Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray as John also taught his disciples.” So He said to them, “When you pray, say, 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.” Luke 11:1-4 6 Daily Prayers: t h e L o r d ’ s p r a y e r For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20 Why is the Lord’s presence promised to two or three? Because there, where two or three are gathered in the name of Christ, is the Church, the union of faith and love; there is mutual love. Saint John of Kronstadt Nineteenth Century, Russia Daily Prayers O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day, reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that come to me throughout the day with peace of soul and firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all is sent by You. 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. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray Yourself in me. A m e n Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow Nineteenth Century 7 Daily Prayers: p r a y e r f o r t h e b e g i n n i n g o f t h e d a y As a bird without wings, as a soldier without arms, so is a Christian without prayer. Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk Eighteenth Century Daily Prayers Having arisen from sleep we fall down before You, O Blessed One, and sing to You, O Mighty One, the angelic hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy are You O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. From bed and sleep You have raised us O Lord, enlighten our minds and hearts and open our lips that they may show forth Your praise. Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O God. Through the prayers of the Theotokos have mercy on us. Now and forever and unto the ages of ages. A m e n Suddenly the judge shall come and the deeds of each shall 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 have mercy on us. 8 Daily Prayers: a m o r n i n g p r a y e r t o t h e H o l y Tr i n i t y O God, You are my God, at dawn I seek You. Psalm 63:1 Daily Prayers: f o r t h e m o r n i n g Lord Jesus, thank you for the bright sunshine of a new day. As you made the sun to rise in the heavens, so come to shine in my life today. For You are the Light of the world. Guide me, direct me, lead me that I may do Your holy will and please You in all that I do this day. Bless my parents, teachers and all who care for me. A m e n Rev. Fr. Anthony Coniaris, Editor My Daily Orthodox Prayer Book 9 Daily Prayers: a c h i l d ’ s m o r n i n g p r a y e r Breakfast is one of the most neglected meals, yet it is important because it takes place at the beginning of the day. During those hours the family often seems to be simply running a relay race, to get everyone ready in time for work or school. Nonetheless, apart from morning prayer, which goes without saying, it would benefit children to begin the day with even five minutes’ experience of their mother’s and father’s concern, love, and interest in what everyone is going to do that day. When a child leaves for school the mother can bless him, or pray: ‘God bless’ or ‘the Mother of God be with you’. All this does not only further psychological security; it is a safeguard against any negative influences the child may meet, and it is a link between the two worlds of home and school. Sister Magdalen Children in the Orthodox Church Today Daily Prayers: f o r c o n s i d e r a t i o n Always allow time to bring your personal concerns and requests to the Lord. Let each person in the family share in this by using petitions such as: “Let us pray for” (specific people and situations) “Let us thank God for . . .” “Let us ask God’s forgiveness for . . .” Rev. Fr. Anthony Coniaris, Editor My Daily Orthodox Prayer Book 10 Daily Prayers: p e r s o n a l r e q u e s t s Do not refuse a request to pray for the soul of another, even when you yourself lack the gift of prayer. For often the very faith of the person making the request will evoke the saving contrition of the one who is to offer the prayer. Saint John Climacus Sixth Century, Mount Sinai Daily Prayers O Master and God, Father almighty, Lord, and only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit, one divinity and power, have mercy on me a sinner, and save me, Your unworthy servant, in any way You know; for You are blessed unto the ages of ages. A m e n Saint Mardarios Third Century, Cappadocia 11 Daily Prayers: f o r a l l t i m e s Prayer is the strength of the body, the prosperity of the household, the good order of the city, the might of the Kingdom, the victory in war, the security in peace, the unity of those divided, the constancy of those united. Saint Gregory of Nyssa Fourth Century Daily Prayers: f o r a l l t i m e s Now that the day has come to a close, I thank You, Lord, and I pray that the evening with the night be without sin. Grant this to me, Savior, and save me. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Sprit. Now that the day has ended, I glorify You, O Master, and I pray that I pass the evening and the night without sin. Grant this to me O Savior, and save me. Now and forever and unto the ages of ages. A m e n Now that the day has run its course, I praise You, O Holy One, and I pray that the evening with the night may be peaceful and undisturbed. Grant this to me, O Savior, and save me. Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. 12 Daily Prayers: f o r t h e e v e n i n g Through the night-watches I will meditate on you: That you are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy. My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:6-8 Daily Prayers: f o r t h e e v e n i n g O Christ our God, who at all times and at every hour, in heaven and on earth, are worshipped and glorified. Who are long-suffering, merciful, and compassionate. Who loves the just and shows mercy to sinners. Who calls all to salvation through the promise of blessings to come. O Lord at this hour, receive our supplication and direct our lives according to your commandments. Sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, cleanse our minds, correct our thoughts, and deliver us from all tribulation, evil, and distress. Encompass us round about with your angels, so that guarded and guided by them, we may attain the unity of the faith and the knowledge of your unapproachable glory. For you are holy now and forever and unto the ages of ages. A m e n Service of the Great Compline 13 Daily Prayers: f o r t h e e v e n i n g Hymn: O Radiant Light, Phos Ilaron O radiant light of holy glory, the immortal Father, heavenly and holy, blessed Jesus Christ. And now that we have come to the setting of the sun with all the light of eventide, we praise you the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one God. It is worthy at all times to praise You, with voices of holy song O Son of God and giver of life, the world does glorify You. Daily Prayers: f o r t h e e v e n i n g Dearest Jesus, I am one of Your children. Take me into Your arms and bless me as You embraced children when You visited us on earth. Hear my prayer this evening. May Your icon which I keep by my bedside ever remind me that while I sleep, You are always with me. Make me sleep in peace and let me awaken in the morning to love You and serve You. A m e n Rev. Fr. Anthony Coniaris, Editor My Daily Orthodox Prayer Book 14 Daily Prayers: a c h i l d ’ s e v e n i n g p r a y e r Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. A m e n The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom Daily Prayers