for others. Much depends on the individual's personality.
It seems to me that for a person living in the world, not only fifteen, but even five minutes of morning and evening prayer, if, of course, it is pronounced with attention and feeling, is enough to be a real Christian. It is only important that the thought always corresponds to the words, the heart answers the words of the prayer, and the whole life corresponds to the prayer.
Try, following the advice of St. Theophan the Recluse, to set aside some time for prayer during the day and for the daily fulfillment of the prayer rule. And you will see that it will bear fruit very soon.
The basis of the life of an Orthodox Christian is fasting and prayer. Prayer, "there is a conversation between the soul and God." And just as in a conversation it is impossible to listen to one side all the time, so in prayer it is useful sometimes to stop and listen to the Lord's answer to our prayer.
The Church, praying daily “for everyone and for everything,” has established for everyone a personal, individual prayer rule. The composition of this rule depends on the spiritual age, living conditions, and human capabilities. The Prayer Book offers us morning and evening prayers available to everyone. They are turned to the Lord, Mother of God, Guardian Angel. With the blessing of the confessor, prayers to selected saints can be included in the cell rule. If it is not possible to read morning prayers in front of the icons in calm atmosphere, it is better to read them on the way than to omit them altogether. In any case, one should not have breakfast before the prayer "Our Father" is recited.
If a person is sick or very tired, then the evening rule can be performed not before going to bed, but shortly before that. And before going to bed, one should read only the prayer of the Monk John Damascene “Vladyka, Human-loving, really, this coffin will have a bed for me. "And following it.
A very important part of morning prayers is remembrance reading. It is imperative to pray for peace and health Holy Patriarch, the ruling bishop, spiritual father, parents, relatives, godparents and godchildren, and all people who are connected with us in one way or another. If someone cannot make peace with others, even if not through his own fault, he is obliged to remember the “hating” and sincerely wish him well.
The personal ("cell") rule of many Orthodox includes the reading of the Gospel and the Psalter. Thus, the Optina monks blessed many to read during the day one chapter from the Gospel, in order, and two chapters from Apostolic Epistles... Moreover, the last seven chapters of the Apocalypse were read one a day. Then the reading of the Gospel and the Apostle ended at the same time, and a new circle of readings began.
The prayer rule for a person is established by his spiritual father, in his own jurisdiction to change it - to decrease or increase. One day established rule should become the law of life, and each violation should be considered an exceptional case, tell the confessor about it and receive admonition from him.
When and for how long should you pray? The apostle Paul says, “Pray incessantly” (1 Thess. 5:17). Saint Gregory the Theologian writes: “One must remember God more often than breathe.” Ideally, a Christian's entire life should be permeated with prayer.
Many troubles, sorrows and misfortunes occur precisely because people forget about God. After all, there are also believers among criminals, but at the moment of committing a crime they do not think about God. It is difficult to imagine a person who would go to murder or theft with the thought of an all-seeing God, from whom no evil can be hidden. And every sin is committed by a person precisely when he does not remember God.
Most people are unable to pray all day long, so you need to find some time, even a short one, to remember God.
In the morning you wake up with the thought of what is to be done that day. Before you start your work and immerse yourself in the inevitable hustle and bustle, devote at least a few minutes to God. Stand before God and say: "Lord, you gave me this day, help me to spend an era without sin, without blemish, save me from all evil and misfortune." And invoke the blessing of God on the day that begins.
Try to remember God more often throughout the day. If you feel bad, turn to Him with a prayer: "Lord, I feel bad, help me." If you feel good, tell God: "Lord, glory to You, I thank You for this joy." If you are worried about someone, tell God: "Lord, I am worried about him, I am in pain for him, help him." And so throughout the day - whatever happens to you, turn it into prayer.
When the day comes to an end and you are getting ready for bed, remember the past day, thank God for all the good things that have happened, and bring repentance for all those unworthy deeds and sins that you have committed that day. Ask God for help and blessings for the coming night. As you learn to pray this way every day, you will soon notice how much fuller your whole life will be.
Often people justify their unwillingness to pray by the fact that they are too busy, overloaded with things. Yes, many of us live in a rhythm in which the people of antiquity did not. Sometimes we have to do a lot of things during the day. But there are always some pauses in life. For example, we stand at a bus stop and wait for a tram - three to five minutes. We go to the subway - twenty to thirty minutes, dial the phone number and hear beeps - "busy" - for a few more minutes. We use at least these pauses for prayer, let them not be wasted time.
How to pray when you are pressed for time
Many of the elder's visitors blamed him for praying little, not reading even the prescribed morning and evening prayers. St. Seraphim established the following easily observable rule for such people:
“Rising from sleep, every Christian, standing before the holy icons, let him read the prayer“ Our Father ”three times, in honor of the Most Holy Trinity. Then the song to the Mother of God "Virgin Mary, Rejoice" also three times. In conclusion, the Symbol of Faith “I believe in one God” - once. Having fulfilled such a rule, every Orthodox person goes about his business, to which he is assigned or called. While working at home or on the way somewhere he quietly reads "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner (or a sinner)" so until lunchtime. Before lunch, let him again perform the morning rule.
After dinner, while doing his work, let every Christian read as quietly: “ Holy Mother of God save me a sinner. " Going to sleep, let every Christian again read the morning rule, that is, three times "Our Father", three times "Theotokos" and once "The Symbol of Faith."
