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Evening prayer. How to read morning and evening prayers correctly? Miracles after reading the prayer for the evening

Since early times, Orthodox believers have gathered in the morning and evening hours to thank God and speak a word to him about the salvation of the world. By the fourth century, if not earlier, morning and evening had become obligatory hours for prayer and offering the praises of God. Although they have remained that way since then, over time there have been two great changes in the form of the prayer offered.

First, regular daily morning and evening petitions became increasingly the practice of members of the clergy and religious orders, while the rest of God's people mostly participated in prayers on Sundays or holy days. Secondly, as a result of this, prayers came to be seen more as words to be said and performed, rather than as something to be celebrated.

Evening prayer rule before bed

The evening rule of prayer for the coming sleep is chanting words of gratitude to God, and asking for protection from dubious thoughts and fears that appear in a person before bed.

Orthodox Christians have long been able to be convinced that evening prayer brings a person peace and the opportunity to look at the current life situation differently, so to speak, from the outside, and, in the end, to see ways to solve it. It is God who helps in realizing this through sacred rites.

It is in the evening, when a person has finished with the day's activities, that he can pay more attention to prayer. Sometimes people themselves do not notice how they resort to petition in order to turn to God for help:

  • in fear;
  • in confusion;
  • in grief and so on.

Some changes to the evening rule serve to help Christians of our time take part in the action. Prayer words can be performed in a very simple form or enriched with optional chants.

If possible, the rule should include some singing, especially the Gospel Song, which is the culmination of morning or evening praise for the work of God in Christ. If desired, some of the paraphrases may be replaced by any of the biblical hymns, and other songs may be added in appropriate places.

Evening the prayer rule must be valid. This applies to patients and women with small children. Prayer cannot be perceived as a duty; it must be voluntary. When fulfilling, you must experience God's grace. It is better to contact a clergyman for a blessing for the reading, and to discuss the main aspects of the action. The main path to sacred rites: reasoning and advice.

The character of liturgical prayer can be enhanced in a variety of ways, including the use of certain changes in posture, the provision of visual direction for worship, the use of a lit candle, and the appointment different parts services, for example:

  • reading the scriptures;
  • singing verses of psalms and hymns;
  • performance of various prayers.

The Evening Doxology may not only be read by you, but you may also listen to someone else read it. Now there is a large selection of prayers for the coming sleep. You can download them for free and listen to them anytime, anywhere. But you can also download the text of the evening rules on the Internet, it will not be much different, since they are basically similar to each other.

There are many possible combinations. It is important to make responsible decisions to use Scripture to meditate on God's Word and to offer praise to God and pray for God's peace throughout the day and week. In addition, today there is a large selection of prayers for the coming sleep. The prayer book contains the main necessary appeals to God.

Structure of Evening Hymn

1. Preparation.

  • Appeal to God.
  • Thanksgiving Prayer.
  • Open song.
  • An opening plea, if desired.

2. Repentance.

  • Blessing of the light.
  • A form of repentance.

3. Word of God

  • Psalm.
  • Song.
  • Reading from the scriptures.
  • Gospel Song.

4. Prayers

  • Thanksgivings and requests.
  • Prayer to the Guardian Angel.
  • Lord's Prayer.

5. Conclusion

  • and Grace.
  • Final answer.

When and how to start praying for the coming sleep

Orthodox prayers for the coming dream are used by an individual, a small group or a religious community. The first decision made should be about regular worship. Of course, this will largely depend on the time available. If you read a prayer every evening, then your future sleep will be peaceful.

It happens that young children often have terrible dreams. To avoid this, you need to use the evening ritual. At first, the child can repeat after the parent. But it is imperative to explain the true meaning of this action. If this does not bring a positive result, then you can go to the temple and light a candle for the health of the child. In addition, mothers often read appeals to the icons of the Kazan Mother of God and the Guardian Angel. It will protect your child's sleep. When reading an appeal to God, try not to shorten it, especially in the morning and evening. If for some serious reason you do not have the opportunity to read the petition in full, then let it be a short, but, most importantly, daily action.

What prayers to read or listen to

The prayer book offers a ready-made set of prayers for any need. But still, they may differ depending on the Old Testament and the New Testament. If you find it difficult to choose a text, then you need to contact the priest. The priest will help you with your choice and bless you for reading.

Attention to place is important for those praying with someone and for those praying on their own. The place should be quiet and calm, without extraneous noise. Light a candle, this will help you tune in to prayer. It is very important that nothing distracts you. You can also download the text of the prayer and play it before bed.

The issue of singing, silence, and choice of text must be decided in advance. This will be a guarantee for favorable prayer. Holy Scripture says that prayer is the duty of every Orthodox person before God. However, this should not be perceived as coercion. Every self-respecting Christian should always pray: when he is awake, getting ready for bed, starting a new business. In addition, you need to teach this to your child.

When praying in the evening, look back, admit your mistakes and ask for forgiveness for all sins and wrong deeds. God will definitely listen and guide you on the right path. Only God has the power to free us from fear and give us hope for well-being. In your evening petition you will turn not only to God, but also to your Guardian Angel. And you will definitely be heard. An angel will protect your dreams. Don't forget to thank him for the past day.

Before you begin reading your evening prayer, talk to God in ordinary language. Thank him for everything in your life and turn to him for help. If you are worried about something you have done or have bad thoughts, tell God about it before you fall asleep, and you will notice how much better and easier you feel.

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


Beginning prayer

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

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee!

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, Who exists everywhere and fills the whole world, Source of blessings and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, our souls.

Trisagion

(Bow)

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

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

Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity

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

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

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

Lord's Prayer

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Tropari

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us! Finding no justification for ourselves, we, sinners, offer this prayer to You as to the Master: “Have mercy on us!”

