A SHORT PRAYER RULE FOR THE LAID

"Every Christian should have

rule "(St. John Zlat.)" If you create

rule without laziness, then a great reward from

You will receive God and forgiveness of sins.

(St. Innocent of Irkutsk)

I. INITIAL BOWINGS

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

[To remind you of the sign of the cross and bows, a cross is placed hereinafter[+]].

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 groanings for us without words” (Rom. 8:26)

Publican's Prayer

God, be merciful to me a sinner[+].

God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me[+]

Lord, who created me, have mercy on me[+]

I have sinned without number, Lord, forgive me

my mistress, Holy Mother of God save me a sinner[+].

Angel, my holy guardian, save me from all evil[+].

Holy ( your saint's name), pray to God for me[+].

II. PRAYERS INITIAL

Predestinatory prayer

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 [+]

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

The King of Heaven, the Comforter, the Soul (1) of truth, Who (2) is everywhere and fulfills everything (3), the Treasury of the good (4) and the Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth and save, Blessed ( 5), our souls.

1) spirit 2) which 3) existing everywhere and fulfilling everything 4) the source of all good 5) good

Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal; have mercy on us thrice, with bow) [+].

Note. During the time from Holy Pascha to Pentecost, the prayer to the Holy Spirit - “King of Heaven” is not read. On the week of Holy Pascha, all the trisagion is not read, but is replaced by the troparion "Christ is Risen ..." three times. Also, before Easter is given away, instead of “It is worthy to eat, as it truly is,” one reads or sings: “Shine, shine, new Jerusalem: the glory of the Lord is exalted upon You; rejoice now and rejoice, Zion, you are the Pure Mother of God, about the rise of your Nativity.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen. [+]

Prayer to the Holy Trinity

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us: Lord, cleanse our sins; Lord, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for the sake of Your name.

Lord have mercy [+] ( thrice)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen [+].

Lord's Prayer.

Our Father, who art in heaven! hallowed be thy name, may thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, as (1) in heaven and on earth. Give our daily bread (2) to us today (3); and forgive us our debts (4) as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Come, let us worship our King God[+].

Come, let us bow down and fall down before Christ our King God [+].

Come, let us bow down and bow down to Christ Himself, the King and our God [+].

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy, and according to the multitude of Thy mercies, cleanse my iniquity. Above all (5) wash me from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin before me is taken out (6). I have sinned against you alone, and have done evil before you; as if (7) you were justified in your words, and you won, when you judge Ty (8). Behold (9) I was conceived in iniquity, and in sins give birth to me, my mother. Behold, thou didst love the truth, O thou unknown and secret wisdom (10) Thou hast shown me to me. Sprinkle me with hyssopo (11), and I will be cleansed; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Give joy and gladness to my ears, the bones of the humble will rejoice (13). Turn Your face away from my sins, and cleanse all my iniquities. Create a pure heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to the world the joy of Your salvation, and confirm me with the Sovereign Spirit. I will teach the wicked in Your way, and the wicked will turn to You. Deliver me from the blood (1), O God, God of my salvation, my tongue will rejoice in your righteousness, O Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth will proclaim your praise. As if (2) you would have desired sacrifices, you would have given them, burnt offerings (3) did not favor. Sacrifice to God the spirit is broken (4), the heart is contrite and humble, God will not despise (5). Please, O Lord, with Thy favor Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, an offering and a burnt offering: then they will offer calves on Your altar.

Symbol of faith

I believe in one God the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible (6). And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, Who was born from the Father before all ages, Light from Light, God is true from God is true, begotten, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, Whom all was (7). For us for the sake of man and for our sake of salvation, who descended from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became human (8). Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate (9), and suffered, and was buried. And resurrected on the third day according to the Scriptures (10). And ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and again (11) the one who comes with glory to judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, Life-Giving (12), Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified (13), who spoke the prophets (14). Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. Tea (15) the resurrection of the dead; And the life of the next century. Amen [+]

1) from crimes 2) if 3) the Old Testament. victims 4) spiritual poverty 5) will not despise 6) St. Angels 7) everything happened 8) became a man 9) Pontic Pilate was the ruler of the region 10) according to the prophecies in the Old. Covenant (in the scriptures) 11) again 12) giving life (spiritual) 13) worthy of the same worship and glory 14) speaking through the Prophets 15) I expect.

