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The prayers in these pages are taken from the Pocket Prayer Book for Orthodox Christians, published by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. The General Intercession prayers are taken from the Fellowship of Saint Philip Prayer Book, also published in accordance with the Archdiocese. Please note that one’s prayer rule should be in accordance with the direction given by one’s Spiritual Father, and the prayers listed on these pages are not meant to replace such direction. They are here for your convenience. + Morning Prayers
Having awakened, arise from your bed and go to your icon corner without laziness. Silently light your candles (if you wish, light charcoal in your incense burner and place incense in it), and venerate the icons. Afterwards, stand in silence for a few moments until all your senses are calmed. At that point, make three prostrations, saying: O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Then make the Sign of the Cross, saying: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to thee, our God, glory to thee. O heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who art in all places and fillest all things: Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O gracious Lord. Trisagion Prayers Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy God visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. (3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. If there is a priest, he adds the usual exclamation. Otherwise continue as follows: Troparia to the Holy Trinity Having arisen from sleep, we fall down before thee, O Blessed One, and sing to thee, O Mighty One, the Angelic Hymn: Holy, holy, holy art thou, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: From my bed and sleep thou hast raised me: O Lord, enlighten my mind and my heart, and open my lips that I may praise thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy art thou, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Suddenly the Judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be revealed: but with fear we cry out in the middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy art thou, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy. (12x) A Prayer to the Holy Trinity On rising from sleep I thank thee, O holy Trinity, because of the abundance of thy goodness and long-suffering thou wast not wroth with me, slothful and sinful as I am; neither hast thou destroyed me in my transgressions: but in thy compassion raised me up as I lay in despair; that at dawn I might sing the glories of thy Majesty. Do thou now enlighten the eyes of my understanding, open my mouth to receive thy words, teach me thy commandments, help me to do thy will, and confessing thee from my heart, singing and praising thine All-holy Name: of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. The Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man;And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father;And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets; And I believe in One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the Life of the world to come. Amen. A Prayer by St. Basil the Great We bless thee, most high God and Lord of mercies, who ever dost great and unfathomable things for us, glorious and awesome things without number. Thou givest sleep for the repose of our frailty, relieving the labors of our over-burdened flesh. We thank thee for not destroying us in our lawlessness. Instead, thou hast shown thy usual love for mankind and raised us, as we lay in despair, to glorify thy power. Therefore we implore thy boundless goodness: enlighten our thoughts and eyes and awaken our minds from the heavy sleep of laziness. Open our lips and fill them with thy praise, that we may unwaveringly hymn and confess thee, the God glorified in all and by all, the Father without beginning, with thine only-begotten Son and thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Here may be added your own private devotions and intercessions, using your own words or the General Intercession. When you have finished, conclude with this prayer: Ending Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ out God, have mercy upon us and save us. Amen. Originally taken from the Fellowship of St. Philip prayer book of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America + First Hour Prayers (7 AM)"To You I pray, O Lord; in the morning You hear my voice!" Psalm 5 In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Come, let us worship! Psalm 5 Give ear to my words, O Lord; give heed to my groaning. Hearken to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to You do I pray. O Lord, in the morning You hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for You and watch. For You are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not sojourn with You. The boastful may not stand before Your eyes; You hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors bloodthirsty and deceitful men. But I through the abundance of Your steadfast love will enter Your house, I will worship toward Your holy temple in the fear of You. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before me. For there is no truth in their mouth; their heart is destruction, their throat is an open sepulcher, they flatter with their tongue. Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of their many transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against You. But let all who take refuge in You rejoice, let them ever sing for joy; and defend them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For You bless the righteous, O Lord; You cover him with favor as with a shield.
Prayers Order my steps in Your word and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me. Deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men, and so I shall keep Your commandments. Show the light of Your countenance upon Your servant and teach me Your statutes. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise, O Lord, that I may sing of Your glory and honor all the day long. O Christ the true light, enlightening and sanctifying every man who comes into the world: Let the light of Your countenance shine on us, that in it we may behold the ineffable light. Guide our footsteps aright in keeping Your commandments, Through the intercessions of Your all-pure Mother and of all the saints. Amen. Petition for the Church The universe offers You the God-bearing martyrs as the first-fruits of creation, O Lord and Creator. Through the Theotokos and their prayers, establish Your Church in peace. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, may the Lord have mercy on us. Amen. Taken from A Manual of the Hours of the Orthodox Church, translated by Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in Otego, NY. No copyright was applied to the original work. + Third Hour Prayers (9 AM)
At this hour, which corresponds to about nine o'clock in the morning, the believer along with the Church thanks the Heavenly Father for the very rich gift He gave to the Church when at the third hour the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, came down upon the Apostles (Acts 2:16). From that time onward the Holy Spirit ever remains in the Church, guiding, sanctifying and safeguarding it. As we share with every faithful soul this invaluable gift, we thank our God and Father and ask Him never to deprive us of the fruits and graces of the Spirit. "Take not Your Holy Spirit from me." Psalm 51 In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come, let us worship! Psalm 24 To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in You I trust, let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Let none that wait for You be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long. Be mindful of Your mercy, O Lord, and of Your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love, remember me for Your goodness sake, O Lord!
Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him will He instruct in the way that he should choose. He himself shall abide in prosperity and his children shall possess the land. The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear Him and He makes known to them His covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He will pluck my feet out of the net. Turn to me and be gracious to me; for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and bring me out of my distresses. Consider my affliction and my trouble and forgive all my sins. Consider how many are my foes and with what violent hatred they hate me. Guard my life and deliver me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles! Prayer O Lord, You sent down Your Most Holy Spirit upon Your apostles at the Third Hour. Take Him not from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to You. Prayer of St. Basil the Great O Lord our God, You have given Your peace to men and sent down the gift of Your all holy Spirit to Your disciples and apostles, opening their lips with fiery tongues by Your power: Open also my lips and teach me, sinner that I am, how and for what I ought to pray. Guide my life, O calm Haven of the storm-tossed, and reveal the way in which I should walk. Renew in me a right spirit and make my mind steady with a governing spirit, so that guided and guarded each day by Your good Spirit, I may be enabled to practice Your commandments, always remembering Your glorious presence which looks upon the deeds men do. Do not let me be deceived by the corrupting delights of this world, but rather strengthen in me the desire to attain the treasures of the world to come. For You are blessed and praised in all Your saints, unto ages of ages. Amen. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, may the Lord have mercy on us. Amen. Taken from A Manual of the Hours of the Orthodox Church, translated by Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in Otego, NY. No copyright was applied to the original work. + Sixth Hour Prayers (12 Noon)Now, even more than at other times, we should join in prayer with the Church, for every soul, delivered by Jesus, ought to have a sense of awe and gratitude, At this hour, corresponding to about twelve noon, the divine drama of our Lord's sacrifice began. At Golgotha, "the place of the skull," Jesus was nailed to the Cross like a criminal (Matthew 27:45 ff.; Mark 15:33 ff.; Luke 23:44 ff.). Do not just shudder, considering the terrible image, but rejoice in the infinite love of God Give Him grateful thanks, for by this, He has wrought our salvation. "There they crucified Him. … It was now about the sixth hour." Luke 23:33,44 In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Come, let us worship! Psalm 53 Save me, O God, by Your name and vindicate me by Your might. Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For insolent men have risen against me, ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before them. Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. He will requite my enemies with evil; in Your faithfulness put an end to them. With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to You; I will give thanks to Your name O Lord, for it is good. For You have delivered me from every trouble and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies! Prayers
O Christ God, on the sixth day and hour, You nailed to the Cross the sin which rebellious Adam committed in paradise. Tear asunder also the bond of our iniquities, and save us! You have wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, O Christ God. You stretched out Your all-pure hands upon the Cross; You gathered together all the nations that cry aloud to You: Glory to You, O Lord! Prayer of St. Basil the Great O God, Lord of hosts and Maker of all created things, who in Your great compassion and mercy sent down Your Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the redemption of mankind, and by His precious Cross destroyed the writing of our sins, thereby triumphing over the source and power of darkness: O Lord and Lover of man, accept also the thanksgiving and fervent prayers of us sinners. Deliver us from every dark and harmful transgression and from all the visible and invisible enemies which seek to destroy us. Nail our flesh to the fear of You, and do not incline our hearts to words or thoughts of guile. But wound our souls with Your love, that ever looking to You, and guided by You in the light, and beholding You, the Light ineffable and everlasting, we may offer ceaseless praise and thanksgiving to You: To the Father who has no beginning, together with Your only-begotten Son and Your all holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, may the Lord have mercy on us. Amen.
Taken from A Manual of the Hours of the Orthodox Church, translated by Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in Otego, NY. No copyright was applied to the original work. + Midday Prayers (Noon)
Silently light your candles (and if you wish, light charcoal in your incense burner and place incense in it), and reverence the icons. Afterwards, stand in silence for a few moments until all your senses are calmed. At that point, make three prostrations, saying: O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Then make the Sign of the Cross, saying:I In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to thee, our God, glory to thee.
Trisagion Prayers
O heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who art in all places and fillest all things: Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O gracious Lord. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy God visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. (3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. If there is a priest, he adds the usual exclamation. Otherwise continue as follows: O Christ our God, who at this hour didst stretch out thy loving arms upon the Cross that all men might be gathered unto thee, help us and save us who cry out unto thee: Glory to thee, O Lord. Then add your private devotions and intercessions, and conclude with this prayer: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. Amen.