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. God! Have mercy on us, we trust in You. Do not be very angry with us and do not remember our iniquities: but turn Your gaze on us even now, since You are merciful. And deliver us from our enemies: after all, You are our God and we are Your people, we are all the creations of Your hands and we call on Your name.

And now and always and forever and ever. Amen. Open to us, blessed Mother of God, the doors to mercy God's So that we, who trust in You, do not perish, but through You we get rid of troubles: after all, You are the salvation of the Christian race.

Lord have mercy. (12 times)

Prayer 1, St. Macarius the Great to God the Father

Eternal God and King of all creation, who has made me worthy to live until this hour, forgive me the sins that I committed on this day in deed, word and thought; and cleanse, Lord, my humble soul from all carnal and spiritual impurity. And grant me, Lord, to spend this night in peace, so that, rising from sleep, all the days of my life I will do what is pleasing to Your most holy name and defeat the enemies who attack me - carnal and incorporeal. And deliver me, Lord, from the vain thoughts and vicious desires that defile me. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and always, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer 2, Saint Antiochus to Our Lord Jesus Christ

Almighty, Word of the Father, Jesus Christ! Being yourself perfect, according to Your great mercy, never leave me, Your servant, but always remain in me. Jesus, good Shepherd of Your sheep, do not betray me action serpent and do not leave me to the will of Satan, for there is in me the seed of destruction. You, Lord God, whom everyone worships, the Holy King, Jesus Christ, protect me during sleep with unfading Light, Your Holy Spirit, with which You sanctified Your disciples. Grant, O Lord, to me, Thy unworthy servant, Thy salvation on my bed: enlighten my mind with the light of understanding of Thy Holy Gospel, my soul with love for Thy Cross, my heart with the purity of Thy word, my body with Thy suffering, alien to passion, my thought Maintain your humility. And raise me up at the proper time to glorify You. For You are supremely glorified, together with Your beginningless Father and the Most Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Prayer 3, Rev. Ephraim the Syrian to the Holy Spirit

Lord, Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, have mercy and have mercy on me, Your sinful servant, and release me, unworthy, and forgive everything. sins by which I have sinned before You today as a man and, moreover, not as a man, but even worse than cattle. sorry my voluntary and involuntary sins, known and unknown: done due to immaturity and evil skill, hot temper and carelessness. If I have sworn by Your name, or blasphemed Him in my thoughts; or whom he reproached; or slandered someone in my anger, or saddened someone, or about what I was angry; either he lied, or slept untimely, or a beggar came to me, and I rejected him; or saddened my brother, or stirred up quarrels, or condemned someone; or became arrogant, or became proud, or became angry; or When stood in prayer, with his mind strove for evil worldly thoughts, or had insidious thoughts; either he overate himself, or got drunk, or laughed madly; or thought evil; or, seeing the imaginary beauty, bowed his heart to what is outside of You; or said something obscene; or laughed above the sin of my brother, while my sins are without number; or did not care about prayer, or did something else evil that I did not remember: I did all this and even more than that. Have mercy on me, my Creator and Master, Thy careless and unworthy servant, and leave me and let me go my sins, and forgive me, because You Good and Humane. So that I may lie down in peace, sleep and calm down, prodigal, sinful and unhappy, and so that I may bow and sing and glorify Your venerable name, with the Father and His Only Begotten Son, now, and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer 4

Lord our God, everything in which I have sinned this day in word, deed and thought, You, as the Merciful and Humane One, forgive me. Give me a peaceful and restful sleep. Send me Your Guardian Angel, who would cover and protect me from all evil. For You are the guardian of our souls and bodies, and we send up glory to You, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now, and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer 5, St. John Chrysostom (24 prayers, according to the number of hours of the day and night)

1. Lord, do not deprive me of Your heavenly blessings. 2. Lord, deliver me from eternal torment. 3. Lord, whether I have sinned in mind or thought, in word or deed, forgive me. 4. Lord, deliver me from all ignorance, oblivion, cowardice, and petrified insensibility. 5. Lord, deliver me from every temptation. 6. Lord, enlighten my heart, which is darkened by evil desires. 7. Lord, as a man I have sinned, but You, as a generous God, have mercy on me, seeing the weakness of my soul. 8. Lord, send Your grace to help me, that I may glorify Your holy name. 9. Lord Jesus Christ, write me, Your servant, in the Book of Life and grant me a good end. 10. Lord, my God, although I have not done anything good before You, grant me, by Your grace, to begin good deeds. 11. Lord, sprinkle the dew of Your grace on my heart. 12. Lord of Heaven and earth, remember me, Thy sinful servant, foul and unclean, in Thy Kingdom. Amen.

1. Lord, accept me in repentance. 2. Lord, don't leave me. 3. Lord, protect me from every misfortune. 4. Lord, give me a good thought. 5. Lord, give me tears, and the memory of death, and heartfelt contrition about sins. 6. Lord, give me the thought to confess my sins. 7. Lord, give me humility, chastity and obedience. 8. Lord, give me patience, generosity and meekness. 9. Lord, plant in me the root of goodness - the fear of You in my heart. 10. Lord, deign me to love You with all my soul and thoughts and to fulfill Your will in everything. 11. Lord, protect me from evil people, and demons, and passions, and from any inappropriate deed. 12. Lord, You know what you are doing and what You desire - Your will be done even on me, a sinner, for You are blessed forever. Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Merciful King, merciful Mother, most pure and blessed Mother of God Mary! Pour the mercy of Your Son and our God onto my passionate soul, and guide me with Your prayers to good deeds, so that I can live the rest of my life without sin and with Your help, O Virgin Mary, the only pure and blessed One, enter into heaven.

Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel

Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and patron of my soul and body! Forgive me everything that I have sinned today, and deliver me from every insidious plan of the enemy coming against me, so that I do not anger my God with any sin. But pray for me, a sinful and unworthy servant, to present me worthy of the goodness and mercy of the Most Holy Trinity and the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints. Amen.

Kontakion to the Mother of God

Having been delivered from troubles, we, Your unworthy servants, Mother of God, sing a victorious and grateful song to You, the Supreme Military Leader. You, as having invincible power, free us from all troubles, so that we cry to You: Rejoice, Bride, not involved in marriage!

Glorious Eternal Virgin, Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Thy Son and our God, may He save by prayers Our souls are yours.

I place all my hope in You, Mother of God, keep me under Your protection.

Enlighten my eyes, O Christ God, so that I do not fall asleep in the sleep of death, so that my enemy does not say: I have defeated him.

Be the Protector of my soul, O God, for I walk among many snares. Deliver me from them and save me, O God, for You are a Lover of Mankind.

Prayer of Saint Ioannikios

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

End of prayers

It is truly worthy to glorify You as the Mother of God, always Blessed and Immaculate, and the Mother of our God. We magnify You as the true Mother of God, who gave birth without illness to God the Word, worthy of greater honor than the Cherubim, and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim.

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

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

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

In this article, the editors of the portal Orthodoxy and the World; I have collected Orthodox evening prayers for you. You can familiarize yourself with the texts and reading order.

Evening prayers

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

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

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

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

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

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

Glory to the Father and the Son and 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, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

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

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

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

Lord have mercy. (12 times)

Prayer 1, St. Macarius the Great, to God the Father

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

Prayer 2, Saint Antiochus, to our Lord Jesus Christ

To the Almighty, the Word of the Father, who is perfect himself, Jesus Christ, for the sake of Thy mercy, never leave me, Thy servant, but always rest in me. Jesus, good Shepherd of Your sheep, do not betray me to the sedition of the serpent, and do not leave me to the desires of Satan, for the seed of aphids is in me. Thou, O Lord God worshiped, the Holy King, Jesus Christ, preserve me as I sleep with an unflickering light, Thy Holy Spirit, with whom Thou didst sanctify Thy disciples. Grant, O Lord, to me, Thy unworthy servant, Thy salvation on my bed: enlighten my mind with the light of reason of Thy Holy Gospel, my soul with the love of Thy Cross, my heart with the purity of Thy word, my body with Thy passionless passion, preserve my thought with Thy humility, and uplift I am in time like Your praise. For Thou art glorified with Thy Beginningless Father and with the Most Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

Prayer 3, to the Holy Spirit

Lord, Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of Truth, have mercy and have mercy on me, Thy sinful servant, and forgive me the unworthy, and forgive me all that I have sinned today like a man, and moreover, not like a man, but also worse than cattle, my free sins and involuntary, driven and unknown: those who are evil from youth and science, and those who are evil from impudence and despondency. If I swear by Your name, or blaspheme in my thoughts; or whom I will reproach; or slandered someone with my anger, or saddened someone, or became angry about something; either he lied, or he slept in vain, or he came to me as a beggar and despised him; or made my brother sad, or married, or whom I condemned; or became proud, or became proud, or became angry; or standing in prayer, my mind is moved by the wickedness of this world, or I think about corruption; either overeated, or drunk, or laughing madly; either I thought evil, or saw someone else’s kindness, and my heart was wounded by it; or dissimilar verbs, or laughed at my brother’s sin, but mine are countless sins; Either I didn’t pray for the sake of it, or I didn’t remember what other evil things I did, because I did more and more of these things. Have mercy on me, my Creator Master, Thy sad and unworthy servant, and leave me, and let me go, and forgive me, for I am Good and Lover of Mankind, so that I may lie down in peace, sleep and rest, the prodigal, sinful and damned one, and I will bow and sing , and I will glorify Your most honorable name, with the Father and His Only Begotten Son, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Prayer 4, Saint Macarius the Great

What will I bring to You, or what will I reward to You, O most gifted Immortal King, generous and philanthropic Lord, since you were lazy in pleasing me, and did nothing good, you brought the conversion and salvation of my soul to the end of this day? Be merciful to me, a sinner and naked of every good deed, raise up my fallen soul, defiled in immeasurable sins, and take away from me all the evil thoughts of this visible life. Forgive my sins, O One Sinless One, even those who have sinned this day, in knowledge and ignorance, in word, and deed, and thought, and with all my feelings. You Yourself, covering me, save me from every opposing situation with Your Divine power, and ineffable love for mankind, and strength. Cleanse, O God, cleanse the multitude of my sins. Deign, O Lord, to deliver me from the snare of the evil one, and save my passionate soul, and overshadow me with the light of Your face, when You come in glory, and make me sleep without condemnation now, and keep the thoughts of Your servant without dreaming, and untroubled, and all the work of Satan take me away from me, and enlighten the intelligent eyes of my heart, so that I may not sleep into death. And send me an Angel of peace, guardian and mentor of my soul and body, that he may deliver me from my enemies; Yes, rising from my bed, I will bring you prayers of gratitude. Yes, Lord, hear me, your sinful and wretched servant, with your will and conscience; Grant that I have risen to learn from Thy words, and the despondency of demons is driven away from me, to be made by Thy Angels; may I bless Your holy name, and glorify, and glorify the Most Pure Mother of God Mary, Who hast given us sinners intercession, and accept this one praying for us; We see that He imitates Your love for mankind, and never ceases to pray. By that intercession, and the sign of the Honest Cross, and for the sake of all Thy saints, keep my poor soul, Jesus Christ our God, for Thou art holy and glorified forever. Amen.

