Over the past 3 weeks, 2 people have approached me with a request to teach them how to pray. This surprised me a little (although it also made me happy), because I do not have any clergy or religious education, so it is strange that they asked me such a question. But in fact, these people simply didn’t even know who to ask such questions, and the soul’s need for prayer was ripe.

I do not have a rank or education, but I will share my experience with pleasure. My knowledge of the prayer rule is based on what my spiritual mentor recommended to me and on the lectures of the Holy Fathers that I listened to. I will try to tell everything as simply as possible. So, if information of this kind is interesting to you, then welcome to cat. If you have any questions on the topic, please feel free to comment; questions about "how am I, a person with 2 higher education, I believe in Aboriginal tales", please do not send :)

What do I need?
Select a corner in your home where you will have icons. Icons cannot be nailed to the wall; it is better that they stand on something (a shelf or stand). Be sure to purchase an icon of Jesus Christ and Holy Mother of God, and the faces of other saints - optional. By the way, as a rule, church stalls are staffed by very kind grandmothers who will be happy to answer all your questions. Just come during the day, when there is no service and few people, and ask to tell you more about the icons that you like.

What's the best way to pray?
It is best to pray standing, in front of the icons, with a straight back. Cup your hands near your chest. During prayer, your eyes can be kept either closed or open. With your eyes open, you will be able to see icons that actually contain so much purity and light that sometimes it is simply impossible to take your eyes off. With your eyes closed, you immerse yourself in a certain meditation, this makes it more convenient to focus on prayer. So the choice is yours. If possible, read your prayers out loud. If not, whisper. Most likely, during prayer, your mind will constantly drift away and you will think about something else. It's okay, it happens to everyone, especially at first. Just keep track of these moments and return your thoughts and heart to prayer.

When is the best time to pray?
You need to read prayers in the morning and evening. In the morning, take a shower, brush your teeth, and only after that start praying. In the evening, prayers are best read before going to bed. Before reading prayers, you need to say three times “In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit” and at the same time cross yourself three times. You need to end with these same words (also three times) prayer rule.

What prayers to read
There are 2 options here. The first one is complete and most correct. All prayers are read 3 times. Perhaps at first glance the list of prayers seems too long and the prayers themselves too, but in fact, reading all the prayers three times takes 15 minutes. The second option is short, mainly for those who have little time or who are just starting to pray and a large number of prayers frighten him somewhat. It takes about 1.5 minutes. So, how much time a day to devote to prayer - half an hour or 3 minutes, everyone decides for himself. God will accept both options :)) I also highly recommend turning to God and the saints in your own words every time after prayers. You can talk about your problems and experiences, about what weighs on your heart. You can talk about your dreams and ask for mercy. But remember, you can ask for anything, for anyone, just not material benefits.

Option 1:

Prayer to the Holy Trinity

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Trisagion

Our Father

Virgin Mary, rejoice

Prayer To the Honest Cross Lord's

Psalm 90 ("Living in the help of the Most High")

Prayer to the Guardian Angel

Prayer to the Mother of God

Prayer for the departed

Symbol of faith.

Option 2:

Our Father - 3 times

Rejoice to the Virgin Mary - 3 times

Symbol of faith - 1 time.

Below I give the text of all prayers. By the way, you can choose other prayers to the Guardian Angel, the Mother of God and for the departed, those that you like best. A lot of them. Can be found on the Internet or in the Prayer Book (Prayer Book can be purchased at any church).

Prayer to the Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, our souls.

Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Read three times, with sign of the cross and a bow from the waist).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Virgin Mary, rejoice
Virgin Mary, Hail Mary, the Lord is with You: blessed are You among women, and blessed is the fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.

Prayer to the Honest Cross of the Lord
(with this prayer, Father Anatoly in the film “Island” casts out a demon from the daughter of Admiral Tikhon. We watched it yesterday with our parents)
May God rise again, and may His enemies be scattered, and may those who hate Him flee from His presence. As smoke disappears, let them disappear; just as wax melts in the face of fire, so let demons perish in the face of those who love God, and those who sign the sign of the cross, and who joyfully say: Rejoice, O Most Pure One and Life-giving Cross Lord, drive away the demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, who descended into hell, trampled upon the power of the devil, and gave us His Honest Cross to drive away every adversary. O Most Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord! Help me with the Holy Virgin Mary, and with all the saints forever. Amen.

Psalm 90 ("Living in the help of the Most High")
Living in the help of the Most High, he will settle in the shelter of the Heavenly God. Says the Lord: Thou art my Protector and my Refuge, my God, and I trust in Him. For He will deliver you from the snare of the trap, and from rebellious words, His splash will overshadow you, and under His wing you hope: His truth will surround you with weapons. Do not be afraid from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies during the day, from the thing that passes in darkness, from the cloak, and from the demon at noon. Thousands will fall from your country, and darkness will fall at your right hand, but it will not come close to you, otherwise you will look at your eyes, and you will see the reward of sinners. For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High your refuge. Evil will not come to you, and wound will not approach your body, as His Angel commanded you to keep you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their arms, but not when you dash your foot on a stone, step on an asp and a basilisk, and cross a lion and a serpent. For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver, and I will cover, and because I have known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him: I am with him in sorrow, I will overcome him, and I will glorify him, I will fill him with long days, and I will show him My salvation.

Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Angel of God, my holy guardian, given to me from God from heaven for my protection. I diligently pray to you: enlighten me today, save me from all evil, guide me to good deeds and direct me on the path of salvation.

Prayer to the Mother of God
What should I pray to You for, what should I ask of You? You see everything, you know it yourself, look into my soul and give it what it needs. You, who have endured and overcome everything, will understand everything. You, who entwined the Baby in a manger and took Him with Your hands from the Cross, You alone know all the heights of joy, all the oppression of grief. You, who have received the entire human race as adoption, look at me with maternal care. From the snares of sin, lead me to Your Son. I see a tear watering Your face. It’s over me You shed it and let it wash away the traces of my sins. Here I have come, I’m standing, I’m waiting for Your response, oh, Mother of God, oh, All-Singing, oh, Lady! I don’t ask for anything, I just stand before You. Only my heart, a poor human heart, exhausted in longing for truth, I throw at Your pure feet, Lady! Let everyone who calls You reach the eternal day with You and worship You face to face.

For the departed
For the sake of the precious blood of Jesus, save, Heavenly Father, our dear departed and let them return to the hearth through the holy Angels eternal love Yours. Mother of God, Comforter of poor souls, and you, Angels and Archangels, ask for them! Give them back. Lord, for I myself cannot, for the good they did to me. In the name of Jesus - forgiveness and mercy

Symbol of faith
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, true God from true God, born, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to Whom all things were. For our sake, man and our salvation came down from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became human. She was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And again the coming one will be judged with glory by the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giving Lord, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I hope for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the next century. Amen.

