Daily Prayer
Orthodox Christians are called to "pray ceaselessly" as told to us by the Apostle Paul. Basically this means that we should always remember the Lord throughout the day. Our day is framed by prayer, both in the morning and in the evening. Orthodox Christians typically say the Trisagion Prayers followed by the Lord's Prayer, the "Our Father This should be followed by the recitation of the Creed as well as intercessions for the living family and friends as well as our departed family and friends. We should also remember to pray before meals so as we remember that the Lord provides all things for us, even our physical nourishment.
Some people find it easier to pray during their commute to work or while walking their dog or gardening in the backyard. While we do have specific times to pray (morning and evening) it is always important to keep the Lord on our mind throughout our day and as we work. A good way to do this is to recite the "Jesus Prayer" which is: "O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner." Another version might be: "O Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me." or simply "Lord Jesus." This can be repeated over again and again while we work or drive in our car. When this is repeated numerous times in our head it becomes routine so there will come a time when we are reciting it and not even realizing what we are doing, so our hands can be working and we can be praying. For more information on the Jesus prayer please see Kallistos Ware’s The Power of the Name: The Jesus Prayer in Orthodox Spirituality or The Jesus Prayer by Lev Gillet (Crestwoo, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1987).
We should be reminded that we do not pray merely to get "some benefit" or reduce stress, strengthen our immune system, or to lose weight. Prayer is not a method to improve our attention span or to get in touch with our "inner child" or for some other pscyo-somatic technique. On the contrary, we pray to remind ourselves that our Lord has authority and power over all things, He is Creator and Sustains our life, and that His way is the way of the cross.
Trisagion Prayers
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth who are everywhere and fills all things, treasury of blessings and giver of life, come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls O good one.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us. (3x’s)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us, O Lord cleanse us from our sins, Master pardon our transgressions, O Holy One visit and heal our infirmities for thine name’s sake. Lord have mercy (3x’s).
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 debts
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
- Recitation of Creed
- Reading of Scriptures
- Remembrance of the living family and friends.
- Remembrance of the departed family and friends
Various Prayers
To the Theotokos
It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, without defilement you gave birth to God the Word, true Theotokos we magnify you.
Another Prayer to the Theotokos
Rejoice O Virgin Theotokos Mary full of grace the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of you womb, for you have born the Savior of our souls!
Another Prayer to the Theotokos
O victorious leader of triumphant hosts! We your servants delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, O Theotokos. As you possess invincible might set us free from every calamity so that we may sing: Rejoice O unwedded bride.
For our Patron Saint
Pray to God for me, O Saint..............well pleasing to God. I fervently entreat you who are the sure help and intercessor for my soul.
For the Sick and Suffering
O Christ who alone art our Defender; visit and heal thy suffering servant................delivering them from sickness and grievous pains. Raise them up that they may sing to Thee and praise Thee without ceasing, through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Thou who alone loves mankind.
Lenten Prayer of St Ephraim the Syrian
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to thy servant.
Yea O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins, and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.