MORNING PRAYER

St. Macarius the Great

(read only in the morning)

To Thee, Lord, Lover of mankind, having risen from sleep, I resort (1) and strive for Thy works (2) by Thy mercy; and I pray to Thee: help me at all times, in all things, and deliver me from all evil worldly things and the devil's haste (3), and save me and lead me into Your eternal kingdom. You are my Creator, and the Providence and Giver of every good, all my hope (4) is in You, and I send glory to You, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen. [+].

EVENING PRAYER

the same saint

(read only in the evening)

Lord our God, hedgehog (5) have sinned in these days in word, deed and thought, as Good (6) and Lover of mankind, forgive me. Peaceful sleep and serene grant me; Send your guardian angel, covering and observing (7) me from all evil; as you are the guardian of our souls and our bodies, and we send glory to you, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen. [+].

Song of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Virgin Mother of God, rejoice, Blessed Mary, the Lord is with you: blessed are you in women (8), and blessed is the fruit of your womb (9), as (10) the Savior gave birth to our souls [+].

1) I turn 2) I turn diligently, I try 3) temptation 4) hope 5) that 6) as good 7) preserving 8) among all the women of the world 9) the Son of God 10) because.

Prayer

Weaken, leave, forgive, God, our sins, free and involuntary, even in word and in deed, even in knowledge and not in knowledge, even in days and nights, even in mind and in thought: forgive us all, as Good and Humanitarian [+]

Prayer

Forgive those who hate and offend us, Lord, Lover of mankind. Bless those who do good. Grant to our brethren and relatives even for the salvation of petitions and eternal life: visit the infirmities of beings, and grant healing. Izhe govern the sea. Travel travel. Conquer the Emperor. Grant forgiveness to those who serve and pardon us of sins. Those who have commanded us unworthy to pray for them, have mercy on the greatness of Your mercy. Remember, Lord, our father and brothers who have fallen asleep before, and give them rest, where the light of Your face visits. Remember, Lord, our captive brethren, and deliver me from every circumstance. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good in Your holy churches, and grant them even salvation, petitions and eternal life. Remember, Lord, and us humble and sinful and unworthy servants of Thy, and enlighten our minds with the light of Thy mind, and guide us on the path of Thy commandments with the prayers of Our Most Pure Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and all Thy Saints, as blessed be Thou forever and ever, amen [+].

MEMORY OF THE LIVING

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father his name), and forgive my sins with his holy prayers [+].

Save, Lord, and have mercy on my parents ( their names), brothers and sisters, and my relatives according to the flesh, and all the neighbors of my kind, and friends, and grant them Your peace and peace of good (1) [+].

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on those who hate and offend me and do misfortune to me (2), and do not leave them to perish for the sake of a sinner [+].

Hasten, O Lord, to enlighten those who do not know Thee ( pagans) by the light of Thy Gospel, and blinded by pernicious heresies and schism, enlighten and unite to Thy Holy Apostolic and Catholic Church [+].

ABOUT DEAD

Remember, Lord, the souls of the departed servants of Your parents, my ( their names) and all relatives in the flesh; and forgive them all sins, voluntary and involuntary, granting them the Kingdom and communion (3) of Your eternal good and Your endless and blessed life pleasure [+].

Grant, Lord, the remission of sins to all those who have departed in the faith and the hope of the resurrection of the father, our brothers and sisters, and create for them eternal memory ( thrice) [+].

END OF PRAYERS

Glorious Ever-Virgin Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Your Son and our God, that our souls may be saved by Thee[+].

My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my shelter is the Holy Spirit! Holy Trinity, glory to Thee [+].

It is worthy to eat as truly (4) blessing (5) Thee, the Mother of God, the Blessed (6) and Immaculate and Mother of our God. The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious Seraphim without comparison, without incorruption (7) God the Word (8) who gave birth, the Mother of God, we magnify Thee [+].

Word to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen [+].

Lord have mercy ( thrice)[+].

Bless [+].