HOW TO READ MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS CORRECTLY The prayer rule is the daily morning and evening prayers that Christians perform. Their texts can be found in the prayer book. The rule can be general - mandatory for everyone, or individual, selected for the believer by the confessor, taking into account his spiritual state, strength and employment. Consists of morning and evening prayers, which are performed daily. This vital rhythm is necessary, because otherwise the soul easily falls out of the prayer life, as if waking up only from time to time. In prayer, as in any big and difficult matter, “inspiration”, “mood” and improvisation are not enough. Reading prayers connects a person with their creators: the psalmists and ascetics. This helps to gain a spiritual mood akin to their heartfelt burning. Our example in praying in other people’s words is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. His prayerful exclamations during the suffering of the cross are lines from the psalms (Ps. 21:2; 30:6). There are three basic prayer rules: 1) a complete prayer rule, designed for spiritually experienced laity, which is published in the “Orthodox Prayer Book”; 2) a short prayer rule; in the morning: “Heavenly King”, Trisagion, “Our Father”, “Virgin Mother of God”, “Rising from sleep”, “God have mercy on me”, “I Believe”, “God, cleanse”, “To You, Master”, “Holy Angela", " Holy Lady", invocation of saints, prayer for the living and the dead; in the evening: “Heavenly King”, Trisagion, “Our Father”, “Have mercy on us, Lord”, “Eternal God”, “Good King”, “Angel of Christ”, from “The Chosen Governor” to “It is worthy to eat”; 3) a short prayer rule of St. Seraphim of Sarov: “Our Father” three times, “Virgin Mother of God” three times and “I Believe” once - for those days and circumstances when a person is extremely tired or very limited in time. It is not advisable to completely omit the prayer rule. Even if the prayer rule is read without due attention, the words of the prayers, penetrating the soul, have a cleansing effect. The main prayers should be known by heart (with regular reading, they are gradually memorized by a person even with very bad memory), so that they penetrate deeper into the heart and so that they can be repeated in any circumstances. It is advisable to study the text of the translation of prayers from Church Slavonic into Russian in order to understand the meaning of each word and not pronounce a single word meaninglessly or without precise understanding. It is very important that those who begin to pray should expel resentment, irritation, and bitterness from their hearts. Without efforts aimed at serving people, fighting sin, and establishing control over the body and spiritual sphere, prayer cannot become the inner core of life. In conditions modern life Given the workload and fast pace, it is not easy for the laity to set aside a specific time for prayer. The enemy of morning prayer is haste, and the enemy of evening prayer is fatigue. Morning prayers are best read before starting anything (and before breakfast). As a last resort, they are pronounced on the way from home. Late in the evening it is often difficult to concentrate due to fatigue, so we can recommend reading the evening prayer rule in the free minutes before dinner or even earlier. During prayer, it is recommended to retire, light a lamp or candle and stand in front of the icon. Depending on the nature of family relationships, we can recommend reading the prayer rule together, with the whole family, or with each family member separately. General prayer is recommended before eating food, on special days, before a holiday meal, and in other similar cases. Family prayer is a type of church, public prayer (the family is a kind of “home Church”) and therefore does not replace individual prayer, but only complements it. Before starting prayer, you should sign yourself with the sign of the cross and make several bows, either from the waist or to the ground, and try to tune in to an internal conversation with God. The difficulty of prayer is often a sign of its true effectiveness. Prayer for other people is an integral part of prayer. Standing before God does not alienate a person from his neighbors, but binds him to them with even closer ties. We should not limit ourselves to just praying for people close and dear to us. Praying for those who have caused us grief brings peace to the soul, has an impact on these people and makes our prayer sacrificial. It is good to end the prayer with thanksgiving to God for the gift of communication and contrition for one’s inattention. When getting down to business, you must first think about what you have to say, do, see during the day and ask God for blessings and strength to follow His will. In the thick of it working day we need to create a short prayer(see Jesus prayer), which will help in everyday affairs find the Lord. Morning and evening rules– this is just necessary spiritual hygiene. We are commanded to pray unceasingly (see the prayer of Jesus). The Holy Fathers said: if you churn milk, you will get butter, and so in prayer, quantity turns into quality. God bless you!

Rules of prayer and words of prayer.

Today there are no people in the world who do not know the meaning of the word “prayer.” For some these are just words, but for others it is much more – it is a conversation with God, an opportunity to thank Him, ask for help or protection in righteous deeds. But do you know how to properly pray to God and saints in different places? Today we will talk exactly about this.

How to pray correctly at home, in church, in front of an icon, relics, so that God hears and helps us: Orthodox church rules

Each of us has prayed to God at least once in our lives - maybe it was in church, or maybe the prayer was a request for help in difficult situation and was expressed in her own words. Even the most persistent and strong individuals sometimes turn to God. And in order for this appeal to be heard, one must adhere to the Orthodox church rules, which will be discussed further.

So, the first question that concerns everyone is: “How to pray correctly at home?” You can and even need to pray at home, but there are prescribed church rules that should be followed:

1. Preparation for prayer:

• Before prayer, you should wash, comb your hair and dress in clean clothes.
• Approach the icon with reverence, without shaking or waving your arms
• Stand straight, lean on both legs at the same time, do not shift, do not stretch your arms and legs (stand almost still), prayer on your knees is allowed
• It is necessary to mentally and morally tune in to prayer, banish all distracting thoughts, focus only on what you are going to do and why

• If you do not know the prayer by heart, you can read it from the prayer book
• If you have never prayed at home before, just read the “Our Father” and you can then ask/thank God in your own words for some deed
• It is better to read the prayer out loud and slowly, with reverence, passing every word “through” yourself
• If, while reading the prayer, you are distracted by any sudden thoughts, ideas or desires to do something right at that moment, you should not interrupt the prayer, try to drive away the thoughts and concentrate on the prayer
• And, of course, before saying the prayer, after its completion, if required, then during its reading, you should definitely sign yourself with the sign of the cross

1. Completing prayer at home:

• After you pray, you can do absolutely any business - be it cooking, cleaning or receiving guests.
• Usually morning and evening prayers are read at home, as well as prayers before and after meals. Prayers are allowed at home and in “emergency situations” when one overcomes fear for family and friends or has serious illnesses.
• If you don’t have icons at home, you can pray in front of a window facing the east or in any place convenient for you, imagining the image of the one to whom the prayer is addressed.

Prayer at home or in church

Next no less important question:“How to pray in church?”:

• There are two types of prayers in the church - collective (common) and individual (independent)
• Church (common) prayers are performed simultaneously by groups of acquaintances and strangers under the leadership of a priest or priest. He reads a prayer, and everyone present listens carefully and repeats it mentally. It is believed that such prayers are stronger than single ones - when one is distracted, the rest will continue the prayer and the distracted one can easily join it, again becoming part of the flow
• Individual (single) prayers are performed by parishioners during the absence of services. In such cases, the worshiper chooses an icon and places a candle in front of it. Then you should read the “Our Father” and a prayer to the one whose image is on the icon. Praying out loud in full voice is not allowed in church. You can pray only in a quiet whisper or mentally.

The following is not allowed in the church:

• Individual prayer out loud
• Prayer with your back to the iconostasis
• Prayer while sitting (except in cases of extreme fatigue, disability, or serious illness that prevents the person from standing)

It is worth noting that in prayer in church, as in prayer at home, it is customary to make the sign of the cross before and after prayer. In addition, when visiting a church, the sign of the cross is performed before entering the church and after leaving it.

Prayer before the icon. You can pray in front of the icon both at home and in church. The main one is the rule of conversion - the prayer is said to the saint in front of whose icon you are standing. This rule cannot be broken. If you do not know where the icon you need is located in the church, you can check with the ministers and nuns.

Prayers to the relics. Some churches have the relics of saints; you can venerate them any day through special glass sarcophagi, and on major holidays you are allowed to venerate the relics themselves. In addition, it is believed that the relics of saints have very great power, so it is customary to turn to them for help in prayers.

It is no secret that few people have been able to venerate the relics and read the prayer in full, because, as usual, the queue creates a huge pressure on the one who is in front of the relics. Therefore, it is customary to do this:

• First, in the church they light a candle and pray in front of the icon of the saint whose relics they want to venerate
• They go to venerate the relics, and at the moment of the application they express their request or gratitude in a few words. This is done in a whisper or mentally.

The application to the relics is considered one of the most ancient rituals in Christianity and carries with it great value for true believers.

What basic prayers should an Orthodox Christian know and read?

As we previously mentioned, in prayers a person can ask for help, thank for help, ask for forgiveness or praise the Lord. It is according to this principle (by purpose) that prayers are classified:

• Prayers of praise are prayers in which people praise God without asking for anything for themselves. Such prayers include praises
• Prayers of gratitude are prayers in which people thank God for help in business, for protection in important matters who got along
• Prayers of petition are prayers in which people ask for help in worldly affairs, ask for protection for themselves and loved ones, ask for a speedy recovery, etc.
• Prayers of repentance are prayers in which people repent of their actions and words spoken.

It is believed that everyone Orthodox Christian must always remember the words of 5 prayers:

• "Our Father" - The Lord's Prayer
• “To the King of Heaven” - a prayer to the Holy Spirit
• “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice” - prayer to the Mother of God
• “It is worthy to eat” - prayer to the Mother of God

The Lord's Prayer: words

It is believed that Jesus Christ himself read this prayer, and then passed it on to his disciples. “Our Father” is a “universal” prayer - it can be read in all cases. Usually, home prayers and appeals to God begin with it, and they also ask for help and protection.

This is the first prayer that children should learn. Usually, “Our Father” is familiar from childhood, and almost everyone can recite it by heart. Such a prayer can be read mentally for your protection in dangerous situations, it is also read over the sick and small children so that they sleep well.

Prayer “Alive in Help”: words

One of the most powerful prayers is considered to be “Alive in Help.” According to legend, it was written by King David, it is very old, and therefore strong. This is a prayer-amulet and a prayer-assistant. It protects from attacks, injuries, disasters, from evil spirits and their influence. In addition, it is recommended to read “Alive in Help” for those who are going on an important task - on a long journey, for an exam, before moving to a new place.

Alive in Help

It is believed that if you sew a piece of paper with the words of this prayer into the belt of your clothes (or better yet, even embroider them on the belt), then good luck awaits the person wearing such an outfit.

Prayer “Creed”: words

Surprisingly, the Creed prayer is not actually a prayer. This fact is recognized by the church, but still the “Creed” is always included in the prayer book. Why?