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

Lord our God, in the worthlessness of faith, and we call upon His name above every name, grant us, who are going to sleep, a weakening of soul and body, and keep us from all dreams and dark pleasures except; restrain the desire of passions, extinguish the kindling of bodily rebellion. Grant us to live chastely in deeds and words; Yes, a virtuous life is receptive, Your promised good things will not fall away, for Blessed are You forever. Amen.

Prayer 7, St. John Chrysostom

(24 prayers, according to the number of hours of the day and night)

Lord, do not deprive me of Your heavenly blessings.

Lord, save me from eternal torment.

Lord, whether I have sinned in mind or in thought, in word or in deed, forgive me.

Lord, deliver me from all ignorance and oblivion, and cowardice, and petrified insensibility.

Lord, deliver me from every temptation.

Lord, enlighten my heart, darken my evil lust.

Lord, as a man who has sinned, You, as a generous God, have mercy on me, seeing the weakness of my soul.

Lord, send Your grace to help me, that I may glorify Your holy name.

Lord Jesus Christ, write me Your servant in the book of animals and grant me a good end.

Lord, my God, even if I have done nothing good before You, grant me, by Your grace, to make a good beginning.

Lord, sprinkle the dew of Your grace in my heart.

Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, Thy sinful servant, cold and unclean, in Thy Kingdom. Amen.

Lord, accept me in repentance.

Lord, don't leave me.

Lord, do not lead me into misfortune.

Lord, give me a good thought.

Lord, give me tears and mortal memory, and tenderness.

Lord, give me the thought of confessing my sins.

Lord, give me humility, chastity and obedience.

Lord, give me patience, generosity and meekness.

Lord, plant in me the root of good things, Thy fear in my heart.

Lord, grant me to love You with all my soul and thoughts and to do Your will in everything.

Lord, protect me from certain people, and demons, and passions, and from all other inappropriate things.

Lord, consider that you do as you will, that your will be done in me, a sinner, for blessed are you forever. Amen.

Prayer 8, to our Lord Jesus Christ

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of Your most honorable Mother, and Your disembodied Angels, Your Prophet and Forerunner and Baptist, the God-speaking Apostles, the bright and victorious martyrs, the reverend and God-bearing fathers, and all the saints through the prayers, deliver me from my present demonic situation. To her, my Lord and Creator, do not want the death of a sinner, but as if he were converted and live, grant me conversion, the accursed and unworthy; take me away from the mouth of the destructive serpent, who yawns to devour me and bring me to hell alive. To her, my Lord, is my consolation, Who for the sake of the accursed one has clothed himself in corruptible flesh, pluck me from accursedness, and grant consolation to my more accursed soul. Plant in my heart to do Thy commandments, and forsake evil deeds, and receive Thy blessedness: for in Thee, O Lord, have I trusted, save me.

Prayer 9, to the Most Holy Theotokos, Peter of Studium

To Thee, O Most Pure Mother of God, I fall down and pray: Consider, O Queen, how I continually sin and anger Thy Son and my God, and many times when I repent, I find myself lying before God, and I repent in trembling: will the Lord strike me down, and hour by hour I do the same again? ; I pray to this leader, my Lady, Lady Theotokos, to have mercy, strengthen me, and grant me good works. Believe me, my Lady Theotokos, for the Imam is by no means in hatred of my evil deeds, and with all my thoughts I love the law of my God; But we do not know, Most Pure Lady, from where I hate, I love, but I transgress what is good. Do not allow, O Most Pure One, my will to be fulfilled, for it is not pleasing, but may the will of Thy Son and my God be done: may He save me, and enlighten me, and give me the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that I may cease from here from filthiness, and so on may I live as commanded Your Son, to Him belongs all glory, honor and power, with His Originless Father, and His Most Holy and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer 10, to the Most Holy Theotokos e

Good Mother of the King, Most Pure and Blessed Mother of God Mary, pour out the mercy of Thy Son and our God on my passionate soul and with Thy prayers instruct me in good deeds, so that I may pass through the rest of my life without blemish and through Thee I will find paradise, O Virgin Mother of God, the only Pure One and Blessed One.

Prayer 11, to the Holy Guardian Angel

Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all who have sinned this day, and deliver me from every wickedness of the enemy who opposes me, so that in no sin I will anger my God; but pray for me, a sinful and unworthy servant, that you may show me worthy of the goodness and mercy of the All-Holy Trinity and the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints. Amen.

To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as having been delivered from the evil ones, let us write thanks to Thy servants, the Mother of God, but as having an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call Ti; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

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

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

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

Prayer of Saint Ioannikios

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

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

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

Lord have mercy. (Thrice)

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

Prayer of Saint John of Damascus

Master, Lover of Mankind, will this coffin really be my bed, or will you still enlighten my damned soul during the day? For seven the grave lies ahead, for seven the death awaits. I fear Your judgment, O Lord, and endless torment, but I do not stop doing evil: I always anger You, the Lord my God, and Your Most Pure Mother, and all the Heavenly powers, and my holy Guardian Angel. We know, Lord, that I am unworthy of Your love for mankind, but I am worthy of all condemnation and torment. But, Lord, whether I want it or not, save me. Even if you save a righteous man, nothing great; and even if you have mercy on a pure person, nothing is marvelous: you are worthy of the essence of Your mercy. But surprise me, a sinner, with Thy mercy: for this show Thy love for mankind, so that my malice may not overcome Thy unspeakable goodness and mercy: and as you wish, arrange a thing for me.

