Prayer Book
We will try to compile various prayers for your Daily Office. If you are a family member or close friend in our communion and sincerely require Prayer Books for daily prayer, do contact our clergy and we will provide them for you, pro bono.
ABOUT PRAYER
“He who really prays is a theologian, and he who is a theologian really prays.” – Evagrius of Pontus
“What is pure prayer? Prayer which is brief in words but abundant in actions. For if your actions do not exceed your petitions, then your prayers are mere words.” – The Desert Fathers
“Prayer does not consist merely in standing and bowing your body or in reading written prayers… it is possible to pray at all times, in all places, with the mind and spirit. You can lift up your mind and heart to God while walking, sitting, working, in a crowd and in solitude. His door is always open, unlike man’s. We can always say to Him in our hearts: Lord, Lord, have mercy.” Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk
01. Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God [+], have mercy on me, a sinner.
02. Morning Prayers
[Every day, when we wake up, we make the sign of the Cross and say:]
In the name of Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.
[Then, we say these prayers, which are used whenever we begin to pray.]
TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good gifts, and Giver of Life, come and abide in us, cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
TO THE HOLY TRINITY
Holy God, Holy Mighty [+], Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, wash away our sins. Master [+], pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
TO GOD OUR FATHER
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, 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 our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil-one.
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
TO JESUS CHRIST
O come, let us worship God our King. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.
TO THE THEOTOKOS
It is truly meet to call thee blest, the 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 corruption thou gavest birth to God the Word: True Theotokos, we magnify thee.
O virgin Theotokos, rejoice; O Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Savior of our souls.
THANKSGIVING FOR THE MORNING
Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One, the angelic hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit:
Thou hast raised me up from bed and sleep, O Lord; enlighten my mind and heart, and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity; Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Suddenly the Judge will come, and the deeds of each will be laid bare; but at midnight let us cry with fear: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
God be gracious unto us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, and have mercy on us.
This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Amen.
[Every morning, each member of the family should have a piece of Antidoron (blessed but not consecrated bread) and a little holy water before breakfast, preferably at the end of the prayers.]
03. Evening prayers
In the name of Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.
[Then, we say these prayers, which are used whenever we begin to pray:]
TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good gifts, and Giver of Life, come and abide in us, cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
TO THE HOLY TRINITY
Holy God, Holy Mighty [+], Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, wash away our sins. Master [+], pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
TO GOD OUR FATHER
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, 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 our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil-one.
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
TO JESUS CHRIST
O come, let us worship God our King. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God. O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.
TO THE THEOTOKOS
It is truly meet to call thee blest, the 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 corruption thou gavest birth to God the Word: True Theotokos, we magnify thee.
O virgin Theotokos, rejoice; O Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Savior of our souls.
EVENING PRAYERS OF REPENTANCE
Heavy mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us. For at a loss for any plea, we sinners offer to Thee, our Master, this supplication: Have mercy on us.
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit:
Lord, have mercy on us, for our trust is in Thee. Be not very angry with us, remember not our sins; but even now regard us in Thy tender compassion, and deliver us from our enemies. For Thou art our God, and we are Thy people; we are all the work of Thy hands, and we call upon Thy name. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Open the door of Thy loving kindness, O blessed Theotokos, that we who put our hope in thee may not perish. Through thee, may we be delivered from adversities, for thou art the intercessor of Christians.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Guard me, O Lord, by the power of Thy holy and life-giving Cross, and keep me from all evil.
Into Thy hands, O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I surrender my spirit and body. Bless me, save me, and grant me eternal life. Amen.
04. Breakfast prayers
BEFORE BREAKFAST
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, wash away our sins. Master [+], pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Christ our true God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for holy art Thou, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
AFTER BREAKFAST
It is truly meet to call thee blest, the 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 corruption thou gavest birth to God the Word: True Theotokos, we magnify thee.
05. Lunch prayers
BEFORE LUNCH
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, 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 our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil-one.