Symbol of faith

At its core, this prayer is a collection of dogmas of the Christian faith. They are necessarily read at evening and morning prayers, and are also sung as part of the Liturgy of the Faithful. In addition, by reading the Creed, Christians repeat the truth of their faith over and over again.

Prayer for neighbors: words

It often happens that our family, loved ones or friends need help. In this case, you can read the Jesus Prayer for your neighbors.

• In addition, if a person is baptized, you can pray for him in home prayer, pray in church and light candles for health, order notes about his health, in special cases (when a person really needs help) you can order a magpie for health.
• It is customary to pray for baptized relatives, loved ones and friends in the morning prayer rule, at the very end.
• Please note: you cannot light candles in church for unbaptized people, you cannot order notes and magpies about health. If unbaptized person needs help, you can pray for him in home prayer in your own words, without lighting a candle.

Prayer for the departed: words

There are events that are beyond anyone's control. One such event is death. It brings grief, sadness and tears to a family where a person passes away. Everyone around mourns and sincerely wishes the deceased to go to Heaven. It is in such cases that prayers for the deceased are used. Such prayers can be read:

1. At home
2. In the church:

• Order a memorial service
• Submit a note for commemoration at the liturgy
• Order a magpie for the repose of the soul of the deceased

It is believed that after death a person will face the Last Judgment, at which they will ask about all his sins. The deceased himself will no longer be able to alleviate his suffering and his fate at the Last Judgment. But his relatives and friends can ask for him in prayers, give alms, order magpies. All this helps the soul get to Heaven.

IMPORTANT: Under no circumstances should you pray, light candles for the repose of the soul, or order magpies for a person who has committed suicide. In addition, this should not be done for the unbaptized.

Prayer for enemies: words

Each of us has enemies. Whether we like it or not, there are people who envy us, who do not like us because of their faith, personal qualities or actions. What to do in such a situation and how to protect yourself from negative impacts?

• That's right, pick up a prayer for the enemy and read it. Usually this is enough for a person to lose interest in you and stop taking any negative actions, speaking out, etc.
• There are sections in prayer books devoted specifically to this issue. But there are times when one home prayer few

If you know that a person has a negative attitude towards you and on this basis constantly creates problems for you, then you should go to church.

In church you need to do the following:

• Pray for the health of your enemy
• Light a candle for his health
• In difficult cases, you can order this person a magpie for health (but only on the condition that you know for sure that the enemy is baptized)

In addition, every time you pray for your enemy, ask the Lord for patience to endure this.

Family prayer: words

Christian believers believe that the family is an extension of the church. That is why it is customary in many families to pray together.

• In houses where families pray, there is a so-called “red corner” where icons are placed. Usually a room is chosen for it in which everyone can fit in for prayer in such a way as to see the icons. The icons, in turn, are placed in the eastern corner of the room. As usual, the father of the family reads the prayer, the rest repeat it mentally
• If there is no such corner in the house, it’s okay. Family prayer can be said together before or after meals

• All family members, except the youngest children, participate in family prayer. Older children are allowed to repeat the words of the prayer after their father
• Family prayers are a very powerful amulet for the family. In such prayers you can ask for the whole family at once or for one person. In families where it is customary to pray together, real Christians grow up who are able to pass on their faith to their children.
• In addition, there are cases where such prayers helped the sick to recover, and couples who had been unable to have children for a long time to find the happiness of parenthood.

Is it possible and how to pray correctly in your own words?

As we previously told you, you can pray in your own words. But this does not mean that you just went into church, lit a candle and asked or thanked God for something. No.

There are also rules for praying in your own words:

• You can pray in your own words in the morning and evening rules between prayers
• Before praying in your own words, you should read the Lord's Prayer.
• Prayer in your own words still includes the sign of the cross
• They pray only in their own words for the unbaptized and people of other faiths (only in cases of extreme necessity)
• You can pray in your own words in home prayers and in church, but you should adhere to the rules
• You cannot pray in your own words, just as you cannot say an ordinary prayer, and at the same time ask for punishment for someone

Is it possible to read prayers in modern Russian?

Opinions differ on this matter. Some clergy say that prayers should be read only in the church language, others - that there is no difference. Usually a person turns to God in a language he understands, asking for something that is understandable to him. Therefore, if you have not learned “Our Father” in the church language or address the saints in your own language, which you understand, there is nothing wrong with that. It’s not for nothing that they say, “God understands every language.”

Is it possible to read prayers during menstruation?

In the Middle Ages, girls and women were prohibited from attending church during menstruation. But the origins of this issue have their own story, which confirms the opinion of many - You can pray and attend church during your period.

Today it is allowed to attend church and pray at home in front of icons during menstruation. But when visiting church, some restrictions still apply:

• During this period you cannot receive communion
• You cannot venerate relics, icons, or the altar cross given by the priest.
• It is prohibited to consume prosphora and holy water.

In addition, if a girl does not feel well during this special period, it is still better to refuse to attend church

Is it possible to read prayers from a computer or phone electronically?

Modern technologies are breaking into all areas of life, and religion is no exception. Reading prayers from electronic media screens is possible, but not advisable. If you have no other choice, you can read it once from the screen of your tablet/phone/monitor. The main thing in prayer is not the source of the texts, but the spiritual mood. But please note that It is not customary to read prayers in churches from a phone. Ministers or nuns may reprimand you.

Is it possible to read a prayer from a piece of paper?

• If you pray at home or in church and do not yet know the text of the prayer very well
• If you are in church, then the “cheat sheet” should be on a clean sheet, you should not rustle it or wrinkle it. By generally accepted rules, in church it is allowed to read prayers from the prayer book

Is it possible to read prayers in transport?

You can pray in public transport. It is advisable to do this while standing, but if it is not possible to stand (for example, the transport is full), reading prayers while sitting is allowed.

Is it possible to read a prayer to yourself in a whisper?

Prayers are read aloud on rare occasions, so It is considered quite normal to pray in a whisper or mentally. In addition, during general (church) prayer it is not even customary to whisper. You listen to the prayer that the priest reads, you can mentally repeat the words, but under no circumstances out loud. Family prayers or independent home prayers are read aloud when you pray alone.

Is it possible to say prayers after eating?

Orthodox Christians have a good family tradition– prayers before and after meals.

• It is permissible to say a prayer after eating only if you said a prayer before eating
• The prayer books contain special prayers before and after meals. They can be read both sitting and standing
• Young children are baptized by their parents during prayers. It is forbidden to start eating before the end of the prayer.

The ritual itself can occur in several ways:

• One person reads the prayer, the rest repeat it mentally
• Everyone reads a prayer out loud together
• Everyone mentally reads a prayer and makes the sign of the cross.

Is it possible to read prayers while sitting at home?

There are several ways to pray at home; we discussed them above. According to the rules, you can only pray while standing or kneeling. It is allowed to pray at home in a sitting position in several cases:

• A disability or illness that prevents a person from praying while standing. Bedridden patients are allowed to pray in any position that is convenient for them
• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
• You can pray while sitting at the table before and after meals

Is it possible to read prayer at home only in the morning or only in the evening?

Reading prayers in the morning and evening is called morning and evening rules. Of course, you can pray only in the evening or only in the morning, but if possible it is better to do it both in the morning and in the evening. Also, if you feel the need to pray, but do not have a prayer book, read the Lord's Prayer 3 times.

Is it possible for a Muslim to recite the Lord's Prayer?

The Orthodox Church does not encourage such experiments in faith. Most often, priests answer this question with a decisive “no.” But there are also priests who try to get to the bottom of the problem - and if the need to read the Lord’s Prayer comes from the depths of the soul of a Muslim or Muslim woman, then in rare cases they give permission to read this particular prayer.

Is it possible to recite the prayer of detention to pregnant women?

The prayer for detention is considered a very powerful amulet, but at the same time, not all clergy recognize it as a prayer. It is usually read at home in front of a lit candle.

According to most priests, pregnant women should not read this prayer. If pregnant women have a need or are concerned about the health of their baby, they are recommended to read special prayers for bearing a child, for a healthy child and for the preservation of the child to Mother Matrona.

Is it possible to read several prayers in a row?

Several prayers in a row are allowed to be read in the morning and evening rules, as well as for those people who feel the need for it. If you are just taking your first steps towards God, it is better to turn to him with one prayer in full concentration than with a dozen prayers with a mess in your head. It is also permissible, after reading “Our Father,” to pray in your own words, to ask or thank God for protection and help.

Is it possible for lay people to recite the Jesus Prayer?