Originally taken from the Fellowship of St. Philip prayer book of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America. + Ninth Hour Prayers (3 PM)At this hour, corresponding to about three o'clock in the afternoon, the drama of our Lord's sacrifice upon the Cross ended as He gave up His spirit to the Heavenly Father. He had promised His Kingdom to the repentant thief (Luke 23:43). Our Church, and with her every faithful soul observing in wonder, gives thanks and prays to the divine Redeemer, singing of these inconceivable and saving events with appropriate hymns. And so the liturgical day is closed with the joy and fulfillment of the Cross of Christ. "And at the ninth hour.. Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last." Mark 15:34,37 In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Come, let us worship! Psalm 83 How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs and faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, ever singing Your praise! Blessed are the men whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Behold our shield, O God; look upon the face of Your anointed! For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; He bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You! Prayers O Christ God, at the ninth hour You tasted death in the flesh for our sake: mortify the rebellion of our flesh and save us! In the midst of two thieves, Your Cross was revealed as the balance-beam of righteousness;
For while the one was led down to hell by the burden of his blaspheming, the other was lightened of his sins to the knowledge of things divine. O Christ our God, glory to You! Prayer of St. Basil the Great O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, You have led us to the present hour, in which, as You hung upon the life-giving Tree, You made a way into Paradise for the penitent thief, and by death destroyed death: Cleanse us, Your unworthy servants, for we fall into sin continuously and are not worthy to lift up our eyes and look upon the heights of heaven. Forgive us for departing from the path of righteousness and following the desires of our own hearts. We implore Your unending goodness: Spare us, O Lord, according to the multitude of Your mercies, and save us for Your holy name's sake, for our days are passing away in vanity. Take us from the hand of the adversary and forgive our sins, and mortify in us all impure thoughts. Help us to lay aside our old ways so that we may be clothed with new resolve and may dedicate our lives to You, our Master and Benefactor, so that by following Your commandments, we may come to the eternal rest which is the abode of all those who rejoice. For You are the true joy and exultation of those who love You, O Christ our God, and to You we ascribe glory, together with the Father who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, may the Lord have mercy on us. Amen.
Taken from A Manual of the Hours of the Orthodox Church, translated by Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery in Otego, NY. No copyright was applied to the original work. + Evening PrayersSilently light your candles (and if you wish, light charcoal in your incense burner and place incense in it), and reverence the icons. Afterwards, stand in silence for a few moments until all your senses are calmed. At that point, make three prostrations, saying: O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Then make the Sign of the Cross, saying: In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to thee, our God, glory to thee. O heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who art in all places and fillest all things: Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O gracious Lord. Trisagion Prayers Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy God visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. (3x) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. If there is a priest, he adds the usual exclamation. Otherwise continue as follows: Troparia of Thanksgiving Now that the day hath come to a close, I thank thee, O Lord, and I ask that the evening, with the night, may be sinless. Grant this to me, O Saviour, and save me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: Now that the day hath passed, I glorify thee, O Master, and I ask that the evening, with the night, may be without offence; grant this to me, O Saviour, and save me. Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Now that the day hath run its course, I praise thee, O Holy One, and I ask that the evening, with the night, may be undisturbed; grant this to me, O Saviour, and save me. Lord, have mercy. (12x) A Prayer of Forgiveness O Lord, our God, if during this day I have sinned, whether in word or deed or thought, forgive me all, for thou art good and lovest mankind. Grant me peaceful and undisturbed sleep, and deliver me from all influence and temptation of the evil one. Raise me up again in proper time that I may glorify thee, for thou art blessed, with thine only-begotten Son and thine All-holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. The Creed I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man; And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;
And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets; And I believe in One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the Life of the world to come. Amen.
Then‚ O Christ our God, who at all times and in every hour in heaven and on earth, art worshipped and glorified; who art long-suffering, merciful and compassionate; who loves the just and showest mercy upon the sinners; who callest all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come; O Lord in this hour, receive our supplications, and direct our lives according to thy commandments. Sanctify Our souls, hallow our bodies, correct our thoughts, cleanse our minds; deliver us from all tribulation, evil and distress. Encompass us with thy holy Angels, that guided and guarded by them, we may attain to the unity of the faith and to the knowledge of thine unapproachable glory, for thou art blessed Unto ages of ages. Amen.
Here add your own private devotions, entreating the Lord in your own words or with the General Intercession. End Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us and save us. Amen.
Before Going to Sleep Kiss your cross and icon, make the sign of the Cross over your bed, from head to foot and from side to side, saying: Guard me, O Lord, by the power of thy holy and life-giving Cross, and keep me from all evil.
Just before yielding yourself to sleep, say: Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my soul and my body. Do thou thyself bless me, have mercy on me, and grant me life eternal. Amen. Originally taken from the Fellowship of St. Philip prayer book of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America. + Midnight OfficeWhen it is possible for us to rise in the middle of the night for prayer, or perhaps impossible for us to sleep so that we turn to prayer, we are able to enter into a long tradition. We find this witnessed to in the Old Testament by the great prophet David We also find it in the New Testament, there in the jail of Philippi where the apostles Paul and Silas hymned God at midnight, "the prisoners listening to them" (Acts J 6: 25). This prayer has a particular grace, for while everything is silent and at rest, the soul which loves God rises from her sleep, and together with the heavenly realms, the angels, she sends up her praises and thanksgivings. The saints throughout the ages have had much to tell us concerning the particular blessing the soul feels when it prays at this hour. "At midnight I will rise to praise You." Psalm 119 In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Come, let us worship God our King! Prayers Now that You have raised me from my bed of sleep, O Lord, enlighten my mind and heart. Open my lips that I may sing to You: Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O God! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on us! Having risen from sleep, I thank You, O Holy Trinity, for in Your great goodness and forbearance You have not become angry with me in my negligence and sinfulness, nor have You destroyed me in my transgressions, but in Your compassion You have raised me up as I lay in despair that I might sing the glories of Your majesty. Enlighten the eyes of my understanding. Open my heart to receive Your words; teach me Your commandments; help me to do Your will, confessing You from my heart, singing and praising Your all-holy name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Psalm 134 Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth! Through the prayers of our holy fathers, may the Lord have mercy on us. Amen.