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

Note 1st. In the morning, without having prayed, do not proceed to food or drink, or to any business. Before starting any work, pray like this: God bless! In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen". At the end of the case, say: Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee! Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen».

Before eating, read: Our Father"... to the end, then bless the food and drink with the cross. (In the family, the elder in the house blesses). At the end of the meal, read It is worthy to eat as truly ... to the end, for Holy Virgin Mary, through the birth of the Son of God, gave 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 ahead of you and you are very busy with work, or if you are in weakness, then never read the rules hastily without proper 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 Monk Martyr Macarius of Kanevsky, read one prayer - “ Our Father…“If you have a little more time, then, with the blessing of St. Seraphim of Sarov miracle. - read " Our Father" three times, " Virgin Mary, rejoice» three times and « I believe" - once.

Note 3. If, on the contrary, you have a lot of free time, then by no means spend it idly, 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 a feat of prayer, so that you will find great mercy from the Lord God. To all unemployed people and those who are zealous for the acquisition (acquisition) of the spirit of prayer, we earnestly advise you to fulfill Optina Rule of Five Hundred- below.

1) peaceful, i.e. in this world, in life; premium - behind the grave; good - mercy, bliss 2) troubles 3) participation, heritage 4) in justice 5) praise 6) always blessed 7) without original sin 8) God the Word is Jesus Christ (John 1:1)

THE RULE OF PENTIX HUNDRED

Having stood for prayer, first put the “initial bows”, then read the “initial prayers” (see above) and after “Our Father”, “Have mercy on me, God” (50 Ps) and “I believe” - say a hundred prayers slowly Jesus: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner" of which: 10 prayers with bows to the ground, 20 prayers with bows from the waist and 70 without bows, standing straight.

At the end of the 1st centurion, bow to the ground and read:

Holy Lady my Mother of God, with your saints and almighty entreaties [ drive away] from me, your humble and accursed servant, despondency, oblivion, foolishness, negligence and all filthy, crafty, and blasphemous thoughts from my accursed heart, and from my darkened mind; extinguish the flame of my passions, for I am poor and cursed; and deliver me from many and fierce memories and enterprises, and from all actions [ deeds, actions] evil free me; for blessed are you from all generations, and your honorable name is glorified forever and ever. Amen.

Rising, begin the second and third hundreds of Jesus prayers in the same order, ending them with a bow to the ground and the same prayer: My Most Holy Lady Theotokos»…

Read the fourth hundred in the same order, but instead of the Jesus Prayer, say prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos: My mistress, Most Holy Theotokos, save me a sinner».

Divide the fifth hundred into two parts, namely: 50 prayers to the Guardian Angel: “ Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me a sinner”, of which: 5 prayers with a bow to the ground, 10 with a waist and 35 bows without bows, at the end with a bow to the ground, a prayer: “ My Most Holy Lady Theotokos, with your saints and all-powerful supplications ...» In the same order as St. Guardian Angel, say the remaining 50 prayers to all the Saints: “ All saints, pray to God for me a sinner". (5 earthly bows, 10 waist, 35 standing) and again a prayer: “ My Most Holy Lady Theotokos...' with a bow to the ground.

END OF PENTIX HUNDRED

“It is worthy to eat as truly…” to the end. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen [+].

Lord have mercy [+]. ( thrice)

Bless [+].

Vacation Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and the Holy Guardian Angel, and all the Saints, have mercy and save me a sinner, for I am Good and Lover of mankind. Amen [+]

You can celebrate the Pentecost at any time when you are free: the benefits from it are great, because through it a Christian acquires fervent prayer and can acquire unceasing prayer to God. Those who are zealous for piety are especially advised to pray at night, as St. Prophet David, who rose at midnight for doxology (Psalm 119:62). Our Lord Jesus Christ spent whole nights in prayer to the Father (Luke 6:12), which all the saints did. St. John Chrysostom admonishes us: “the night is not given for us to sleep all of it ... The Church of God rises at midnight, rise you too. Then the soul is purer ... Kneel down, sigh, pray to God that He be merciful to you. And in the temple it is sung about this: “The night is not bright for the unfaithful, Christ, but for the faithful enlightenment is in the sweetness of Your words” ... (Heirmos 5, ch. 7 Resurrection). Church for everyone morning service prays especially about night prayer books: remember, Lord, and in the night crying out to you, hear me(them) and have mercy, and crush under their feet their invisible and fighting enemies. However, when praying a night prayer, do not think that you are accomplishing an extraordinary feat: many spend whole nights playing cards, dancing, etc., and do not complain of fatigue ...