There is an opinion that lay people should not say the Jesus Prayer. The ban on the words “Lord Jesus Christ, Sin of God, have mercy on me, a sinner,” for the laity existed for a long time for only one reason - monks turned to God with such a prayer, and lay people often heard this appeal in the church language did not understand it and could not repeat it . This is how an imaginary ban on this prayer arose. In fact, every Christian can say this prayer, it heals and clears the mind. You can repeat it 3 times in a row or using the rosary method.

Is it possible to read prayers not in front of an icon?

You can't pray in front of an icon. The Church does not prohibit saying prayers at the table (prayers before and after meals), prayers for protection and intercession in critical situations, prayers for recovery and healing can also be read over the sick. After all, in prayer, the presence of an icon in front of the person praying is not the main thing, the main thing is the mental attitude and readiness to pray.

Is it possible for pregnant women to read a prayer for the deceased?

Today it is not considered a sin for a pregnant woman to attend church. It is also not prohibited to order a magpie for the health of yourself, your relatives and loved ones. You can submit notes for the repose of the souls of deceased relatives.

But in most cases, priests still do not recommend pregnant women to read prayers for the deceased. This is especially true for the first 40 days after the death of close relatives. In addition, pregnant women are prohibited from ordering a magpie for the repose of acquaintances or friends.

Is it possible to read a prayer to an unbaptized person?

If an unbaptized person feels a craving for Orthodoxy, he can read Orthodox prayers. In addition, the church will recommend that he read the Gospel and think about further baptism.

Is it possible to read prayers without a candle?

The presence of a candle when reading a prayer is desirable and pious, but its presence is not a prerequisite for prayer. Since there are moments of urgent need for prayer, and there is no candle at hand, prayer without it is allowed.

As you can see, there are rules for reading prayers, but most of them are optional. Remember, when saying a prayer, the most important thing is not the place or the method, but your mental attitude and sincerity.

Video: How to read morning and evening prayers correctly?

For our readers: a brief morning and evening prayer rule detailed description from various sources.

Prayer book

A short prayer book

PrefaceMorning prayersPrayers for the future The prayer rule of a layman consists of morning and evening prayers, which are performed daily. This rhythm is necessary, because otherwise the soul easily falls out of the prayer life, as if waking up only from time to time. In prayer, as in any big and difficult matter, inspiration, mood and improvisation are not enough.

There is a complete prayer rule, designed for monks and spiritually experienced laity, which is printed in the Orthodox Prayer Book.

However, for those who are just beginning to get used to prayer, it is difficult to immediately begin to read the entire rule. Typically, confessors advise starting with several prayers, and then adding one prayer to the rule every 7-10 days, so that the skill of reading the rule is developed gradually and naturally.

In addition, lay people sometimes have situations when there is little time left for prayer, and in this case it is better to read with attention and reverence short rule than to hastily and superficially, without a prayerful attitude, mechanically read out the full rule.

Thus, cultivating a reasonable attitude towards the rule of prayer, Saint Theophan the Recluse writes to one family member:

“Bless, Lord, and continue prayer according to your rule. But never commit yourself to a rule and think that there is anything valuable in having such a rule or always following it. The whole price is in heartfelt surrender before God. The saints write that if someone does not leave prayer as a condemned man, worthy of all punishment from the Lord, then he leaves it as a Pharisee. Another said: “When you are praying, stand as if on Last Judgment, when God’s decisive decree about you is ready to come: go away or come.”

Formality and mechanism in prayer must be avoided in every possible way. Let this always be a matter of a deliberate, free decision, and make it with consciousness and feeling, and not somehow. In case you need to be able to shorten the rule. You never know family life accidents?.. You can, for example, in the morning and evening, when there is no time, read only the morning prayers and those for bedtime as a memory. You can not even read them all, but several at a time. You can not read anything at all, but make a few bows, but with true heartfelt prayer. The rule must be handled with complete freedom. Be the mistress of the rule, not the slave. She is only a servant of God, obligated to devote all the minutes of her life to pleasing Him.”

For such cases, there is an established short prayer rule designed for all believers.

In the morning it includes:

“To the Heavenly King”, Trisagion, “Our Father”, “Virgin Mother of God”, “Rising from sleep”, “Have mercy on me, O God”, “I Believe”, “God, cleanse”, “To You, Master”, “Holy Angel “,” “Holy Lady,” invocation of saints, prayer for the living and the dead.

In the evening it includes:

“To the Heavenly King”, Trisagion, “Our Father”, “Have mercy on us, Lord”, “Eternal God”, “Good King”, “Angel of Christ”, from “The Chosen Governor” to “It is worthy to eat”.

Morning prayers

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Initial prayer Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
(Read three times, with the sign of the cross and bow from the waist.)

Lord's Prayer

Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos

Virgin Mary, Rejoice, O Blessed Mary, the Lord is with You; Blessed are You among women and blessed is the fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.

Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity

Having risen from sleep, I thank Thee, Holy Trinity, for for the sake of Thy goodness and long-suffering, Thou hast not been angry with me, lazy and sinful, nor hast Thou destroyed me with my iniquities; but you usually loved mankind and in the despair of the one who lay down, you raised me up to practice and glorify Your power. And now enlighten my mental eyes, open my lips to learn Thy words, and to understand Thy commandments, and to do Thy will, and to sing to Thee in heartfelt confession, and to sing Thy all-holy name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages. centuries. Amen.

Come, let us worship our King God. (Bow)

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King God. (Bow)
Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God. (Bow)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy, and according to the multitude of Your mercies, cleanse my iniquity. Above all, wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin; for I know my iniquity, and I will take away my sin before me. I have sinned against You alone and have done evil before You, so that You may be justified in Your words and triumph over the judgment of You. Behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and my mother gave birth to me in sins. Behold, you have loved the truth; You have revealed to me the unknown and secret wisdom of Yours. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. My hearing brings joy and joy; humble bones will rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins and cleanse all my iniquities. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit away from me. Reward me with the joy of Your salvation and strengthen me with the Lord’s Spirit. I will teach the wicked Your way, and the wicked will turn to You. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation; My tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness. Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth will declare Your praise. As if you had desired sacrifices, you would have given them: you do not favor burnt offerings. The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and humble heart. Bless Zion, O Lord, with Your favor, and may the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then favor the sacrifice of righteousness, the offering and the burnt offering; Then they will place the bullock on Your altar.

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, true God from true God, born, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to Whom all things were. For our sake, man and our salvation came down from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became human. She was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And again the coming one will be judged with glory by the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, who is with the Father and the Son, is worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I hope for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the next century. Amen.

First prayer of Saint Macarius the Great

God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have done nothing good before You; but deliver me from the evil one, and may Thy will be done in me, may I open my unworthy lips without condemnation and praise Thy holy name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages Amen.

To You, Lord, Lover of Mankind, having risen from sleep, I come running, and I strive for Your works with Your mercy, and I pray to You: help me at all times, in every thing, and deliver me from all worldly evil things and the devil’s haste, and save me, and bring us into Your eternal Kingdom. For You are my Creator and the Provider and Giver of every good thing, and all my hope is in You, and I send up glory to You, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel, standing before my accursed soul and my passionate life, do not leave me, a sinner, nor depart from me for my intemperance. Do not give room to the evil demon to possess me through the violence of this mortal body; strengthen my poor and thin hand and guide me on the path of salvation. To her, holy Angel of God, guardian and patron of my accursed soul and body, forgive me everything, I have offended you so greatly all the days of my life, and if I sinned this past night, cover me on this day, and save me from every opposite temptation May I not anger God in any sin, and pray for me to the Lord, that He may strengthen me in His passion, and show me worthy as a servant of His goodness. Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

My Most Holy Lady Theotokos, with Your saints and all-powerful prayers, take away from me, Your humble and accursed servant, despondency, oblivion, foolishness, negligence, and all the nasty, evil and blasphemous thoughts from my accursed heart and from my darkened mind; and extinguish the flame of my passions, for I am poor and damned. And deliver me from many and cruel memories and enterprises, and free me from all evil actions. For Thou art blessed from all generations, and glorified is Thy most honorable name forever and ever. Amen.

Prayerful invocation of the saint whose name you bear

Pray to God for me, holy servant of God (name), as I diligently resort to you, a quick helper and prayer book for my soul.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father (name), my parents (names), relatives (names), bosses, mentors, benefactors (their names) and all Orthodox Christians.

Rest, O Lord, the souls of Your departed servants: my parents, relatives, benefactors (their names), and all Orthodox Christians, and forgive them all sins, voluntary and involuntary, and grant them the Kingdom of Heaven.

It is worthy to eat as truly to bless Thee, Theotokos, Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and Mother of our God. We magnify You, the most honorable Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption. **

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

Prayers for the future

Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, our souls.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Thrice)

Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us; Perplexed by any answer, we offer this prayer to You as the Master of sin: have mercy on us.