Taken from A Manual of the Hours of the Orthodox Church, translated by Holy Myrrh bearers Monastery in Otego, NY. No copyright was applied to the original work.
+ General IntercessionFor the LivingO Lord Jesus Christ, our God, in thy mercies and loving-kindness thou regardest the humble prayers of all who call upon thee with their whole heart; incline thine ear and hear now my prayer, offered to thee in humility. Be mindful, O Lord, of thy Holy Orthodox-Catholic and Apostolic Church; confirm and strengthen it, increase it and keep it in peace, and preserve it unconquerable forever. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy upon the Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, our Archbishop N., our regional Bishop N., and on every Bishop of the Orthodox; the Priest and Deacons and all the clergy of thy Church, whom thou hast established to feed thy reason-endowed flock. Through their prayers, have mercy upon me and save me, a sinner. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy upon the President of our country, on all civil authorities and on our armed forces. Surround them with peace, and speak peace and goodness into their hearts for thy Holy Church and all thy people. In their calm may we live a calm and silent life in the True Faith and in all piety and purity. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy upon our father, the Priest/Archpriest N. [here is inserted the name of your parish priest], with all our brethren in Christ, and through their prayers have mercy on me, who am wretched. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father N, and forgive my transgressions through his holy prayers. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy on all our brethren who serve this holy Church-the parish council, the choir, the teachers, the custodians and cleaners, and all who work for our parish, and all Christians. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy on my parents N,N, [if they are still living], my wife/husband N, my children N, my brothers and sisters and all my relatives according to the flesh, those who are close to my family, and my friends, especially N. Grant them mercy, live, peace, health, salvation and visitation, and pardon and remission of sins; that they may evermore praise and glorify Thy Holy Name. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy on our fathers, brothers, and sisters who live with patient faith in the monasteries of the Holy Mountain, Russia, America, and any other place. Through their prayers, have mercy on me a sinner. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy, according to the multitude of thy compassions, on all hieromonks, monks, nuns, and on all, who in virginity, reverence, and fasting, live in monasteries, in deserts and caves, on mountains and pillars, in hermitages and cleft rocks, on islands in the sea, and who live in the True Faith in every place of thy dominion, serving thee piously and praying to thee. Lighten their burden and console them in sorrow. Grant them strength and resolution in their struggles, and grant me remission of sins through their prayers. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy on the old and the young, the poor, the orphans and widows, and on those who are in sickness and in sadness, in misfortunes and in sorrow, in war and in captivity, in prison and in exile-especially those who, being thy servants, are persecuted for thy sake and the Orthodox Faith by godless heathens, apostates, and heretics. Remember, visit, strengthen, and comfort them, giving them early release, freedom, and deliverance by thy might. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy on our benefactors who have mercy on us and feed us, giving us alms and security, and ask us to pray for them, despite our unworthiness. Be thou merciful to them and grant their every petition for salvation and the reward of eternal good things. (prostration)
Save, O Lord, and have’ mercy on all our fathers, brothers, and sisters and all Orthodox Christians who are travelling in thy service. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy on those whom I have caused to stumble, turningthem away from the path of salvation and leading them to evil and unseemly deeds. Return them to the path of salvation by thy Divine Providence. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy on those who hate and offend me and do me harm. Do not let them perish because of me, a sinner. (prostration) Enlighten with the light of thy knowledge those who have left the Orthodox Faith and have been blinded by devastating heresies, reuniting them to thy One, Holy, Orthodox-Catholic and Apostolic Church. (prostration) Save, O Lord, and have mercy on me, Thy humble servant; grant me Thy grace, that I may be diligent and faithful; that I may avoid evil company and influence, and resist all temptation; that I may lead a godly and righteous life, blameless and peaceful, ever serving Thee, that I maybe accounted worthy at the last to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. (prostration) For the DepartedRemember, O Lord, all Orthodox Patriarchs and Metropolitans; Archbishops and Bishops; Priests and those who serve in Holy Orders; those who serve thee in monastic ranks and the blessed founder of our holy church. Grant them rest with the Saints in thine eternal dwellings. (prostration) Remember, O Lord, the souls of thy departed servants, my parents NN, [if they have already fallen asleep in the Lord], and all my relatives according to the flesh. Forgive all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary. Grant them participation in thine eternal good things and the enjoyment of the eternal and blessed life. (prostration)