Note 4. In the family, morning and evening prayer should be performed by all members of the family together, if possible, in the presence of the head of the family, since the family is " house church”(Col. 4: 15) and in it prayer must therefore be done with one mouth, gracefully and decorously, as in a temple (1 Cor. 14: 40). If the head of the family is literate, then he reads the prayer, and if not, then he entrusts it to one of the literate. At the end of the prayers, the children and all the younger members of the family greet the elders, and then each other with Good morning, or wish good night.

READING THE WORD OF GOD

“The words that I speak to you are spirit and

life” (John 1:63)

Every Christian should not only pray often, but besides this, read or listen to the word of God, because both prayer and the word of God in a person’s everyday life serve as the most powerful means for sanctification, enlightenment, edification, and in general for the work of salvation. Therefore, the Lord also commanded to search, studying the Holy Scriptures (John 5:39) and called those blessed who hear the word of God and keep it (Luke 11:28).

Why is reading the word of God so important? Because through it we recognize ourselves, all our shortcomings and vices: - the word of God is the mirror of one's heart(James 1:23), it is then " spiritual sword", penetrating to the division of soul and spirit ... and "judges the feelings and thoughts of the heart" (Heb. 4: 12) and finally, it is food and drink for the soul, why St. The Prophet David Likened the Learner to the Law of God beautiful tree planted at the fountain, which bears its fruit in its season (Psalm 1). Yet this is because all Holy Scripture is inspired by God, every word in it is inspired and warmed by the Spirit of God and is useful for teaching, for correction, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16).

Especially useful for us from the New Testament is the reading of the Gospel, and from the Old Testament - the Psalter. The word of God should be read immediately after the prayer in this order: daily one chapter from the Gospel, starting from the gospels. Matthew and 2 chapters from the Apostle, beginning with the Acts of St. apostles, and then 1 kathisma from the Psalter. But if you don’t have enough time, then read as many verses as you can, at least at the time when you are free. It is only necessary to read the word of God with humility, with the fear of God, and not hastily. Taking the book of St. Scriptures, cross yourself, kiss and make a prayer of the prophet. David: “Open my eyes, and I will see the wonders of your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commandments from me (Psalm 119:18, 19).

In vain do some frivolous people think that if they have read the word of God several times, then they already know everything and there is no need to learn again. Blessed is the man who is taught in the law of the Lord day and night (Psalm 1). The Word of God is an “endless book” in its wisdom and depth: the more you read with humility and zeal, the more the miracles of God are revealed to you, as in the starry sky: the longer you look at the sky, the more stars you see ...

In the family, like a prayer, the word of God must be read aloud, and at the end of the reading, cross again, kiss and put it to St. icons, wherever St. The book didn't get dusty.

HOW TO BE AN ORTHODOX PERSON IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD:

I will enter Your house, I will bow to Your holy temple in Your fear. Lord, instruct me in Thy righteousness, for the sake of my enemy, correct my path before Thee: as if there is no truth in their mouths, their heart is vain, their throat is open to the grave, their tongues are lying. Judge them, O God, that they fall away from their thoughts; according to the multitude of their wickedness, forgive me, as if I had grieved Thee, Lord. And may all who trust in Thee rejoice, rejoice forever, and dwell in them, and those who love Thy Name glory in Thee. Like you bless the righteous, Lord, like a weapon of good will crowned us.
(Psalm 5:7-12)

It is necessary to enter the church quietly and reverently, as into the house of God, into the mysterious dwelling of the King of Heaven. Noise, conversations, and even more laughter, when entering the church and staying in it, offend the holiness of the temple of God and the greatness of God dwelling in it.

Entering the temple, one should stop near the doors and make three bows (earthly in simple days, and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays - waist) with prayers:

God, be merciful to me, a sinner. - Bow.
God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. - Bow.
Who created me, Lord, forgive me! - Bow.