Glory: Lord, have mercy on us, for we trust in You; Do not be angry with us, do not remember our iniquities, but look upon us now as if you are gracious, and deliver us from our enemies; For Thou art our God, and we are Thy people; all works are done by Thy hand, and we call upon Thy name.

And now: Open the doors of mercy to us, blessed Mother of God, who trust in You, so that we may not perish, but may be delivered from troubles by You: for You are the salvation of the Christian race.

Lord have mercy. (12 times)

Prayer 1, of Saint Macarius the Great, to God the Father, Eternal God and King of every creation, who has made me worthy even at this hour to be sung, forgive me the sins I have committed on this day in deed, word and thought, and cleanse, Lord, my humble soul from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. And grant me, Lord, to pass through this dream in peace at night, so that, rising from my humble bed, I will please Your most holy name all the days of my life, and will trample the fleshly and incorporeal enemies that fight me. And deliver me, Lord, from vain thoughts that defile me, and from evil lusts. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos of the Blessed King, Good 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 instruct me in good deeds, so that I may pass through the rest of my life without blemish and through Thee I will find paradise, Virgin Mother of God , one Pure and Blessed.

Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and patron of my soul and body, forgive me all who have sinned this day, and deliver me from every wickedness of the enemy who opposes me, so that I may not anger my God in any sin; but pray for me, a sinful and unworthy servant, that you may show me worthy of 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 Voivode, victorious, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write thanks to Thy servants, the Mother of God, but as having an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call Ti; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

I place all my trust in You, Mother of God, keep me under Your roof.

Virgin Mary, do not despise me, a sinner, who requires Your help and Your intercession, for my soul trusts in You, and have mercy on me.

Prayer of Saint Ioannikios

My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my protection is the Holy Spirit: Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

* From Easter to Ascension, instead of this prayer, the troparion is read:

“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and giving life to those in the tombs.” (Three times) From Ascension to Trinity, we begin prayers with “Holy God...”, omitting all the preceding ones. This remark also applies to future bedtime prayers.

Throughout Bright Week, instead of this rule, the hours of Holy Easter are read.

** From Easter to Ascension, instead of this prayer, the chorus and irmos of the 9th song of the Easter canon are read:

“The angel cried out with grace: Pure Virgin, rejoice! And again the river: Rejoice! Your Son is risen three days from the grave and raised up the dead; people, have fun! Shine, shine, new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is upon you. Rejoice now and be glad, O Zion. You, Pure One, show off, O Mother of God, about the rise of Your Nativity.”

These remarks also apply to future bedtime prayers.

Compiled using materials from the book:

How to learn home prayer. Moscow, “Ark”, 2004. Trifonov Pechenga Monastery

An Orthodox believer differs from worldly people in that Everyday life keeps God's commandments and remains in prayer. The prayer rule for beginners is to read certain appeals to the Almighty and the saints to acquire a closer knowledge of the Creator.

Why are rules needed?

Experienced Christians know them by heart, but every Orthodox person should have a “Prayer Book” filled with texts of proclamations not only for morning and evening, but for all occasions.

A prayer rule is a list of prayers. There is a general order of sacred reading for morning and evening. In each individual case, the spiritual mentor adjusts the prayer law, taking into account the degree of employment of the person, his place of residence and spiritual age.

Prayer Rule

Often, new believers rebel against reading texts written by saints in a language that is difficult to read. The prayer book was written on the basis of appeals to the Lord of people who accomplished the feat of faith, lived in purity and worship of Jesus Christ and were led by the Holy Spirit.

The first example, which became an integral part of the prayer rule for morning and evening prayers, was given to His followers by the Savior Himself. “Our Father” is the main appeal with which Orthodox believers begin and end the day. Daily reading of the prayer book becomes a habit that fills the soul with God's wisdom.

The Church offers a prayer rule for beginners, so that the infant soul in Christianity grows in actions pleasing to the Creator.

A daily conversation with the Creator is a living communication, not an empty phrase. The boldness of communication with the almighty God involves speaking in the right words, in which there is no emptiness.

Important! By turning to the Almighty, the Orthodox are then filled with God's knowledge and His protection, when they leave vanity and are completely immersed in prayer.

How to behave correctly during prayer communication

Prayerful communication of all Orthodox Christians is performed standing; only elderly and sick people can sit. While reading the prayer book, in recognition of their sinfulness and imperfection, showing humility, people bow, some to the waist, while others bow to the ground.

Prayerful communication with God

Some Orthodox believers perform prayer communion while kneeling. The holy apostles opposed such worship, explaining that only slaves kneel; children do not need to do this. (Gal. 4:7) However, having committed some sin, it is not forbidden to stand on your knees in submission, begging for forgiveness.

Beginning believers sometimes do not know how to correctly make the sign of the cross. Fingers right hand should be folded as follows:

• press the little finger and ring finger to the palm, they mean that Jesus was God and man at the same time;
• put the thumb, index and middle fingers together, three-fingered, as a symbol of the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

How to be baptized correctly

Drawing a cross in the air, touch the middle of the forehead with folded fingers, then lower the hand just below the navel, move to the right and then the left shoulder, only after this they bow.

A careless attitude to the sign of the cross, according to Chrysostom, causes joy only among demons. The sign of the cross, performed with faith and reverence, is filled with God's grace and is a terrifying force for demonic attacks.

Before reading spiritual texts, you should try to free yourself from vain thoughts; this is sometimes difficult, so try to imagine the great sacrifice of Christ and your presence before Him in this world.

Never perform your prayers “for show”, in spiritual world they will be empty words. Delve into every word of the appeal to the Savior, filling yourself with His grace and love.

Prayer Rule - Law or Grace

Many novice Orthodox Christians are interested in the question: if prayer is a free appeal to the Creator, then why make it conform to the law.

In response to such an appeal, the Saratov abbot Pachomius clarifies that freedom and permissiveness should not be confused. The freedom of believers consists in the boldness of being before the throne of the Most High, which sinners and the unbaptized cannot afford. Permissiveness returns the believer to his former life, and it is then much more difficult to return to the grace of appeals to the Savior.

In the spiritual world there is no consensus regarding the duration and order of prayer before the Almighty. Some people remain in reverent worship for hours, while others cannot stand even half an hour.

Regular, constant spending time reading prayers will help you develop the habit of daily communication with the Creator, even if it’s 15 minutes in the evening.

Prayer Rule

First, you should purchase a “Prayer Book” and read it. Sometimes Orthodox man understands that reading out of obligation turns into an empty habit; if this happens, then you can move on, as St. Theophan the Recluse did, to reading psalms and scriptures from the Bible.

The main thing is to be filled with worship of the Creator every day, to enter His presence, to feel His protection throughout the day. Evangelist Matthew wrote that to conquer the Kingdom of God you need to use force. (Matt. 11:12)

To help the beginning prayer book

There are three prayer lists for Orthodox believers.

1. The complete prayer rule is designed for spiritually persistent believers, which include monks and clergy.
2. The prayer rule for all laity consists of a list of prayers, read in the morning and in the evening, a list of them can be found in the “Prayer Book”:

• in the morning: “Heavenly King”, Trisagion, “Our Father”, “Virgin Mother of God”, “Rising from sleep”, “Have mercy on me, O God”, “I Believe”, “God, cleanse”, “To You, Master”, “ Holy Angel”, “Most Holy Lady”, invocation of saints, prayer for the living and the dead;
• in the evening: “Heavenly King”, Trisagion, “Our Father”, “Have mercy on us, Lord”, “Eternal God”, “Good King”, “Angel of Christ”, from “The Chosen Governor” to “It is worthy to eat”.

Seraphim of Sarov proposed another short prayer rule for those laity who, for some reason, are limited in time or are in unpredictable circumstances.

Icon of Seraphim of Sarov

It consists of reading each prayer three times:

• "Our Father";
• “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice”;
• "I believe."

Particular attention should be paid to reading spiritual appeals to the Almighty Creator and Savior during the period of fasting, before receiving the Sacrament of Communion and in the hour of difficult life trials.

Advice! God's mercy accompanies those who began communicating with God in the morning, before breakfast, and ended by reading spiritual texts before dinner.

Moral preparation for worship

For a beginning Orthodox believer, it is advisable to purchase a “Prayer Book” in modern Russian, so that while reading what is written, delve into every word, filling it with strength and grace, and receive instruction and support.

This is the advice of Nicodemus the Holy Mountain, which points out the importance of understanding every word of the text being read. Over time, many texts are stored in memory and read by heart.