Remember, O Lord, all our departed fathers, brothers, and sisters, the Orthodox Christians who lie here and everywhere in the hope of the Resurrection and eternal life, especially N.Grant them to live with thy Saints under the Light of thy countenance. Have mercy on us also, for thou art good and lovest mankind. Amen. (prostration)
The following is said three times, each time with a prostration. Grant remission of sins, O Lord, to all our fathers, brothers, and sisters who have departed before us in faith and the hope of the Resurrection, and make their memory eternal. Hear my prayer, O Lord, for thou art merciful and compassionate, and lovest mankind, and to thee are due all glory, honor and worship: to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Originally taken from the Fellowship of St. Philip prayer book of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America. + Mealtime Prayers
Before MealsIn the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
If there is a priest, he adds the usual exclamation. Otherwise continue as follows:
Glory to the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (3x). then O Christ our God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for thou are Holy always; now and ever, andunto ages of ages. Amen. or They that hunger shall eat and be satisfied, they that seek after the Lord shall praise him; their hearts shall live forever. Amen. or Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts of which we are about to partake, for thou art blessed and glorified; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. After MealsGlory to the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (3x). then Blessed is God, who is merciful unto us and nourisheth us from His bounteous gifts by His grace and compassion, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. or We thank thee, O Christ our God, that thou hast satisfied us with thy earthly gifts, deprive us not of thy Heavenly Kingdom; but as thou entered into the midst of thy disciples, O Saviour, and gave them peace, enter also among us and save us. Amen. or We thank thee, O God, the Giver of all good things, for these gifts and all thy mercies, and we bless they Holy Name, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Originally taken from the Fellowship of St. Philip prayer book of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America. + OTHER PRAYERSPRAYER ON ENTERING A CHURCH I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear I will worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before me, that with a clear mind I may glorify thee forever, One Divine Power worshipped in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. PRAYER ON LEAVING A CHURCH Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. PRAYER BEFORE THE ICON OF CHRIST We reverence thy spotless Icon, O gracious Lord, and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God: for of thine own good will thou wast pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that thou mightest deliver from bondage. to the enemy those whom thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry aloud unto thee: thou hast filled all things with joy, O our Savior, for thou didst come to save the world. PRAYER BEFORE THE ICON OF THE THEOTOKOS Forasmuch as thou art a well-spring of tenderness, O Theotokos, make us worthy of compassion; Look upon a sinful people; Manifest thy power as ever, for hoping on thee we cry aloud unto thee: Hail I as once did Gabriel, Chief Captain of the Bodiless Powers. A PRAYER FOR THE PRIESTHOOD O Lord Jesus Christ, enkindle the hearts of all thy Priests with the fire of zealous love for thee, that they may ever seek thy glory; Give them strength that they may labor unceasingly in thine earthly vineyard for the salvation of our souls and the glory of thine all-honorable and majestic Name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Heavenly Powers HYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS (From the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom) It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, who art ever blessed and all-blameless, and the mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim. and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, thou who without stain barest God the Word, and art truly Theotokos: we magnify thee. THE ANGELIC SALUTATION Hail! Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, O Virgin Theotokos: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Savior of our souls. A PRAYER TO THE ALL-HOLY TRINITY The Father is my hope; the Son is my refuge; the Holy Spirit is my protector. O All-holy Trinity, glory to thee. A PRAYER TO YOUR PATRON SAINT Pray unto God for me, O Holy Saint (Name), well-pleasing to God: for I turn unto thee, who art the speedy helper and intercessor for my soul. A PRAYER TO YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL O Angel of Christ, holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me everything wherein I have offended thee every day of my life, and protect me from all influence and temptation of the evil one. May I nevermore anger God by any sin. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make me worthy of the grace of the All-holy Trinity, and of the Most Blessed Theotokos, and of all the Saints. Amen. + Personal
