Orthodox Prayers

Every prayer rule opens the same way, rising, crossing oneself, and calling on God before all else.

Rising from sleep, before every other work, stand with reverence and make the sign of the Cross, saying:

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

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. Thou hast raised me from my bed and from sleep; enlighten my mind and my heart, and open my lips, that I may praise Thee.

V. O God, be attentive unto helping me.

R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

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

The "thrice-holy" hymn and the short prayers that follow it, the frame of nearly every Orthodox service.

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

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

The 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Here the reader, or all together, continue:

O most holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.

A prayer to the Comforter, sung or said at the very start of the day and of most services.

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, who art in all places and fillest all things; Treasury of good things and Giver of life: come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Good One.

The shortest and most humble of prayers, taken from the Gospel, the beginning of all repentance.

Bowing the head, and striking the breast, say quietly:

God, be merciful to me a sinner.

God, cleanse me a sinner, and have mercy on me.

A beloved prayer for entrusting the whole of the coming day, with all it may bring, into God’s hands.

O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy will.

In every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day, teach me to receive it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy will.

Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unforeseen occurrences, do not let me forget that all things are sent down from Thee.

Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering or embarrassing others. Give me the strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring.

A prayer to the angel given to guard, guide, and keep each of the faithful.

O Angel of God, my holy guardian, given to me from heaven: enlighten me this day, and keep me from all evil, guide me toward good deeds, and set me on the path of salvation.

Then remember those whom you wish to commend to God, living and departed.

The rule closes as it began, with thanksgiving, and prayer for others by name.

For the Living

Here name those for whom you wish to pray:

O Lord, save and have mercy upon my spiritual father, my parents, my family, my friends, and all Orthodox Christians.

For the Departed

O Lord, give rest to the souls of Thy departed servants, and to all who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection and life eternal.

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.