Before reading the Prayer Book, you should ask the Holy Spirit to show whether there are any remnants of resentment, bitterness or irritation in your heart. Mentally forgive all offenders and ask for forgiveness from those who were treated unfairly, this is how the Orthodox pray.

According to Tikhon of Zadonsk, all negativism should be abandoned, for, as Gregory of Nyssa wrote, the Creator is Kind, Righteous, Patient, Lover of Humanity, Kind-hearted, Merciful, the goal of the prayer rule is to be transformed into the image of the Creator, to acquire all the qualities for philanthropy.

Reading prayers at home

Jesus Christ taught to communicate with Him to go into your own prayer room, closing the doors from the outside world. In each Orthodox family There is a corner with icons, although it is becoming increasingly rare to see an icon lamp there.

Red corner in the house

Before starting to worship God, you should light a candle; it is advisable to purchase it in the temple. In a family, and this is a prototype of the church, there are rules for who prays in solitude, and some prefer to do it together, because the intense prayer of a righteous person can do a lot. (James 5:16)

Theophan the Recluse, who spent a lot of time worshiping God, writes that there is no need to rush when starting to pray. Having made the sign of the cross and bowed, you should be silent for a moment, entering a state of worship and reverence before God. Every word of prayer must come from the heart; it must not only be understood, but also felt.

Reading "Our Father";

• give praise to the Creator who is in Heaven;
• submit your life to His will;
• truly forgive debts, misdeeds of other people, for this is prerequisites for God's forgiveness of each of the Orthodox;
• ask Him for mercy in solving all material problems with the words “give us this day our daily bread”;
• establish protection over yourself from demons and satanic temptations;
• Declare the power of God in your life and His covering over you and your family.

If, while reading the “Prayer Book,” a desire appears in your heart to ask God for some need, do not put it off until later, but immediately bring it before the prayer throne of the Almighty.

The Lord teaches His children to be constant and persistent in prayer through the example of a poor widow (Luke 18:2-6); no petition will remain unanswered by Him. It is very important when communicating with the Savior to put aside all haste; only through a meaningful appeal can one reach God.

On the advice of Bishop Anthony, in order not to be distracted by time limits, you should wind the clock so that the bell rings at the right moment. It doesn’t matter how long the prayer rule lasts or how many prayers are read, the main thing is that they are completely dedicated to God.

Saint Ignatius calls regular prayers hard work for sinners, while the righteous experience pleasure from communion with the saints and the Trinity.

If thoughts “run away”, there is no need to rush, you should return to where you began the absent-minded reading of the spiritual proclamation and start all over again. It will help to concentrate on the text being read by saying all the appeals out loud. It is not without reason that they say that prayers read silently are heard by God, but prayers spoken out loud are heard by demons.

Silouan of Athos noted that God does not hear words spoken in empty thoughts and worldly affairs.

Silouan of Athos

The spirit of prayer is strengthened by regularity, just as the body of an athlete is strengthened by training. Having finished your prayer, do not immediately “pounce” on worldly vain affairs, give yourself a few more minutes of being in God’s grace.

Is it necessary to read a prayer book during the day?

Once having dedicated their lives to the Lord, Orthodox people are under His protection all their lives.

Throughout your busy day, you should not forget to invoke the Father’s mercy with the words “Bless, God!” Having passed through a test, receiving a reward or blessing, having done a successful job, do not forget to give all the glory to the Creator with the words “Glory to you, my God!” When you get into trouble, when you are sick or in danger, cry out: “Save me, God!” and He will hear.

Before eating, one should not forget to thank the Creator for the given food and ask for His blessing to accept it.

By constantly being in prayer, having acquired the habit of crying out at any second, thanking, asking, repenting before God with all your heart, and not with empty words, an Orthodox person becomes God-thinking. God-thinking helps to understand the goodness of the Creator, the existence of the Heavenly Kingdom and brings Orthodox Christians closer to God.

Video about fulfilling the prayer rule

Date of publication or update 05/01/2017

A brief prayer rule for the laity

“Every Christian should have a rule.” (St. John Chrysostom)

“If you create a rule without laziness, then you will receive a great reward from God and remission of sins.” (St. Innocent of Irkutsk)

I. Initial bows

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Stay a little, silently and then pray slowly with the fear of God, if possible, then with tears, firmly believing that “the Holy Spirit strengthens us in our weaknesses: for we do not know what to pray for, and how we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be expressed” (Rom. 8:26).

God, be merciful to me, a sinner (bow).

God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me (bow).

Having created me, Lord, have mercy on me (bow).

Without the number of sinners. Lord, forgive me (bow).

My Lady, Most Holy Theotokos, save me, a sinner (bow).

Angel, my holy guardian, save me from all evil (bow).

Saint (name of your Saint), pray to God for me (bow).

II. Initial prayers

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of Truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything. Treasure of good things and life to the Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed One, our souls. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal; have mercy on us (thrice).

Note. During the period from Holy Easter to Pentecost, the prayer to the Holy Spirit - “Heavenly King” is not read. On the week of St. On Easter the entire trisagion is not read, but is replaced by the troparion “Christ is Risen...” three times. Also, before the celebration of Easter, instead of “It is worthy to eat, as in truth,” the following is read or sung: “Shine, shine, new Jerusalem: for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you; rejoice now and be glad in Zion, but you, the Pure One, show off to the Mother of God, about the rise of Your Nativity.”

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us: Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, 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, now and ever, and throughout the age of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Come, let us worship our God the King (bow).

Come, let us bow down and bow down to Christ, our King God (bow).

Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God (bow).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy, and according to the multitude of Your mercies, cleanse my iniquity. Above all, wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and I will take away my sin before me. I have sinned against You alone, and I have done evil before You; for you may be justified in all Your words, and be victorious, and never judge You.

Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and my mother gave birth to me in sins. You have loved the truth; you have revealed to me the unknown and secret wisdom of Yours. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Give joy and gladness to my hearing; humble bones will rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and cleanse all my iniquities. God, create in me a pure heart, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit away from me. Reward me with the joy of Your salvation, and strengthen me with the Master’s Spirit. I will teach the wicked Your way, and the wicked will turn to You. Deliver me from bloodshed. O God, God of my salvation, my tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness, O Lord, You have opened my mouth, and my mouth will declare Your praise. As if you had wanted sacrifices, you would have given burnt offerings, but you would not have been pleased. The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a contrite and humble heart, God will not despise. Bless Zion, O Lord, with Your favor, and may the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then you will be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, the wave offering and the burnt offering: then they will lay the bullock on Your altar. (Psalm 50.)

1. I believe in one God, the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible.

2. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. Who was born of the Father before all ages. Light from Light, true God from true God, born, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to Whom all things were.

3. For our sake, man and our salvation came down from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became human.

4. She was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.

5. And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures.

6. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father;

7. And again the coming one will be judged with glory by the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end.

8. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, who is with the Father and the Son, we are worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets.

9. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

10. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.

11. Tea of ​​the resurrection of the dead;

12. And the life of the next century. Amen.

Morning prayer (read only in the morning)

To You, Lord, Lover of Mankind, having risen from sleep, I come running and strive for Your works with Your mercy; and I pray to You: help me at all times, in every thing, and deliver me from all worldly evil things and the devil’s haste, and save me and bring me into Your eternal Kingdom. For You are my Creator, and the Provider and Giver of every good thing, and all my hope is in You, and I send up glory to You, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Evening prayer (read only in the evening)

Lord our God, who have sinned in these days in word, deed and thought, as He is Good and Lover of Mankind, forgive me. Grant me a peaceful and serene sleep; Send Your guardian angel, covering and keeping me from all evil; for You are the guardian of our souls and bodies, and we send glory to You. To the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the age of ages. Amen.

Virgin Mary, rejoice. Blessed Mary, the Lord is with You: blessed are You among women, and blessed is the fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.

Weaken, forgive, forgive, O God, our sins, voluntary and involuntary, even in word and in deed, even in knowledge and in ignorance, even in days and in nights, even in mind and in thought: forgive us everything, for it is Good and Lover of Humanity.

Forgive those who hate and offend us, Lord Lover of Mankind. Do good to those who do good. Grant to our brothers and relatives the same petitions for salvation and eternal life: visit those who are infirm and grant healing. Manage the sea as well. For travelers, travel. Contribute to the Emperor. Grant forgiveness of sins to those who serve and forgive us. Have mercy on those who have commanded us unworthy to pray for them according to the greatness of Your mercy. Remember, Lord, our fathers and brothers who have fallen before us, and give them rest, where the light of Your face shines. Remember, Lord, our captive brothers, and deliver me from every situation. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good in Your holy churches, and give them petitions for salvation and eternal life. Remember, Lord, us humble and sinful and unworthy Thy servants, and enlighten our minds with the light of Thy mind, and guide us on the path of Thy commandments through the prayers of our Most Pure Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and all Thy Saints, for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen (bow).