THE “JESUS PRAYER”O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner. Or O Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me. A PRAYER OF REPENTANCE O Lord our God, good and merciful, I acknowledge all my sins which I have committed every day of my life, in thought, word and deed; in body and soul alike. I am heartily sorry that I have ever offended thee, and I sincerely repent; with tears I humbly pray thee, O Lord: of thy mercy forgive me all my past transgressions and absolve me from them. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy Grace, to amend my way of life and to sin no more; that I may walk in the way of the righteous and offer praise and glory to the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. A PRAYER BEFORE COMMENCING ANY TASKAlmighty God, our Help and Refuge, Fountain of wisdom and Tower of strength, who knowest that I can do nothing without thy guidance and help; assist me, I pray thee, and direct me to divine wisdom and power, that I may accomplish this task, and whatever I may undertake to do, faithfully and diligently, according to thy will, so that it may be profitable to myself and others, and to the glory of thy Holy Name. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. PRAYER BEFORE A JOURNEY O Lord Jesus Christ our God, the true and living way, be thou, O Master, my companion, guide and guardian during my journey; deliver and protect me from all danger, misfortune and temptation; that being so defended by Thy divine power, I may have a peaceful and successful journey and arrive safely at my destination, For in thee I put my trust and hope, and to thee, together with thy Eternal Father, and the All-holy Spirit, I ascribe all praise, honor and glory: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. A PRAYER IN TIME OF TROUBLE O God, our help and assistance, who art just and merciful, and who heareth the supplications of thy people; look down upon me. a miserable sinner, have mercy upon me, and deliver me from this trouble that besets me, for which, I know, I am deservedly suffering. I acknowledge and believe, O Lord, that all trials of this life are given by Thee for our chastisement, when we drift away from thee, and disobey thy commandments; deal not with me after my sins, but according to thy bountiful mercies, for I am the work of Thy hands, and thou knowest my weakness. Grant me, I beseech thee, thy divine helping grace, and endow me with patience and strength to endure my tribulations with complete submission to Thy Will, Thou knowest my misery and suffering and to Thee, my only hope and refuge, I flee for relief and comfort; trusting to thine infinite love and compassion, that in due time, when thou knowest best, thou wilt deliver me from this trouble, and turn my distress into comfort, when I shall rejoice in thy mercy, and exalt and praise thy Holy Name, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. THANKSGIVING AFTER DELIVERANCE FROM TROUBLEAlmighty and merciful God, I most humbly and heartily thank thy divine majesty for thy loving kindness and tender mercies, that thou hast heard my humble prayer, and graciously vouchsafed to deliver me from my trouble and misery, Grant me, I beseech thee, thy helping grace, that I may obediently walk in thy holy commandments, . and lead a sober, righteous and godly life, ever remembering thy mercies, and the blessings thou hast undeservedly bestowed upon me, that I may continually offer to thee the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. A PRAYER OF A SICK PERSONO Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, Physician of souls and bodies, who didst become man and suffer death on the Cross for our salvation, and through thy tender love and compassion didst heal all manner of sickness and affliction; do thou O Lord, visit me in my suffering, and grant me grace and strength to bear this sickness with which I am afflicted, with Christian patience and submission to thy will, trusting in thy loving kindness and tender mercy. Bless, I pray thee, the means used for my recovery, and those who administer them. I know O Lord, that I justly deserve any punishment thou mayest inflict upon me for, I have so often offended thee and sinned against thee, in thought, word and deed. Therefore, I humbly pray thee, look upon my weakness, and deal not with me after my sins, but according to the multitude of thy mercies. Have compassion on me, and let mercy and justice meet; and deliver me from this sickness and suffering I am undergoing. Grant that my sickness may be the means of my true repentance and amendment of my life according to thy will, that I may spend the rest of my days in thy love and fear: that my soul, being helped by thy grace and sanctified by thy Holy Mysteries. may be prepared for its passage to the Eternal Life, and there, in the company of thy blessed Saints, may praise and glorify thee with thy Eternal Father and Life-giving Spirit. Amen. THANKSGIVING AFTER RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Source of life and Fountain of all good things, I bless thy Holy Name, and offer to thee most hearty thanks for having delivered me from my sickness and restored me to health. Grant me thy continuing grace, I pray thee, that I may keep my good resolutions and correct the errors of my past life, and improve in virtue, and live a new life in dutiful fear of thee, doing thy will in an things, and devoting this new life which thou hast given me to thy service: that thus living for thee, I may be found ready when it pleaseth thee to call me to thee, O heavenly Father, to whom with thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and thine all-holy and Life-giving Spirit, is due all honor, praise, glory, and thanksgiving: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. PRAYER OF ST. SILUAN THE ATHONITE FOR ENEMIES O merciful Lord, by Thy Holy Spirit teach us to love our enemies, and to pray for them with tears. O Lord, send down Thy Holy Spirit on earth that all nations may know Thee, and learn Thy love.