St. Seraphim explained that by adhering to that small "rule" one can achieve a measure of Christian perfection, for these three prayers are the foundation of Christianity. The first, like a prayer given by the Lord Himself, is the pattern of all prayers. The second was brought from heaven by the Archangel in the greeting of the Mother of God. The Symbol of Faith contains all the saving dogmas of the Christian faith.
1. The Lord's Prayer "Our Father" (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luke 11, 2-4).
2. Basic commandments Old Testament(Deut. 6: 5; Lev. 19:18).
3. Basic Gospel commandments (Matt. 5, 3-12; Matt. 5, 21-48; Matt. 6, 1; Matt. 6, 3; Matt. 6, 6; Matt. 6, 14-21; Matt. 6: 24-25; Matt. 7: 1-5; Matt. 23: 8-12; John 13, 34).
5. Morning and evening prayers for a short prayer book.
6. The number and meaning of the sacraments.
The fear of our time has not escaped the Orthodox either. How to protect yourself and your loved ones? - believers often ask. Our main protection is the Lord Himself, without His Holy Will, as the Scriptures say, and a hair will not fall from our head (Luke 21, 18). This does not mean that in our reckless trust in God, we can behave defiantly towards the underworld. The words “do not tempt the Lord thy God” (Matthew 4: 7) we need to remember firmly.
God has given us the greatest shrines to defend against visible enemies. This is, first of all, a Christian shield - pectoral cross, which should not be removed under any circumstances. Secondly, holy water and artos, eaten every morning.
We also preserve the Christian by prayer. Many churches sell belts on which the text of the 90th psalm “Alive in the help of Vyshnyago. "And prayer Honest Cross"May God rise again." It is worn on the body, under clothing.
The ninetieth psalm has great power... Spiritually experienced people recommend reading it before every time we go outside, no matter how many times we leave the house. Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov gives advice when leaving the house to sign the sign of the cross and read the prayer: “I deny to you, Satan, your pride and service to you, and I am combined with You, Christ, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen".
Orthodox parents must by all means re-baptize their child if he goes out on the street alone.
Once in dangerous situation, it is necessary to pray: "May God rise again", or "To the victorious voyevoda" (the first kontakion from the akathist to the Mother of God), or simply "Lord, have mercy", many times. It is also necessary to resort to prayer when, before our very eyes, another person is being threatened, and we lack the strength and courage to rush to his aid.
Prayer is very strong to the saints of God, who became famous for their martial art during their lifetime: saints George the Victorious, Theodore Stratilat, Demetrius Donskoy. Let's not forget about the Archangel Michael, our Guardian Angel. All of them have a special power with God to give the weak the strength to overcome their enemies.
"If the Lord does not guard the city, the watchman is in vain" (Psalm 126: 1). A Christian's house must be consecrated without fail. Grace will keep the dwelling from all evil. If there is no way to invite a priest to the house, you yourself need to sprinkle all the walls, windows and doors with holy water, reading "May God rise again" or "Save, Lord, Thy people" (troparion to the Cross). From the danger of arson, fire, it is customary to pray to the Mother of God in front of Her icon "Burning Bush".
Of course, no means will help if we lead a sinful life and do not repentance for a long time. The Lord often allows extraordinary circumstances to bring unrepentant sinners to their senses.
You can pray in different ways, for example, in your own words. Such a prayer should constantly accompany a person. In the morning and in the evening, day and night, a person can turn to God with the simplest words coming from the depths of his heart.
But there are also prayers that were compiled by saints in antiquity, they need to be read in order to learn prayer. These prayers are contained in the Orthodox Prayer Book. There you will find morning prayers, evening prayers, repentance, thanksgiving, you will find various canons, akathists, and much more. Having bought the "Orthodox Prayer Book", do not be alarmed that there are so many prayers in it. You don't have to read them all.
If the morning prayers are read quickly, it will take about twenty minutes. But if you read them thoughtfully, attentively, responding with your heart to every word, then reading can take an entire hour. Therefore, if you do not have time, do not try to read all the morning prayers, it is better to read one or two, but so that their every word reaches your heart.
Before the section “Morning Prayers” it is said: “Before you start praying, wait a little until your feelings subside, and then say with attention and reverence; “In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen". Wait a little longer and only then start praying. ” This pause, a “minute of silence” before the start of prayer, is very important. Prayer must grow out of the silence of our heart. People who “read” the morning and evening prayers every day are constantly tempted to read the “rule” as soon as possible to get started. daily affairs... Often, with such reading, the main thing escapes - the content of the prayer.
In the prayer book there are many petitions addressed to God, which are repeated several times. For example, you might find a recommendation to read “Lord have mercy” twelve or forty times. Some take it as a formality and read this prayer at high speed. By the way, in Greek “Lord, have mercy” sounds like “Kyrie, eleison”. In the Russian language there is a verb “to play tricks”, which originated precisely from the fact that the psalmists in the kliros very quickly repeated many times: “Kirie, eleison”, that is, they did not pray, but “played tricks”. So, you don't need to play tricks in prayer. No matter how many times you read this prayer, it should be said with attention, reverence and love, with full dedication.
You don't have to try to read all the prayers. Better to devote twenty minutes to one prayer "Our Father", repeating it several times, pondering each word. It is not so easy for a person who is not used to praying for a long time to immediately read a large number of prayers, but you don't have to strive for that. It is important to be imbued with the spirit that the prayers of the Church Fathers breathe. Here main benefit, which can be drawn from the prayers contained in the "Orthodox prayer book".