Memorial for the living

Save, Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father (his name), and with his holy prayers forgive my sins (bow). Save, Lord, and have mercy on my parents (their names), brothers and sisters, and my relatives according to the flesh and all my neighbors and friends, and grant them Your peace and the most peaceful goodness (bow).

Save, Lord, and have mercy on those who hate and offend me and create misfortunes against me, and do not leave them to perish for me for the sake of a sinner (bow).

Hasten, Lord, to enlighten the ignorant of You (the pagans) with the light of Your Gospel, and blinded by destructive heresies and schism, and unite them to Your Holy Apostolic and Catholic Church (bow).

About the departed

Remember, Lord, the souls of Your servants who have fallen asleep, my parents (their names) and all relatives in the flesh; and forgive them all sins, voluntary and involuntary, grant them the Kingdom and the communion of Thy eternal good things and Thy endless and blissful life of pleasure (bow).

Grant, Lord, remission of sins to all who have previously departed in faith and hope of resurrection to our fathers, brothers and sisters, and create for them eternal memory (three times).

End of prayers

Glorious Ever-Virgin, Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Your Son and our God, may You save our souls.

My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my protection is the Holy Spirit! Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.

It is worthy to eat as you truly bless Thee, the Mother of God, the Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate and the Mother of our God. We magnify You, the most honorable Cherub and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, who gave birth to God the Word without corruption.

Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy (three times). Bless.

Vacation

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and the saint (remember the Saint of this day) and all saints, have mercy on us. Amen. (three bows).

Note 1st. In the morning, without praying, do not start eating, drinking, or doing anything. Before starting any task, pray like this: “Lord, bless! In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen". At the end of the task, say: “Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee! Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and throughout the age of ages. Amen".

Before eating food, read: “Our Father”... to the end, then bless the food and drink with the cross. (In the family, the eldest in the house blesses.) At the end of the meal (food), read “It is worthy to eat as in truth ...” to the end, for the Most Holy Virgin Mary, through the birth of the Son of God, gave to the whole world “true food and true drink” (John 6:55 ), i.e. Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout the day, keep in your heart the shortest, but most saving prayer: “Lord, have mercy!”...

Note 2. If you have an urgent task and you are very busy with work, or you are in weakness, then never read the rules hastily without due attention, do not anger God, and do not multiply your sins: it is better to read one prayer slowly, reverently, than several prayers hastily , hastily. Therefore, a very busy person should, with the blessing of the Venerable Martyr Macarius of Kanevsky, read one prayer - “Our Father...” But if you have a little more time, then, with the blessing of St. Seraphim of Sarov miracle. - read “Our Father” three times, “Rejoice to the Virgin Mary” three times and “I Believe” once.

Note 3. If, on the contrary, you have quite a bit of free time, then do not spend it idle, because idleness is the mother of vices, but even if you were no longer capable of work due to illness or old age, fill the time with prayerful deeds, so that you will find great mercy from the Lord God.

(The text is based on the book: Bishop Pavel of Nikolsk-Ussuriysk; “From the Holy Font to the Tomb”, 1915)

This section presents a short morning prayer rule in Old Church Slavonic, written in a modern font, which is suitable for beginner laity.

All prayers morning rule contract:

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Initial prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, souls ours.

Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Read three times, with the sign of the cross and bow from the waist.)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven!

Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors;

and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos

Virgin Mary, Rejoice, O Blessed Mary, the Lord is with You;

Blessed are You among women and blessed is the fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.

Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity

Having risen from sleep, I thank Thee, Holy Trinity, for for the sake of Thy goodness and long-suffering you were not angry with me, lazy and sinful, and you destroyed me with my iniquities. mi;

but you loved mankind as a rule, and in the despair of a man who lay, you raised me up to exercise and glorify your power.

And now enlighten my mental eyes, open my mouth, to learn Your words, and to understand Your commandments, and to do Your will,

and sing to Thee in heartfelt confession, and glorify Thy all-holy name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Come, let us worship the King our God. (Bow)

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King God. (Bow)

Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God.
(Bow)

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy, and according to the multitude of Your compassions, cleanse my iniquity.

Above all, wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin;

for I know my iniquity, and I will take away my sin before me.

I have sinned against You alone and have done evil before You, so that You may be justified in Your words and triumph over Your judgment.

Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and my mother gave birth to me in sins.

Behold, you have loved the truth;

You have shown me Your unknown and secret wisdom.

Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

There is joy and gladness in my ears;

the bones of the humble will rejoice.

Turn away Your face from my sins and cleanse all my iniquities.

Create a pure heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb.

Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.

Give me the joy of Your salvation and strengthen me with the Lord’s Spirit.

I will teach the wicked your way, and wickedness will turn to you.

Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation;

my tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness.

Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

As if you had desired sacrifices, you would have given them: you do not favor burnt offerings.

The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit;

God will not despise a contrite and humble heart.

Bless Zion, O Lord, with Your favor, and may the walls of Jerusalem be built.

Then take pleasure in the sacrifice of righteousness, the offering and the burnt offering;

then they will place your calf on the altar.

Symbol of faith

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, true God from true God, begotten, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, to whom all things were.

For our sake, man and for our salvation, who came down from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became human.

Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.

And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures.

And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father.

And the one who is to come will judge with glory the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, who is with the Father and the Son, we are worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets.

Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.

I hope for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the next century.

Prayer 1, Saint Macarius the Great

God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have done no more good before You;

but deliver me from the evil one, and let Your will be done in me, that I may open my unworthy mouth without condemnation and praise Your holy name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages centuries.

Prayer 3, of the same saint

To You, Lord, Lover of Mankind, having risen from sleep, I come running, and I strive for Your works with Your mercy, and I pray to You:

help me at all times, in every thing, and deliver me from all worldly evil things and the devil’s haste, and save me, and bring me into Your eternal Kingdom.

For You are my Creator and the Provider and Giver of all good, in You is all my hope, and I send glory to You, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Prayer 9, to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel, standing before my damned soul and my passionate life, do not forsake me, a sinner, and depart from me for my intemperance.

Do not give room to the crafty demon to possess me through the violence of this mortal body;

strengthen my poor and thin hand and guide me on the path of salvation.

To her, holy Angel of God, guardian and patron of my accursed soul and body, forgive me everything, I have offended you so much all the days of my life,

and if I have sinned this past night, cover me this day, and keep me from every opposite temptation, so that in no sin I anger God, and pray for me to the Lord, so that He will establish me in the world. everything is His, and the slave will show me worthy Your goodness.

Prayer 10, to the Most Holy Theotokos

My Most Holy Lady Theotokos, through Your saints and all-powerful prayers, take away from me, Your humble and accursed servant, despondency, oblivion, foolishness, negligence, and all that is filthy, bow ugly and blasphemous thoughts from my damned heart and from my darkened mind;

and extinguish the flame of my passions, for I am poor and damned.

And deliver me from many and cruel memories and enterprises, and free me from all evil actions.

For Thou art blessed from all generations, and glorified is Thy most honorable name forever and ever.

About the living

Save, Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father (name), my parents (names), relatives (names), leaders, mentors, benefactors (names) and all Orthodox Christians.

About the deceased

Rest in peace, Lord, the souls of your departed servants: my parents, relatives, benefactors (names), and all Orthodox Christians, and forgive them all sins, voluntary and involuntary, and grant them the Kingdom of Heaven.

In the morning, getting up from sleep, still in bed, cross yourself with 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 bed, stand with reverence before the holy icons and, looking at them, directing your thoughts to the invisible God and his saints, earnestly, slowly, protecting yourself with the sign of the cross and bowing, say with tenderness the prayer of the publican:

(bow) (bow). Without number of sinners, Lord, have mercy and forgive me, a sinner. (bow).

(bow always to the ground).

(bow) (bow).

Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless (bow).

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Mother, by the power of the Honest and Life-Giving Cross, and my holy Guardian Angel, and all for the sake of the saints, have mercy and save me, a sinner, for I am Good and Lover of Mankind. Amen. (bow to the ground, without the sign of the cross).

These prayers are called “beginning” or “coming and starting bows” because they are performed at the beginning and after any prayer rule.

After this, repeat the publican’s prayer with bows:

God, be merciful to me, a sinner (bow). Create me, O Lord, and have mercy on me (bow). Without number of sinners, Lord, have mercy and forgive me, a sinner. (bow).

And begin your morning prayers with reverence.