O Lord, as Thou Thyself didst pray for Thine enemies, so teach us, too by Thy Holy Spirit, to love our enemies. O Lord, all peoples are the work of Thy hands; turn them from enmity and malice to repentance, that all my know Thy love. O Lord, Thou didst command us to love our enemies, but it is hard for us sinners, if Thy grace be not with us. O Lord, pour down Thy grace upon the earth. Let all the nations of the earth come to know Thy love; to know that Thou lovest us with a mother's love, and more than a mother's love for even a mother may be forgetful of her children, but Thou forgettest never, because Thy love for Thy creation is boundless, and love cannot forget. O merciful Lord, by the riches of Thy mercy save all peoples. \ A PRAYER FOR THE SICK O holy Father, heavenly Physician of our souls and bodies, who hast sent thine Only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to heal all our ailments and deliver us from death: do thou visit and heal thy servant N., granting him release from pain and restoration to health and vigor, that he may give thanks unto thee and bless thy holy Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. A PRAYER FOR THE DEADInto thy hands, O Lord, I commend the souls of thy servants NN., and beseech thee to grant them rest in the place of thy rest, where all thy blessed Saints repose, and where the light of thy countenance shineth forever. And I beseech thee also to grant that our present lives may be godly, sober, and blameless, that, we too may be made worthy to enter into thy heavenly Kingdom with those we love but see no longer: for thou art the Resurrection, and the Life, and the Repose of thy departed servants, O Christ our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. DAILY PRAYER FOR PEACEWe thank You, Master and Lover of mankind, King of the ages and giver of all good things, for destroying the dividing wall of enmity and granting peace to those who seek your mercy. We appeal to You to awaken the longing for a peaceful life in all those who are filled with hatred for their neighbors, thinking especially of those at war or preparing for war. Grant peace to your servants. Implant in them the fear of You and confirm in them love one for another. Extinguish every dispute and banish all temptations to disagreement. For You are our peace and to You we ascribe glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto ages of ages. Amen. We pray, Lord our God, for all those who suffer from acts of war, [especially for the victims and all those in the struggle in N]. We pray for your peace and your mercy in the midst of the great suffering that people are now inflicting on each other. Accept the prayers of your Church, so that by your goodness peace may return to all peoples. Hear us and have mercy on us. Lord have mercy (3x) Lord our God, remember and have mercy on our brothers and sisters who are involved in every civil conflict. Remove from their midst all hostility, confusion and hatred. Lead everyone along the path of reconciliation and peace, we pray You, hear us and have mercy on us. Lord have mercy (3x) Let all believers turn aside from violence and do what makes for peace. By the strength of your mighty arm save your people and your Holy Church from all evil oppression; hear the supplications of all who call to You in sorrow and affliction, day and night. Merciful God, let their lives not be lost, we pray You, hear us and have mercy. Lord have mercy (3x) But grant, O Lord, peace, love and speedy reconciliation to your people whom You have redeemed with your precious blood. Make your presence known to those who have turned away from You and do not seek You, so that none of them may be lost, but all may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, so that everyone, in true love and harmony, O long-suffering Lord, may praise your all holy Name. Amen. PRAYER FOR ANY OBJECTO Creator and Author of mankind, Giver of spiritual graces and Bestower of eternal salvation: do thou, the same Lord, send down thy Holy Spirit, with a blessing from on high, upon this (name of object); that fortified by the might of heavenly protection, it may be potent unto bodily salvation and succor and aid, unto all who shall desire to make use of it, through Jesus Christ our Lord (then sprinkle it 3x with Holy Water, then...) May Christ out True God, through the intercessions of his all-immaculate Mother, and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, forasmuch as he is good and loveth mankind. Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. Amen. PRAYER FOR THE ARMED FORCESO Lord God of hosts, O God of our salvation, O God who alone workest wonders: Do Thou look down with mercy and compassion upon Thy humble servants and, out of love for mankind, hearken and have mercy on us. Look with mercy, we pray Thee, O Lord, upon those of our sons and daughters who now serve in our Armed Forces and who in obedience to their superiors have, for our sakes, placed themselves in harm's way. Grant that those who request the protection of Thy right hand may be overpowered by no adverse force. And may the invited defense of Thy mighty power shield Thy faithful sons and daughters. Watch over them, O Lord, and bring them back safe to those who love them. Grant courage and steadfast faith to them and to those who long for their return. Bring a quick and bloodless end to these conflicts, and spare the lives of the innocents. Grant no increase to the numbers of widows and orphans, and relieve the privations of the bereaved and wounded, whether wounded in body or in soul. Restore peace in our day, O Lord, that Thy truth may go forth unhindered; for Thou, O Lord, art the Prince of peace and art ever glorified with the Father and the all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. + Family
A PRAYER OF MARRIED PERSONS O merciful God, we beseech thee ever to remind us that the married state is holy, and that we must keep it so; grant us thy grace, that we may continue in faithfulness and love; increase in us the spirit of mutual understanding and trust, that no quarrel or strife may come between us; grant us thy blessings, that we may stand before our fellows and in thy sight as an ideal family; and finally, by thy mercy, account us worthy of everlasting life: for thou art our sanctification, and to thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. A PRAYER OF SINGLE PERSONS O Blessed Lord, who hast set up for us an example of ideal purity, strengthen me, I beseech thee, when temptation besets me, and when strong passions seek to overwhelm me, that I may remain constant in virtue and innocent in thought, word, and deed, doing such things only as are well-pleasing unto thee; grant me growth in wisdom and understanding, that I may serve thee in holiness all the days of my life: through the intercessions of thine all-immaculate Mother and of all thy Saints, especially my patron Saint N. Amen. A PRAYER OF A CHILD Our Father who art in heaven, bless my father and mother, my guardians, and those who are in authority over me, for their love and tender care for me, and the benefits I receive at their hands. Help me, I pray thee, to be respectful and obedient to them in all things according to Thy will; and give me Thy grace to perform all my duties carefully and faithfully, to avoid undesirable company and influence, and resist all temptation that may come my way; that I may live a sober, righteous and godly life, ever praising thee, and glorifying thy Holy Name. Amen. A PRAYER OF PARENTS FOR THEIR CHILDREN