Enlighten my eyes, O Christ God, so that not when I fall asleep into death, and not when my enemy says: “Let us be strong against him.”

Glory: Be the protector of my soul, O God, as I walk in the midst of many snares; deliver me from them and save me, O Blessed One, as a Lover of Mankind.

And now: Let us incessantly sing with our hearts and lips the Glorious Mother of God and the Most Holy Angel of Saints, confessing this Mother of God as having truly given birth to God incarnate, and praying unceasingly for our souls.

Mark yourself with a cross and say a prayer to the Honest Cross:

May God rise again, and may His enemies be scattered, and may those who hate Him flee from His presence. As smoke disappears, let them disappear; as wax melts in the presence of fire, so let demons perish from the face of those who love God and signify themselves with the sign of the cross, and who say in joy: Rejoice, Most Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, drive away the demons by force on you of our Lord Jesus Christ, who descended into hell and trampled upon the power the devil, and who gave us His Honest Cross to drive away every adversary. O Most Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord! Help me with the Holy Virgin Mary and with all the saints forever. Amen.

Protect me, Lord, by the power of Your Honest and Life-giving Cross, and save me from all evil.

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

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

Everyday confession of sins

I confess to You, Lord my God and Creator, in Holy Trinity To the One, glorified and worshiped, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, all my sins, which I have committed all the days of my life, and for every hour, and at the present time, and in days and nights that have passed, by deed, word, thought, food, drunkenness, secret eating, idle talk, despondency, laziness, bickering, disobedience, slander, condemnation, negligence, pride, avarice, theft, lack of speech, foulness, money-grubbing, jealousy, envy, anger, memory malice, hatred, covetousness and all my feelings: sight, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching and my other sins, both mental and physical, in the image of my God and Creator, who have angered You, and my untruthful neighbor: regretting these, I present my guilt to You to my God, and I have the will to repent: exactly, Lord God my, help me, with tears I humbly pray to Thee: forgive me my sins by Thy mercy, and forgive me from all these things that I have said before You, as You are Good and Lover of Mankind.

Every believer must be in contact with God every second of his existence. This should be his goal and daily work, expressed in prayer. Many holy elders said that every appeal to the Creator should be accompanied by three prayers. The first is read as given by the Almighty, the second as gratitude to the Mother of God, and the third - for support in faith and Christian morals.

In order to make the path to God easier for believers, some holy people created special prayer rules that indicated when and where it was appropriate to read a particular prayer. Also, thanks to this list, one could find out how many times a day it is necessary to contact the Creator. Particular attention was paid to the days of church holidays and sacraments, requiring special spiritual preparation from the laity. The most famous is the prayer rule of Seraphim of Sarov for the laity, which we will tell you about today. In addition to this, we will touch on some additional nuances appeals to God.

Prayerful work of the soul

Christianity takes daily prayer very seriously. The clergy instruct the flock, explaining to them that it is necessary to move towards God in small steps, but without stopping for a minute. Immediately after baptism, you should not rush headlong into reading religious books and actively attend all services in the church. This way you will not gain spiritual purity, but will only become confused in your feelings and sensations.

It is worth starting your movement towards God by studying the prayer rule, which will help you correctly put into words your spiritual impulse. Moreover, every church minister will say that you need to accustom yourself to prayer. Despite the daily rhythm of life, mood and fatigue, you need to force yourself to turn to God with gratitude and a request for protection. At first it will be quite difficult to do this, but gradually prayer will begin to bring joy and spiritual enlightenment.

At this stage, the believer can already say all the prayers from the prayer rule. And this work gives him an incredible feeling of unity with the Creator, who pushes him to further self-improvement. And over time, prayer begins to evoke such happiness that a special state of peace and tranquility descends on a person. Filled with such sensations, a believer can leave everyday activities in order to immediately turn to God.

It is precisely such religious feelings that push people to go to a monastery, because within its walls prayer takes on a completely different meaning - transformed into a single impulse of several souls, it becomes a real purification. Many holy elders say that it is for prayer that people go to the monastery. It becomes their reward, because with other ideas about God, few people will be able to endure the difficult everyday life of a monastery.

More than once in the article we have used such a phrase as “prayer rule.” Let's look at this church term in more detail.

Prayer rule for the laity: a brief description

Since it is quite difficult for lay people who have just come to faith to accustom themselves to daily prayer, special collections have been compiled that help to correctly calculate their strengths and turn to the Creator with a certain spiritual message.

Prayer rules were not invented overnight. Sometimes they were created by holy elders at the request of the laity, while others appeared in connection with various church rituals. Be that as it may, every Orthodox believer must adhere to certain regulations that allow him to cleanse himself as much as possible from everything worldly and vain in order to open his heart to his Creator.

Prayer rule of Seraphim of Sarov for the laity

It is worth noting that the holy elder considered communication with the Creator to be the first necessity for a Christian. It should be more important to him than food, water and air. No believer can imagine his life without prayer.

The elder himself spent most of his time in this activity and bequeathed such a pastime to his spiritual children. Sometimes he even demanded that his followers pray for many hours every day, and therefore he composed a rule for them to help them with their difficult spiritual work.

Morning

Seraphim of Sarov believed that the new day must be greeted with the sign of the cross and the fulfillment of the morning prayer rule. The elder argued that to pray, a Christian should stand near icons or in another place where nothing would distract him from communication with God.

The morning prayer rule includes three texts. Reading must be done in the following order:

  • "Our Father";
  • "Virgin Mother of God, rejoice";
  • Symbol of faith.

Keep in mind that the first two texts must be read three times, but for the last prayer once is enough. After following the rules, a person can begin his daily activities and responsibilities.