On the following prayers, bows are usually relied on by the waist:

We bow to Your Cross, Master, and we glorify Your Holy Resurrection.
It is worthy to eat, as if truly blessed by Thee, the Mother of God ...
Glory, and now ...
Lord have mercy! (Thrice) Bless.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us.

After that, as usual, bowing on both sides to the people who had entered before and making three waist bows with the Jesus Prayer: - Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner - attend to the divine service that has begun with reverence and fear of God.

Men are supposed to ancient custom, stand in the temple on the right side,

The church service is performed with many great and small bows. The Holy Church demands to make prostrations with inner reverence and outward goodness, slowly, and, if possible, at the same time with other worshipers in the temple. Before making a bow, you need to overshadow yourself sign of the cross and then make a bow - if it is small, then you need to tilt your head so that you can reach the ground with your hand, while with a big one you need to bend both knees together and reach the ground with your head.

The sign of the cross should be depicted on oneself correctly, reverently, slowly, joining together the first three fingers of the right hand as a sign that God is the One and Equal Trinity, and folding the remaining two fingers and bending them to the palm to signify that Jesus Christ is God and Man, who descended to our earth for the sake of salvation. The right hand folded in this way ( right hand) should be relied upon first on the forehead, so that the Lord enlightens our mind, then on the womb, in order to tame the flesh warring on the spirit, and then on the right and left shoulders - to sanctify our activities.

The Church Charter strictly requires that we make prostrations in the temple of God not only earnestly, decorously, and all at the same time, but also leisurely (“not wrestling”), and in a timely manner, that is, exactly when it is indicated. Bows and kneeling should be performed at the end of each short petition or prayer, and not during its execution. The Church Charter pronounces a strict judgment on those who do obeisance (Tipikon, Monday of the first week of Holy Great Lent).

Before the beginning of any Divine service, three bows must be made.
Then, at all services, at every Come, let us bow, to the Holy God, on the triple Alleluia and on the Budi Name of the Lord, three half-length bows are relied upon, only on Alleluia in the midst of the six Psalms, for the sake of deep silence, according to the Charter, bows are not supposed, but the sign of the cross is made .

On the vouchsafe, Lord, both at vespers and at matins (in the great doxology, sung or read), three waist bows are relied upon.

On all litanies church services carefully listen to each petition, mentally offering a prayer to God and, overshadowing yourself with the sign of the cross when exclaiming: Lord, have mercy or Give, Lord, make a bow from the waist.

When singing and reading stichera and other prayers, then only a bow is due when the words of the prayers induce to this; for example: "let's fall down", "bow down", "let's pray".

After the Most Honest Cherubim and before the Name of the Lord, bless, Father (or Master) always relies on a deep bow from the waist.

When reading akathists at each kontakion or ikos, a half-bow is required; when pronouncing or singing the thirteenth kontakion three times, earthly or waist bows (by day) are due: the same bows are due after reading the akathist prayer.

The commemoration book is read with bows after each article (moreover, in some monasteries, bows are supposed to be earthly or waist bows, by day, in others they are always waist bows).

According to Worthy at Vespers and Matins, also during the singing of the Most Honest on the 9th song of the canon - a bow for the day; after the verse Praise, bless, a waist bow is required.

Before and after reading the Gospel (Glory to Thee, Lord) one bow is always due; on the polyeleos after each magnification - one bow from the waist.

At the beginning of reading or singing the Creed, when pronouncing the words: By the Power of the Honest and Life-Giving Cross, at the beginning of the reading of the Apostle, the Gospel and paramias, it is supposed to overshadow oneself with the sign of the cross without bowing.

When a clergyman, teaching peace, says: Peace to all or proclaims the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love (love) of God and the Father, and the communion (communion) of the Holy Spirit, wake up with you all and the face (choir), answering, sings: And spirits yours or And with your spirit, you should make a bow from the waist, without the sign of the cross.

A bow is due with any blessing by the clergyman of all those who pray, as well as at the dismissal, if it is performed without the Cross. When the dismissal is pronounced by the clergyman with the Cross, with which he overshadows the worshipers, then the bow should be done with the sign of the cross. It is impious self-complacency when the laity, with the general blessing of the clergyman, fold their palms, and then sometimes also kiss them.