AND FOR RELATIVES AND FRIENDSO God, our heavenly Father, who lovest mankind, and art most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon thy servants (Name those whom you wish to remember) for whom I humbly pray thee, and commend to thy gracious care and protection. Be thou, O God, their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of thy truth, and draw them nearer to thee, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in thy love and fear; doing thy will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, diligent, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption of this life; and direct them in the way of salvation, through the merits of thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. and the intercessions of his Holy Mother and thy blessed saints. Amen. A PRAYERFUL SIGHING OF PARENTS FOR THEIR CHILDRENLORD Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother, hearken unto me, Thine unworthy servant (N). O Lord, govern in mercy my children, Thy servants (NN). Have mercy on them and save them, for Thy name's sake. O Lord, forgive them all their transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, that they may be perfected before Thee. O Lord, set them on the true path of Thy commandments and enlighten their minds with the Light of Christ unto salvation of their souls and the healing of their bodies. Bless them, O Lord, at home, at school, in their journeys and in every place of Thy dominion. Preserve and shelter them, O Lord, from flying bullets, arrows, the sword, poison and fire, from mortal wounds and sudden death. Guard them, O Lord, from all visible and invisible enemies, and from all danger, evil and misfortune. Heal them, O Lord, from all sickness, deliver them from every impurity, and lighten their spiritual sufferings. Grant them, O Lord, the grace of Thy Holy Spirit and a long life; grant them health and chastity in all piety and love, and to live in accord with all their neighbors, near and far. Multiply and strengthen them, O Lord, in mental ability and bodily strength, given to them by Thee. Bless them to lead a pious life and, if it is pleasing to Thee, grant them married life and honorable childbearing. For Thy name's sake, O Lord, give me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant, a parental blessing for my children and Thy servants, both in this present time, morning, noon and night, and also in Thine eternal, almighty and all-powerful Kingdom. Amen.
O God, Maker of all creation, Thou hast made me worthy to be the mother of a family, and through Thy goodness hast bestowed children upon me; and so I dare to say: these children are Thine, for Thou hast given them being, hast infused them with an immortal soul, and hast raised them to life through baptism. And in accordance with Thy will Thou hast adopted them and received them into the bosom of Thy Church. Send down to me Thy gracious help in raising my children, for the glory of Thy name. Bestow on me patience and strength to do Thy will. Teach me to plant in their hearts the root of true wisdom--the fear of the Lord--that all their lives they may tremble at Thy words. Open to them the understanding of Thy law. Until the end of their days let them act with the sense that Thou art everywhere present. Plant in their hearts loathing for every transgression, that they may be pure in their designs. O Righteous Judge, who punishes children for the sins of their parents, punish not my children for my sins, but sprinkle them with the dew of Thy grace. O Heavenly Father, order the fate of my children according to Thy blessing, do not deprive them in this life of their daily bread, send down to them in due time all that is necessary for the acquisition of blessings in eternity. Be merciful to them, when they sin before Thee; look not upon the sins of their youth and ignorance; chastise them and have mercy on them, but turn not Thy face away from them. Turn not Thy face from them in the day of their tribulation, that they may not fall into temptations beyond their strength. Cover them with Thy mercy, that Thine Angel may walk with them and preserve them. Abandon not my children, O Lord, and give them that which is profitable for salvation. Amen. PRAYER TO THE MOTHER OF GOD, NURTURER OF CHILDRENO Most Holy Lady Virgin Theotokos, do Thou save and preserve under Thy protection my children (NN), all youths and infants, baptized and unnamed, and those in their mother's wombs. Cover them with Thy maternal garment, preserve them in the fear of God and in obedience to their parents. Entreat my Lord and Thy Son that He may give them that which is profitable for their salvation. I entrust them to Thy maternal care, for Thou art a Divine protection for Thy servants. PRAYER TO THE CHILD'S GUARDIAN ANGEL O Holy Angel, Guardian of my children (NN), keep under Thy protection my children (NN) from demonic arrows, and from the eyes of the seducer, and preserve their hearts in angelic purity. Amen, amen, amen. PRAYER FOR CHILDREN WHO HAVE DIFFICULTY LEARNINGO Lord Jesus Christ our God, who didst dwell in the hearts of the Twelve Apostles, and Who, by the power of the grace of Thine All Holy Spirit, didst descend in the form of fiery tongues and didst open their lips so that they began to speak in other tongues. This same Lord Jesus Christ our God: Do Thou send down Thy Holy Spirit on Thy child (NN), and plant in his heart the Holy Scriptures which Thou, by Thy most pure hand,didst inscribe on tablets and give to the Lawgiver Moses, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. PRAYER FOR UNBORN INFANTSRemember, a Lord, Lover of Mankind the souls of Thy departed servants, infants who died accidentally in the wombs of Orthodox mothers from an unknown cause, either from a difficult birth, or from some carelessness and who therefore did not receive the Mystery of Holy Baptism. Baptize them, O Lord, in the sea of Thy compassions, and save them by Thine inexpressible grace. Amen.
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