Day

Seraphim of Sarov advised not to forget about the prayer rule during usual activities. In Russian, you can quietly read the Jesus Prayer. This allows you not to be distracted in your thoughts from communication with the Creator and makes it possible to correlate your thoughts with Christian virtues every second.

You should not start your lunch meal without repeating the morning ritual; only after it can you start eating.

Afternoon

According to the precepts of Seraphim of Sarov, an Orthodox believer cannot be distracted from prayer even after dinner. At this time it is better to read:

  • “Lord Jesus Christ, through the Mother of God have mercy on me a sinner”;
  • "Most Holy Mother of God, save me, a sinner."

The first of these texts is suitable for solitude, when you can completely surrender to turning to the Almighty. But the second one can be read while doing business until going to bed.

Prayers for evening time

Naturally, a Christian cannot calmly fall asleep without devoting time to his God. The evening prayer rule is identical to the morning one; all words must be said when you definitely will no longer be doing business. At the conclusion of the prayer, the believer makes the sign of the cross and can calmly go to bed.

It is interesting that it is customary for Christians to fall asleep only after turning to God, because in a dream a person can end his life’s journey, and there is nothing worse than appearing before the Creator unprepared. Therefore, believers end every day with prayer and repent of their sins. Only this characterizes the true relationship between the soul and the Almighty.

Communion: features of preparation

Communion is a special procedure that requires great labor and abstinence from the Orthodox. He must approach the sacrament prepared according to all the rules. They include a list of six points, which includes a prayer rule before Communion.

First of all, a Christian must keep himself physically and spiritually clean, and also observe fasting. Usually, preparation for the sacrament lasts several days; on the evening before Communion, it is necessary to take part in a church service, and read several prayers at night:

  • penitential canon;
  • prayer canon to the Mother of God;
  • canon to the Guardian Angel;
  • Follow-up to Holy Communion.

Do not forget that the listed texts are read several times in a row, and the Orthodox believer must be in an even mood and not harbor any grudges against anyone. Only in this state can one come to the sacrament.

Bright Week: the first days of Easter

Many Christians who have recently come to God are interested in the prayer rule for Bright Week. Lay people are often confused in the numerous rituals and ceremonies that accompany this or that church festival.

During this period, Christians must completely change the order of their previous prayers, because the prayer rule for Bright Week includes a fairly wide list of canons and chants. So, on the eve of the holiday (on the night of Easter), Orthodox Christians should read:

  • Easter hours;
  • "Christ is Risen";
  • “Seeing the Resurrection of Christ”;
  • Easter troparia;
  • "Lord have mercy";
  • "Christ is Risen" (again).

Keep in mind that the first song is sung for at least seven minutes. The Orthodox claim that during this time incredible grace descends on them. The second and third prayers are read three times, but the fifth must be said at least forty times.

From Easter to the Ascension of the Lord

The prayer rule for Easter means starting and ending the day with the troparion of Easter. It is necessary to read it three times, but more times will not be a violation - such is the impulse of your soul in honor of the bright holiday.

Also, the prayer rule for Easter includes the Trisagion. This prayer must be read at least three times.

From Ascension to Trinity

If you are not good at church holidays, then keep in mind that all days from the beginning of Easter to Trinity are considered holidays. Therefore, special prayers are read during this period. Of course, if you start and end your day with the usual appeal to the Almighty out of ignorance, then this will not be a serious deviation from the rules. However, it is best to observe a special prayer rule after Easter.

Each holiday that comes, the order in which the prayers are read changes. We have already covered the period from Easter to Ascension in the previous section. Now we need to talk about the prayer rule after Easter until Trinity.

During this period, which lasts ten days, the troparia to the Mother of God and the “Heavenly King, the Comforter” are not read. There is also a ban on bowing to the ground. Every day the clergy recommend starting with the Trisagion.

Optina elders

Many believers have heard about the prayer rule of the Optina elders. However, not every Christian understands who these holy people are and how effective their advice is in this or that life situation. Therefore, we decided to tell you a little about the Optina elders themselves.

So, Optina Pustyn is one of the most ancient monasteries in Russia. It is located near the Kaluga province, and the first mention of it dates back to the time of Boris Godunov.

Of course, the main value of the monastery were its monks, who quickly began to be called elders. All of them were not ordinary people, but had a number of characteristics that, during their lifetime, placed them on the same level as recognized Orthodox saints.

The following characteristics can be safely attributed to the peculiarities of the Optina elders:

  • The gift of healing or predicting the future. Almost every one of the elders had some kind of gift received from above. But most often these holy people predicted the future or healed seriously ill people. There are cases when they were even called sorcerers, but all their deeds were only with the blessing of God.
  • Faith. Each of the elders stood firmly in faith no matter what happened in his life. This condition was one of the main ones for acceptance into the monastery, because only a true believer can help other people.
  • Service. The entire life of the Optina elders was aimed at serving the Creator and the people. For them there was no concept of fatigue; everyone who needed help received it from the monks.
  • Repentance for the sins of others. The fact is that the Optina elders took a vow of repentance for all Orthodox Christians in this world. People often came to the monastery for confession, talking about all their sins. The elders spent long hours atone for people’s misdeeds and then let them go with a pure soul and heart.

It is worth noting that people went to Optina Pustyn regardless of their social status and financial situation. And for every misfortune, the elders found words of consolation; they advised many pilgrims on certain prayer rules that turned out to be very effective.

Prayers from the Optina elders

The monks of the Optina Hermitage spent most of their time in prayer. Therefore, they had accumulated a sufficient number of prayer rules, which they shared with pilgrims.

For example, in the morning twenty-seven texts were required to be read. Among them we can especially highlight:

  • Trisagion;
  • Symbol of faith;
  • prayer for the living;
  • prayer for the dead;
  • prayer to the Holy Trinity.