When proclaiming the Head of your Lord, bow down, you should bow your head and stand until the end of the prayer uttered by the priest: at this time, the priest prays to God for all who bow their heads.

When in the church they overshadow the people with the Cross, the Holy Gospel, the image or the Holy Chalice, then everyone should be baptized, bowing their heads. And when they overshadow with candles or bless the hand, or burn the people, then one should not be baptized, but only bow. Only on the Bright Week of Holy Pascha, when the priest censors with the Cross in his hand, then everyone is baptized and, responding to his greeting, Christ is risen, they say: Truly He is risen.

This is how one should distinguish between worship before a shrine and before people, even if they are sacred. Accepting the blessing of a priest or bishop, Christians fold their palms crosswise, placing the right on the left, and kiss the right hand of the blesser, but do not cross themselves before that.

When applying (kissing) to the Holy Gospel, the Cross, honest relics and the icons should be approached in due order, slowly and without crowding, two bows should be made before kissing and one after kissing the shrine; to make bows throughout the day - earthly or deep waist, reaching with your hand to the ground.

When kissing the icons of the Savior, the Mother of God and the saints, one should not kiss them on the face.

In the Patriarchal official of the middle of the 17th century, it was indicated that, when kissing the icons of the Savior, one should kiss on the leg (with a half-length image on the pen); to the icons of the Mother of God and saints - in a pen; to the icon miraculous image Savior and to the icon of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist - in a hair braid.
Several sacred persons can be depicted on the icon, but it is supposed to kiss the icon once, so that when the congregation of worshipers does not detain others and thereby violate the decorum in the temple.

From Holy Pascha to the feast of the Holy Trinity, from the feast of the Nativity of Christ to the feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Svyatki), in general, on all the Lord's great feasts, prostrations to the earth during church services are canceled.

Original post by Taisia800

Thank you and with your permission I'll take it.

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

God, cleanse me a sinner and have mercy on me (bow).

Created me, Lord, have mercy on me (bow).

I have sinned without number, Lord, forgive me (bow).

My Lady, Holy Mother of God,

Save me a sinner (bow).

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

Holy apostle (or martyr, or reverend father, name), pray to God for me (bow).

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 fills everything, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed, our souls.

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

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

Lord have mercy (12 times).

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

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

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

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

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy, and according to the multitude of Thy mercies, cleanse my iniquity. Wash me most of all from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin; for I know my iniquity, and my sin before me is taken out. I have sinned against you alone and done evil before you; as if you were justified in your words, and conquered when you judge Ty. Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sins give birth to me, my mother. Behold, thou didst love the truth; the unknown and secret wisdom of Thy revealed to me. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Give joy and joy to my hearing; the bones of the humble will rejoice. Turn Your face away 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. Reward me the joy of Your salvation and confirm me with the dominating Spirit. I will teach the wicked in Your way, and the wicked will turn to You. Deliver me from blood, O God, God of my salvation; my tongue rejoices in thy righteousness. Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth will proclaim your praise. As if you would have desired sacrifices, you would have given them: you do not favor burnt offerings. Sacrifice to God the spirit is broken; a contrite and humble heart God will not despise. Please, O Lord, with Thy favor Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, an offering and a burnt offering; then they will offer bullocks on your 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, Whom all was. For us for the sake of man and for our sake of salvation, he descended from heaven, and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became human. Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And risen on the third day, according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And the packs of the coming with glory, to be judged 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 look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.

And read the canon and (or) akathist.

The Prayer of Ephraim the Syrian is a prayer, accompanied by bows to the ground, which is read during the weekly (that is, everyday) services of Great Lent.

Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, arrogance and idle talk.

But grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to me, your servant.

Yes, Lord the King, grant me to see my sins and not condemn my brother, for you are blessed forever and ever. Amen.

God, cleanse me a sinner.

Translation the prayers of the Rev. Ephraim the Syrian:

1) Lord and Master of my life! Do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, arrogance and idle talk.

