PRAYERS FOR TODAY

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN JOURNEY SERIES

PRAYERS FOR TODAY

TRADITIONAL MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS
OF THE ANCIENT CHRISTIAN FAITH

From a pamphlet produced and distributed by:

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN PRISON MINISTRY
HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA
copyright, 1999

FORMING A DAILY PRAYER RULE

Prayer is “talking with God.” In His mercy, God hears our cries, for He is our Heavenly Father and the Lover of mankind.

Regular prayer on a daily basis is essential to our spiritual well-being, just as regular meals are necessary for our physical well-being.

When establishing your own personal prayer time, praying these prayers will provide a basic structure for your prayer life. They come from the Holy Tradition of the Church which Christ established and handed down to His Apostles.

Decide where and when you will pray your daily prayers. Morning and evening are important times to pray. Establish in your heart to pray at these times every day.

Prayer is not always easy. Yet when we are faithful, the Holy Spirit moves within us and begins to help us pray by praying within us.

While we pray, we make the sign of the Cross frequently. The Lord’s Cross is a sign of His victory over the devil, sin and death. When we make the sign of the Lord’s Cross on ourselves, we are showing that He is our own Lord. We call on His power and strength to defeat our spiritual enemy, the devil.

We make the sign of the Cross on ourselves by putting together the thumb, first finger and middle finger of our right hand. These three fingers placed together remind us that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We also hold our ring finger and little finger together and touch them to the palm of our hand. These two fingers held together remind us that two natures—the nature of God and the nature of man— are joined in Jesus Christ. By holding our right hand in this manner, we are confessing our belief in the Holy Trinity and in the Good News of Jesus Christ’s Incarnation—His birth in the flesh as a man for the sake of our salvation.

With our right hand held in this way, we touch our three fingers to our forehead, and say, “In the Name of the Father…” We touch our chest, saying, “and of the Son…” We touch our right shoulder, saying, “and of the Holy Spirit…” and our left shoulder, saying “Amen.” Each time the Name of the Holy Trinity is mentioned in our prayers, we make the sign of the Cross, or when we feel a special need to thank God or ask His protection, or whenever the Holy Spirit moves us to make it. A small cross sign by itself + indicates when the sign of the Cross is usually made during the services of prayer.

Although we can pray in any position, the usual way of praying, as demonstrated in the Church down through the ages, is standing. We pray standing out of respect for God, and so that our entire being—body, mind and soul—can offer itself to God. At times, we cross ourselves and make a low bow towards the ground, touching the floor with our right hand as a sign of our deep reverence and humble worship of the Lord. A small cross sign within parentheses (+) is used in this book to show when the sign of the Cross with a low bow is traditionally made during the services.

M0RNING PRAYERS

Stand for a few moments in silence, quieting your mind and heart in the presence of Almighty God

(+)In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. (repeat three times)

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who are in all places and fills all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of Life, come and live in us. Wash away all our sin, and save our souls, 0 Good One.

THE TR1SAGION PRAYERS

(+)Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (repeat three times)

(+)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, wash away our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

+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 Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your 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 the evil one.

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy;

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

O come, let us worship and (+) bow down before God, our King.

O come, let us worship and (+) bow down before Christ, our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and (+) bow down before Christ Himself, our King and our God.

HYMN TO THE HOLY TRINITY

Having arisen from sleep, we fall down before You, O Blessed One, and sing to You the hymn of the angels: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God.

Heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, save us.

From my bed and sleep You have raised me, O Lord, give light to my mind and my heart, and open my lips that I may praise You, Most Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God.

Through the prayers of the Theotokos, save us.

Without warning, the Judge will come, and the deeds of each one will be revealed, but with fear we cry out in the middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, save us.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

THE NICENE 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 sits 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 proceeds from the Father, + Who with the Father and Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke 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.

PERSONAL PRAYERS

Here you may add your own personal requests, prayers and needs, using your own words, Scripture readings, and other prayers of your choosing. The following prayers may also be used.

PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, in Your unending mercy and loving-kindness, hear the prayers of all who pray to You with their whole heart, and hear my prayer, now humbly offered unto You. Christ, Almighty God, listen and hear the prayer I offer for all Your people.

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on Your holy Church; our Archbishop (name) and every Bishop (name), our Priests (names) and Deacons (names) and all the Clergy.

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on all civil authorities; especially those who are in authority in this place where I am; give peace to us today, that we may live a calm and peaceful life.

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on my mother and father (names), my children (names), my brothers and sisters (names), my relatives (names), my friends (names), and all who are near and dear to me (names), and give them comfort, mercy, life, peace, safety; protection, health, salvation and visitation, and forgive their sins; and may they always praise and glorify Your holy Name.

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on the old and the young; orphans, widows and the needy; all who are sick, in sorrow, distress or affliction; those who are oppressed or captive; all who are in prison; most especially have mercy upon those who are suffering and being persecuted because of their faith in You—remember them, visit, strengthen and comfort them, and in Your wisdom and by Your power bring them speedy relief, freedom and protection.

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on all whom I have harmed or led astray. Heal the hurt and pain I have caused; free them from fear and worry Be present with them and give them Your peace.

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on all who travel.

Save, O Lord, and have mercy on my enemies, those who want to hurt me and make life hard for me. Forgive them and may they not perish because of me, a sinner.

Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty, for You are merciful and loving, and to You 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.