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Christ our true God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for holy art Thou, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
AFTER LUNCH
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
We thank Thee, O Christ our God, that Thou hast satisfied us with Thine earthly gifts. Show us Thy heavenly kingdom. As Thou, O Savior, camest among Thy disciples and gavest them peace, come to us and save us.
06. Dinner prayers
BEFORE DINNER
The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the Lord shall praise Him; their hearts shall live forever.
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Christ our true God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for holy art Thou, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
AFTER DINNER
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
God is with us by His grace and love for mankind, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
07. Divine office (any hour)
Thou Who at all times and at every hour, in Heaven and on earth, art worshipped and glorified, O Christ our God, Who art long-suffering, plenteous in mercy, most compassionate, Who lovest the righteous and hast mercy on sinners, Who callest all to salvation through the promise of good things to come: Receive, O Lord, our prayers at this hour, and guide our life toward Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, make chaste our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our intentions, and deliver us from every affliction, evil, and pain. Compass us about with Thy holy angels that, guarded and guided by their array, we may attain to the unity of faith, and the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory; for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.
08. Work prayers
BEFORE ANY WORK
Bless, O Lord.
or
O Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of Thine Eternal Father, Thou hast said, “Without me you can do nothing.” In faith I embrace Thy words, O Lord, and bow before Thy goodness. Help me to complete the work I am about to begin for Thine own glory: In the name of Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit. Amen.
AFTER ANY WORK
Glory to Thee, O Lord.
or
Thou, O Christ, art Thyself the fulfillment of all good things. Fill my soul with joy and gladness, and save me, for Thou art all merciful.
09. For the sick
O Christ, Who alone art our Defender: Visit and heal Thy suffering servant(s) _____________, delivering him (her, them) from sickness and pain. Raise him (her, them) up that he (she, they) may sing to Thee and praise Thee without ceasing; through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.
10. For the reposed
With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul(s) of Thy servant(s) ___________ where there is no sickness, sorrow or sighing, but life everlasting.
11. For travelers
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who art the Way and the Truth, Who didst accompany Luke and Cleopas on the way to Emmaus, accompany Thy servant(s) _____________ who is (are) traveling. Guide him (her, them) unto every good deed, deliver him (her, them) from all evil, and enable him (her, them) to return in safety, peace, and prosperity. Bless him (her, them) that he (she, they) may direct his (her, their) journey in peace, unto the glory of Thy holy name. Amen.
12. Before reading Scripture
Illumine our hearts, O Master Who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy Gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee. For Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
13. Before Holy Communion
In the name of Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things; Treasury of good gifts and Giver of Life, come and abide in us, and cleanse us of all impurity and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty [+], Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, wash away our sins. Master [+], pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, 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 our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil-one.
Lord, have mercy. (12x)
Overlook my faults, O Lord Who wast born of a virgin, and purify my heart, and make it a temple for Thy spotless Body and Blood. let me not be rejected from Thy presence, O Thou Who hast infinitely great mercy.
Glory to Father, Son [+], and Holy Spirit:
How can I who am unworthy dare to come to the communion of Thy Holy Things? For even if I should dare to approach Thee with those who are worthy, my garment betrays me, for it is not a festal robe, and I shall cause the condemnation of my sinful soul. Cleanse, O Lord, the pollution from my soul, and save me as the Friend of mankind. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Great is the multitude of my sins, O Theotokos. To Thee, O pure one, I flee and implore salvation. Visit my sick and feeble soul and intercede with thy Son and our God, that He may grant me forgiveness for the terrible things I have done, O thou who alone art blessed. Amen.
[Prayers after communion are read in church.]
14. Lenten prayer
O Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, or vain talking.
[Cross yourself and make a prostration.]
But rather a spirit of purity, humility, patience, and love bestow on me Thy servant.
[Cross yourself and make a prostration.]
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.
[Cross yourself and make a prostration.]
O God, cleanse me a sinner. (12x)
[Cross yourself and bow your head for each line. 12 times.]
O Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, or vain talking. But rather a spirit of purity, humility, patience, and love bestow on me Thy servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.
[Cross yourself and make a prostration.]