(Lord and Master of my life! do not give me inclination to idleness- lazy, despondency- hopelessness, lust for power and idle talk.

idle talk- the pronunciation of empty words (idle talk), as well as the pronunciation of bad and swear words).

2) Grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to me, Thy servant.

(The purity of the soul, humility, patience and love sent to me, Your servant.

Chastity- sanity, prudence, as well as purity and integrity of the soul; humility, humility - consciousness, of one's imperfection and unworthiness before God, and when we do not think of ourselves that we are better than others; patience- patience is needed when enduring any inconvenience, sorrows, hardships and misfortunes; and it is also necessary in order to bring the good work begun to the end; love- love (to God and neighbor)).

3) Yes, Lord the King, grant me to see my sins and not condemn my brother,
so blessed are you forever and ever. Amen.

(O King Lord, let me see my own sins and not condemn my brother; for blessed are You forever. Amen.

Under brother here, of course, every other person.

How blessed are you because you are worthy of praise.

After each of these three invocations is being done prostration, then 12 times reads "God, cleanse me a sinner" with waist bows, and at the end, all three appeals are read at once and one final prostration is made.

Intermediate 12 bows in the modern Russian tradition are usually accompanied by the words: “ God, cleanse me a sinner"," God, be merciful to me a sinner. These words are read by the priest, as a rule, only in an undertone or quite secretly.

In pre-Nikon practice, these 12 prostrations short prayers were read: Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner (twice), God, have mercy on me a sinner. God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me. Created me, Lord, have mercy on me. I have sinned without number, Lord, forgive me. After reading these 6 short prayers they were repeated.

Typicon (i.e. charter) instructs to read the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian to himself, in silence, raising his hands to each of the 3 petitions and making a prostration after it.

The worship performed by the Egyptian monks of the 4th-5th centuries consisted of reading or singing psalms, interspersed with the silent prayer of the monks with upraised hands, and ended with bows.

The way of reading the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian also goes back to this tradition. In the practice of Russian Orthodox Church this prayer is read aloud by the priest in the presence of those praying, which is explained by the insufficient knowledge of it by the parishioners; the raising of hands is performed only by the priest (or in a number of dioceses it is not performed at all).

In the Greek Churches, the Prayer of Ephraim the Syrian is also read aloud, silent reading practiced only in monasteries (including Athos).

According to the Jerusalem Rule, as in the redactions currently accepted in the Greek Church, in the Russian Orthodox Church and in other Orthodox Local Churches, and in the edition used by the ROC since the end. XVII century - the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian includes 16 bows on all seven days of fasting, except for special ones.

However, the cathedral-parochial version of the charter, which had developed in the Greek tradition by the 19th century. and finally formed in the beginning. XX century, prescribes to read the Prayer of Ephraim the Syrian always with 3 bows. This simplification did not come immediately.

So, in the XVII century. the Greeks kept 16 bows during the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian, but not all were earthly: 3 bows of the earth were followed by 12 waist and earth bows, while more old tradition, preserved in Russia until the middle. 17th century (and still practiced by the Old Believers), ordered to make 16 bows to the earth.

The issue of replacing 16 earthly prostrations during the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian with 3 earthly, 12 half-length and earthly ones (as the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian is still performed in Russian, Georgian and other traditions everywhere, and among the Greeks in the most strict monasteries) was closely connected with the beginning of divisions in the Russian Church, which led to the Old Believer schism - this replacement and the prescription for the transition from two-fingered to three-fingered constituted the main content of the “Memory”, sent by Patriarch Nikon during Great Lent in 1653 to the Moscow churches, with the rejection of which by some clergy, discord began in the Russian Church .

At the same time, the strict practice of 16 earthly prostrations in the 17th century. in Russia, many observed quite formally. The compilers of the post-Nikonian Russian edition of the Typikon, devoting the chapter “On bowing and prayer to the church statute” (Typikon, vol. 2, p. for a while they tried to ease their feat by bowing during the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian not to the ground, but to the “bench” (it should be noted that the Old Believers, who adhere to strictness in worship, avoid using such devices); thus, the practice introduced by Patriarch Nikon cannot be called a simplification; on the contrary, it implied a rejection of formal relationship to the statutory regulations.