SCRIPTURE READING FOR TODAY

A Bible reading guide is available for finding the selected Scripture readings of the day.

PSALM 50 (51 KJV)

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my sin. Wash away all my evil and cleanse me from my sin, for I know my evil ways, and my sin is ever before me. I sinned only against You and did this evil before You, that You might be justified in Your words of judgment to me. I was conceived in sin, and in sins my mother gave birth to me. You love truth; the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom You have made clear to me. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be made clean; You shall wash me and I shall be made whiter than snow. You shall make me to hear joy and gladness, the bones that have been humbled will rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins and blot out all my evil. Create in me a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your Presence, nor take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore the joy of Your salvation to me and guide me with Your Spirit. I shall teach sinners Your ways and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, 0 God of my salvation; I shall rejoice in Your righteousness. 0 Lord, You shall open my lips and my mouth shall declare Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would have given it; with wholeburnt offerings You shall not be pleased. A sacrifice to God is a broken

spirit; God will not despise a heart that is broken and humbled before Him. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. You shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness and whole-burnt offerings. Then they shall offer bullocks upon Your altar.

HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

(In the Greek language, the Holy Virgin Mary is referred to as “Theotokos, “which means “The Birthgiver of God, “or “God-bearer, “for she bore Jesus Christ our Lord Scripture declares she deserves honor. See Luke 1:26-55).

It is fitting and right to bless you, 0 Theotokos, who are ever blessed and all-blameless, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, you who in virginity gave birth to God the Word and are truly Theotokos, we magnify you.

PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS

+Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I beg You, rid my heart of all hopelessness, of all slowness in understanding Your will, of all filthy or wrong thoughts. By Your mighty power, wash and heal my dirty mind and injured heart. Put out the flames of unclean passion. Free me from all memories of past evil. Rescue me from desire and wanting to do wrong. In Your goodness, help me, for You are loving, kind and merciful.

MORNING PRAYER

O Lord, help me welcome the coming day in peace. Help me at all times and in all things to rely on Your holy will. During every moment of the day, show me Your will. Bless my contact with those around me. Teach me to accept all that comes my way with peace, knowing that You are with me, helping me. Guide my thoughts, actions and words.

May I help and encourage someone in need. Keep me from hurting or embarrassing others. Give me strength for today’s work. Guide my will. Teach me to pray. +And by Your Holy Spirit, pray in me. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER

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

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

+Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

EVENING PRAYERS

Stand for a few moments in silence, quieting your mind and heart in the presence of Almighty God.

(+)In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. (repeat three times)

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

THE PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE TRISAGION PRAYERS

(+)Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (repeat three times)

+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, wash away our sins. Master, forgive all our transgressions. Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

+Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

O come, let us worship and (+) bow down before God, our King.

O come, let us worship and (+) bow down before Christ, our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and (+) bow down before Christ Himself, our King and our God.

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

Almighty God, I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word and deed. I have disobeyed Your holy law. And now, with repentance and sincere desire to change, I turn from my sin to Your love and mercy. I ask You to forgive me all my wrongdoing, and to wash away all my sins through Your Son, Jesus Christ; Lord, fill my heart with the light of Your truth. Strengthen my will by Your grace. I need Your help; teach me both to desire and do only what pleases You, that I may walk in the way of Your choosing, and offer praise and glory to Your holy Name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS

Lord God, Almighty Father, in Your love and mercy, forgive all the sins I have committed this day in thought, word and deed. (Confess your sins to God and repent of them.) Give me peaceful sleep, protect me, keep me safe, and rescue me from all thoughts of sin and attacks of the evil one. Wake me again in the morning that I may glorify You. For You are blessed, together with + Your Son and Your Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

Lord, I pray for peace in the world; for all faithful Christians; for our Archbishop (name), our Bishop (name), all Clergy (names), and all our brothers and sisters in Christ; for all those in authority in this place where I am; for my parents, brothers and sisters, my children, all my relatives and those who are dear to me (name those you wish to remember); for those I have harmed or led astray that they may be healed of the hurt and pain I have caused and freed from fear and worry; for my enemies and those who hate me, for my friends and all people; for those who work with me and those who serve me; for those who have asked me, unworthy as I am, to pray for them; for those traveling by land, sea and air; for all prisoners, captives, and their families (name those you wish to remember); for orphans, widows and the needy; for those who are hungry, those who are suffering, and those who are sick; for those departed from this life in the hope of the resurrection. Lord Jesus Christ, hear my prayer: in Your mercy give me strength to always praise Your Name: have mercy on me and save me. Amen.

PSALM 22 (23 KJV)

The Lord is my Shepherd, and I shall not want. In a place of green pasture, there has He made me to dwell; beside the water of rest He nurtured me. He has converted my soul, He has led me on the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they have comforted me. You have prepared a table before me in the presence of them that afflict me. You have anointed my head with oil, and Your cup which fills me, how excellent it is! And Your mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.

HYMN TO THE MOTHER OF GOD

CLOSING PRAYERS

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

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Your immaculate Mother, of Holy Apostle Silas, and of all Your Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, for You are a merciful God, and You love mankind. Amen.

CLOSING PRAYER

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

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

+Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

PRAYER BEFORE SLEEP

Into Your hands, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I commit my soul and my body. Bless me, have mercy on me, and grant me eternal life. Amen.