The Optina elders advised reading prayers once and in any order. The main attribute of turning to God is true faith and thirst for communication with the Almighty. Only in this case will prayer be effective and bring purification.

The monks of the Optina Hermitage shared with pilgrims prayer rules for any occasion. For example, in case of temptation it was necessary to read a psalm to David. And if you cannot attend church services for one reason or another, then you should read the following texts at home during the day:

  • morning - twelve psalms, prayer to the Mother of God, daily akathist;
  • evening prayer rule - the canon to the Guardian Angel, twelve psalms, chapters from the Gospel, the prayer “Loosen, leave”;
  • for the coming sleep - the prayer “Everyday Confession”.

It is interesting that the Optina elders allowed some deviations from these regulations. They believed that, for certain reasons, the laity could become completely immersed in everyday affairs. This may be due to some serious problems or illness. However, after all problems are resolved, a Christian must return to his previous religious behavior and again devote time to communication with the Creator.

Conclusion

We hope that our article will be useful to you and you will be able to choose for yourself some kind of prayer rule that will gradually bring you closer to God. Of course, the prayers we have listed are not the only ones, and if desired, every Christian can find other religious texts, the reading of which will give him a feeling of grace and spiritual joy. Remember that it is this feeling that accompanies your daily appeal to the Almighty that indicates that you are doing the right thing and your prayer is heard. Many Christians consider it work, but in fact there is no greater joy than working with the name of God on your lips and for His glory. Don’t forget about daily prayer in the bustle of everyday life, and perhaps then the Lord will change your life.

Before going to bed, you should read the evening prayers for the coming sleep - in front of the icons, thank God for the day that has passed, for all the deeds that were accomplished, for the joys that were known that day, for those misfortunes that help cleanse the soul and strengthen faith.


Before going to bed, prayers should be read while kneeling and bowing.

“In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our Reverend and God-bearing Fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. To the King of Heaven: “Holy God.”

In addition to these prayers, at the end of the day before going to bed, you can read troparia and prayers.

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

Prayer for the coming sleep

Lord, have mercy on us, for we trust in You: do not be angry with us, but remember our iniquities; but look now, as if it were a good womb, and deliver us from our enemies: for Thou art our God, and we are Thy people, all works are Thy hand, and we call on Thy name.

Open the doors of mercy for us, blessed Mother of God, who hope in You, may we not perish, but may we be delivered from troubles by You; For you are the salvation of the Christian race.
Lord have mercy. (Repeat 12 times).

Saint Theophan the Recluse: “Whatever passion excites you, start reading the Word of God, and the passion will become quieter and quieter, and will finally calm down completely.”

First prayer of Saint Macarius the Great

“Eternal God, and the King of every creature, who has made me worthy even at this hour, forgive me the sins that I have committed this day in deed, word and thought, and cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and give me , Lord, in the night this dream may pass away in peace, so that I may rise from my humble bed, pleasing Your Most Holy Name, all the days of my life and trample the enemies who fight me, carnal and incorporeal. And deliver me, Lord, from vain thoughts that defile me, and from evil lusts. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen".

Second prayer, Saint Antiochus

“To the Almighty, the Word of the Father, the perfect One Jesus Christ, for the sake of Thy mercy, never leave me, Thy servant, but always rest in me, Jesus, good Shepherd of Thy sheep, do not betray me to the sedition of the serpent, and do not leave me to the desire of Satan, like the seed of aphids is in me. Thou, Lord God, worshiped, Holy King Jesus Christ, preserve me as I sleep with unflickering light, by Thy Holy Spirit, and Thou hast sanctified the name of Thy disciples. Lord, grant also to me, Thy unworthy servant, Thy salvation on my bed: enlighten my mind with the light of the mind of Thy holy Gospel, my body with Thy passionless passion, preserve my thought with Thy humility and raise me up in time like Thy praise. For Thou art glorified with Thy Beginningless Father, and with the Most Holy Spirit, forever. Amen".

Prayer three

“Lord our God, who have sinned in these days in word, deed and thought, as he is good and a lover of mankind, forgive me; grant me peaceful sleep and serenity; They ate Thy guardian angel, covering and keeping me from all evil: for Thou art the guardian of our souls and bodies, and to Thee we send glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen".

Prayer Four, St. John Chrysostom

According to the number of hours of the day and night.

“Lord, do not deprive me of your heavenly blessings; Lord, deliver me from eternal torment; Lord, whether I have sinned in mind or in thought, in word or in deed, forgive me. Lord, deliver me from all ignorance, oblivion, cowardice, and petrified insensibility. Lord, deliver me from every temptation. Lord, enlighten my heart, darken my evil lust. Lord, I am like a man who has sinned. You, like God, are generous, have mercy on me, seeing the weakness of my soul. Lord, eat Your grace to help me, that I may glorify Your Holy name. Lord Jesus Christ, write the name of Your servant in the book of animals and grant me a good end. Lord my God, even though I have done nothing good before You, grant me, by Your grace, to make a good beginning. Lord, pour the dew of Your grace into my hearts. Lord, heaven and earth remember me, your sinful servant, cold and unclean in your kingdom. Amen.

Lord, in repentance accept the name. Lord, don't leave me. Lord, do not lead me into misfortune. Lord, give me a good thought. Lord, give me tears, and mortal memory, and tenderness. Lord, give me humility, chastity and obedience. Lord, give me patience, generosity and meekness. Lord, plant in me the root of good things, your fear in my heart. Lord, grant me to love You with all my soul and to do Your will in everything. Lord, protect me from certain people and demons, and passions, and from all other inappropriate things. Lord, weigh as you do, as you will, that your will be done in me, a sinner, for blessed are you forever. Amen".