For the prayers of the saints, our father, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen (bow always from 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 no good before You. (bow), but deliver me from the evil one, and Thy will be done in me (bow) May I open my unworthy lips without condemnation and praise Your holy name: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen (bow).

Circled prayers are not read in the evening.

Heavenly King, Comforter, True Soul, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed One, our soul.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (three times with bows). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse our sins. Master, forgive our iniquities. Saints, 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, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread this day. And forgive us our debts, just as we forgive 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 it’s morning, it reads:

Having risen from sleep, I thank Thee, All-Holy Trinity, for for the sake of many, for the sake of kindness and long-suffering, Thou hast not been angry with me, Thy sinful and lazy servant, and Thou hast not destroyed me with my iniquities, but love of mankind. And lying in despair, raise me up to practice and glorify Your invincible power. And now, Master, Most Holy God, enlighten the eyes of my heart and open my lips to learn Your words, and understand Your commandments, and do Your will, and sing to You in confession of the heart. Sing and glorify Your most honorable and magnificent name: the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. 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 King God (bow). Come, let us worship Christ, the King and our God (bow). Come, let us worship and fall before the Lord Jesus Christ himself, the King and our God (bow).

PSALM 50 (repentance)/>

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy. And according to the multitude of Your mercies, cleanse my iniquity. Above all, wash me from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity and bear away my sin before me. I have sinned against You alone and have done evil before You. For you may be justified in Your words and overcome without ever being judged. Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and my mother gave birth to me in sins. Behold, you have loved the truth; You have revealed to me the unknown and secret wisdom of Yours. Sprinkle me with hyssop and I will be cleansed. Wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Give joy and gladness to my hearing: humble bones will rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins and cleanse all my iniquities. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Do not turn me away from Your Face, and do not take Your Holy Spirit away from me. Reward me with the joy of Your salvation and strengthen me with the Lord’s spirit. I will teach the wicked your way, and they will turn to you in wickedness. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, God of my salvation; My tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness. Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth will declare Your praise. As if he had wanted a sacrifice, he would have given it; You do not favor burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit: God will not despise a contrite and humble heart. Bless Zion, O Lord, with Your favor; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then favor the sacrifice of righteousness, the offering and the burnt offering. Then they will place the calf on Your altar.

Protecting ourselves reverently with the sign of the cross, we pronounce the SYMBOL OF FAITH - the words of the holy fathers of the First and Second 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, true God from true God, born, not created, consubstantial with the Father, by Him all things were. For our sake, man, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary became human. Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffering and buried. And he rose again on the third day according to the scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And again the coming one will be judged with glory by the living and the dead, but His kingdom has no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the true and life-giving Lord, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. And into one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. I hope for the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the next century. Amen.

Virgin Mother of God, rejoice, joyful Mary, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you gave birth to Christ the Savior, the Redeemer of our souls (with bows three times).

ABOUT! All-sung Mother, who gave birth to all the saints most holy word, having accepted this offering, deliver everyone from every misfortune, and remove the torment that is to come, crying out to You: Alleluia (three times, with bows to the ground).

Invincible and divine power of the honorable and life-giving Cross of the Lord, do not forsake 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 at the end 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, a sinner, to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and at the end of my soul, and in the future (bow). Angel of Christ, my holy guardian, have mercy on me and pray for me, a sinner, to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and at the end of my soul, and in the future (bow). Great Saints 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 at the end of my soul, and in the future (bow). Glorious holy apostles, prophets and martyrs, saints, reverends and righteous ones and all saints, have mercy on me, and pray for me, a sinner, to the Lord God, and help me now, in this life, and at the end of my soul, and in the future (bow).

After this, pray the following prayers three times with bows.

Most Holy Trinity our God, glory to Thee. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Glory, Lord, to Your Honest Cross. Most Holy Lady Theotokos, save me, Thy sinful servant. Angel of Christ, my holy guardian, save me, Thy sinful servant. Holy archangels and angels, pray to God for me, a sinner. Great Saints John, Prophet and Forerunner, Baptist of the Lord, pray to God for me, a sinner. Saints and glorious prophet Elijah, pray to God for me, a sinner. Holy forefathers, pray to God for me, a sinner. Holy prophets, pray to God for me, a sinner. Holy apostles, pray to God for me, a sinner. Holy Glorious Apostles and Evangelists: Matthew, Marco, Luke and John the Theologian, pray to God for me, a sinner. Holy Glorious Supreme Apostles Peter and Paul, pray to God for me, a sinner. Holy three great saints: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, pray to God for me, a sinner. Saint Nicholas of Christ, pray to God for me, a sinner. Reverend Father Sergius, pray to God for me, a sinner. Holy Hieromartyr and Confessor Habakkuk, pray to God for me, a sinner. Saint of Christ and confessor Ambrose, pray to God for me, a sinner. Our reverend and God-bearing fathers, shepherds and teachers of the universe, pray to God for me, a sinner. All saints, pray to God for me, a sinner.

After this, pray to the saint whose name you bear, and to the saint celebrated on this date, and also to other saints whom you wish. Don’t forget to pray and do penance, whatever bows you receive from your spiritual father.

Then pray for the health of the ruling bishop, spiritual father, parents, relatives and loved ones, saying with bows three times about health and salvation:

Merciful Lord, save and have mercy on Your servants (bow) (name the names of those you pray for). Deliver them from all sorrow, anger and need. (bow). From all illnesses of mind and body (bow). And forgive them every sin, voluntary and involuntary. (bow). And do something useful for our souls (bow).

Then pray for the repose of your spiritual fathers, parents and loved ones, and for whom you have zeal, saying three times with bows:

Rest, O Lord, the soul of your departed servants (bow) (name the names of those you pray for). And in this life, as humans have sinned, You, as the Lover of Mankind, forgive them and have mercy (bow). Deliver us from eternal torment (bow). Make partakers of the kingdom of heaven (bow). And do something useful for our souls (bow).

When finishing your prayers, say:

Lord, whether in word, or in deed, or in thought, I have sinned throughout my life, have mercy on me and forgive me, for Thy mercy’s sake. (bow to the ground). I place all my hope in You, Mother of God, keep me in Your blood (bow to the ground). My hope is God, and my refuge is Christ, and my patron is the Holy Spirit. (bow to the ground).

It is worthy to eat, for truly you are blessed, the Mother of God, ever blessed and immaculate, and the Mother of our God. The most honorable cherub and the most glorious truly seraphim, who without corruption gave birth to God the Word, the real Mother of God, we magnify You (bow always to the ground).

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (bow). And now and ever and unto ages of ages, amen (bow). Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord bless (bow).

And leave:/>

Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Thy Most Pure Mother and our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all saints, have mercy and save me, a sinner, for I am Good and Lover of Mankind. Amen.

And, bending down to the ground, without making the sign of the cross, read forgiveness:

Weaken, forsake, let go, O God, of my sins, voluntary and involuntary, both in word and in deed, both in knowledge and in ignorance, in mind and in thought, in days and in nights, forgive me all, as Good and Lover of Humanity. Amen.

Having risen, read this prayer with bows:

Forgive those who hate and offend us, Lord Lover of Mankind. Do good to those who do good, to the brethren and to all our relatives, even those who are alone, grant them everything, even petitions for salvation and eternal life (bow). In the present illnesses, visit and heal, in the prisons of the present freedom, on the floating waters, awaken the Ruler and those who are on their way, correct and hasten (bow). Remember, Lord, our captive brethren, fellow believers of the Orthodox faith, and deliver them from every evil situation (bow). Have mercy, Lord, on those 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 nourishment on us, and grant them all petitions and eternal life that lead to salvation. (bow). Remember, O Lord, our fathers and brethren who departed before, and bring them home, where the light of Thy face shines (bow). Remember, Lord, our thinness and wretchedness, and enlighten our minds with the light of reason of Thy Holy Gospel, and guide us on the path of Thy commandments, through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints, amen (bow).

These prayers end with the usual seven bows (see “incoming and outgoing bows” at the beginning).

At the end of your prayers, both in the morning and in the evening, protecting yourself with your pectoral cross, say: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, bless and sanctify and preserve me by the power of Your Life-Giving Cross.

After that, kiss the cross.

And read the prayer to the Cross, crossing yourself:

May God rise again, and may His enemies be scattered, and may those who hate Him flee from His face, like smoke disappearing, may they disappear. As wax melts in the presence of fire, so let demons perish from the presence of those who love God and who are marked with the sign of the cross, and let us rejoice with joyful words: Rejoice, O Cross of the Lord, driving away demons by the power of You, our Lord Jesus Christ, who descended into hell and trampled upon the power of the devil. , and who gave us His Honest Cross to drive away every adversary.

ABOUT! Most honorable 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 ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.