Macarius the Great

Among the evening prayers and prayers for bedtime, you can read a prayer addressed to the Most Holy Theotokos. It should be read on bended knee, out loud or silently, making bows.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

“O good Mother of the King, most pure and blessed Mother of God Mary, pour out the mercy of Thy Son and our God on my passionate soul and with Thy prayers instruct me in good deeds, so that I may pass through the rest of my life without blemish and through You I will find paradise, the Virgin Mother of God, one pure and blessed."

Before going to bed, you need to pray to your guardian angel.

Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel

“To the Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all who have sinned this day: and deliver me from every wickedness of the enemy who opposes me, so that in no sin I will anger my God: but pray for me, a sinner and an unworthy servant, for you are worthy of showing me the goodness and mercy of the All-Holy Trinity, and the Mother of my Lord, Jesus Christ, and all the saints. Amen".

“To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as having been delivered from the evil, let us write thanks to Thy servants, O Mother of God, for as having an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call Thee: Rejoice, unmarried bride.”

“Glorious Ever-Virgin, Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Thy Son and our God, that through Thee our souls may be saved. I place all my trust in You, Mother of God, keep me under Your roof. Enlighten my eyes, O Christ God, so that not when I fall asleep into death, and not when my enemy speaks, I will strengthen myself against him.

Be the protector of my soul, O God, as I walk in the midst of many snares: deliver me from them and save me, O Blessed One, as a lover of mankind.

My hope is the Father; my refuge is the Son; my protection is the Holy Spirit; Holy Trinity, glory to you."

In the evening, before going to bed or late at night, you can read a prayer - an appeal to God. Everyday affairs should not burden thoughts; they should all be directed towards God.

Holy Guardian Angel

The holy righteous John of Kronstadt said: “I felt a thousand times in my heart that after communion of the holy mysteries or after fervent prayer, ordinary or on the occasion of some sin, passion, sorrow and distress, the Lord, through the prayers of the Lady, or the Lady herself, by goodness The Lord gave me, as it were, a new nature of the spirit - pure, kind, majestic, bright, wise, gracious - instead of the unclean, dull and lethargic, cowardly, gloomy, stupid, evil. I have been changed many times by a wonderful, great change, to the surprise of myself, and often of others. Glory to Your mercies, O Lord, which You have shown to me, a sinner!”

Prayer said in private

“Weaken, forsake, forgive, O God, our sins, voluntary and involuntary, even in word and in deed, even in knowledge and in ignorance, even in days and nights, even in mind and in thought, forgive us all, for it is good and a lover of humanity. Forgive those who hate and offend us, O Lord who loves mankind. Do good to those who do good. Grant to our brothers and relatives the same petition for salvation and eternal life. Visit those who are infirm and grant healing. Rule the sea too. Travel with those who travel. Contribute to the Emperor. Grant forgiveness of sins to those who serve and forgive us. Those who commanded us, the unworthy, to pray for them, have mercy according to your great mercy. Remember, Lord, our fathers and brothers who have fallen before us, and give them rest, where the light of Your face shines. Remember, Lord, our captive brothers and deliver me from every situation. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good in Your holy churches and give them, even unto salvation, petitions and eternal life. Remember, Lord, us too; humble, sinful, and unworthy Thy servants and enlighten our minds with the light of Thy mind, and guide us on the path of Thy commandments, through the prayers of our Most Pure Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and all Thy saints: for blessed art thou unto the ages of ages. Amen".

Prayer May God rise again

“May God rise again, and may His enemies be scattered, and may those who hate Him flee from His presence. As smoke disappears, let them disappear, as wax melts from the face of fire: so let demons perish from the face of those who love God, and those who sign the sign of the cross, and who say in joy: Rejoice, most honorable and life-giving Cross of the Lord, drive away the demons with the power of our Lord Jesus, who was buried on you. Christ, who descended into hell and trampled down the power of the devil, and gave us to You His honorable cross to drive away every adversary. O Most Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord! Help me with the holy Lady Virgin Mary and with all the saints forever. Amen".

“Protect me, Lord, by the power of Your Honest and Life-giving Cross and save us from all evil.”

When you go to sleep, say:

“Into Your hands, O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I commend my spirit; You bless me, you have mercy on me and grant me eternal life. Amen".

Evensong to the Son of God by the Hieromartyr Athenogenes

“Quiet light of holy glory, immortal Father in heaven, holy, blessed, Jesus Christ! Having come to the west of the sun, having seen the evening light, we sing of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, God. You are worthy at all times to sing with reverent voices; Son of God, give life, and with the same the world glorify You.”

Hieromartyr Athenogenes

Saint John Chrysostom called upon us to pray more earnestly, and before pronouncing a great word to God to say:

“Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart to hear Your word, and to understand it, and to do Your will, as a stranger on the earth. Hide not Your commandments from me, but open my mental eyes, that I may understand Your law. I trust in You, my God, enlighten my mind and meaning with the light of Your mind, not only to read what is written, but also to fulfill it for our renewal and enlightenment, and for holiness, and for the salvation of the soul, and for the inheritance of eternal life.”

Prayer at evening

“Grant, Lord, that this evening we may be preserved without sin. Blessed art thou, O Lord God, our father, and praised and glorified is thy name forever, amen. May Thy mercy be upon us, O Lord, as we trust in Thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord, teach me by thy justification. Blessed art thou, O Lord, enlighten me with Thy justifications. Lord, Your mercy endures forever, do not despise the work of Your hand. Praise is due to You, singing is due to You, glory is due to You, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen".