What is prayer? Prayer is doxology, praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication and intercession to God. When I prayed I was new, wrote a great theologian of Christian antiquity, but when I stopped praying I became old. Prayer is the way to renewal and spiritual life. Prayer is aliveness to God. Prayer is strength, refreshment, and joy. Through the grace of God and our disciplined efforts, prayer lifts us up from our isolation to a conscious, to loving communion with God, in which everything is experienced in a new light. Prayer becomes a personal dialogue with God, a spiritual breathing of the soul, and a foretaste of the bliss of Gods kingdom.
How is one to pray? Only the Holy Spirit can guide us to pray as we should. Just as a child learns to walk by walking, one can best learn to pray by praying, trusting in the help of God. Put your whole soul into your prayer. Think about the meaning of every word you pray. Make it your own personal prayer. Be persistent in prayer. Do not yield to carelessness or neglect. Strengthen your prayer through a lively faith in the Lord, a spirit of forgiveness toward others, and genuine Christian living.
As we pray deeply within our hearts we grow in prayer. By the grace of God we suddenly catch a glimpse of the miracle of the presence of the Holy Spirit working within us. At first it is only a spark, but later it becomes a flame freeing and energizing our whole being, provided we do nothing to grieve the Holy Spirit; and if we do sin we repent of our sin immediately and ask for Gods forgiveness. To experience the fire of Gods holy love, to give it space within us to do its cleansing and healing work as a breath of the Holy Spirit, and to use it as light and power for daily living-such are the goals as well as the fruits of true prayer.
My Orthodox Prayer Book is published with the hope that it will help Orthodox Christians in their private and family devotions. Reflecting the treasures of Orthodox worship, it contains basic cycles of daily and other prayers. The language is contemporary yet maintains a liturgical flavor. Traditional prayers have been slightly revised so as to be more readable in English. Some new prayers, many selections from the Psalms, directions for Bible Study and brief explanatory notes are also included. It is humbly offered as an encouragement to Orthodox Christians to pray and to grow in the life of prayer.
The Trisagion
When you get up in the morning, before beginning your day, offer a fervent prayer to God. Whether standing or kneeling, begin with a moment of silence. Gather your thoughts and feelings as much as you are able and direct them to God. Approach God as a Father who loves you and cares about you personally. Make the sign of the cross and pray without haste by paying close attention to each word of your prayer.
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You!
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth,
present in all places and filling all things,
the treasury of blessings and Giver of life:
come and abide in us.
Cleanse us from all impurity and save our souls, gracious Lord.
The Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
Lord, forgive our sins.
Master, pardon our transgressions.
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for the glory of Your name.
Lord, have mercy. (3)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Lords 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 evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
A Childs Prayer
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gift of this new day.
When You came to earth for us, You grew as a child in wisdom and grace.
As Lord You received children in Your arms.
You blessed them and said that Your kingdom belongs to them.
Dear Jesus, receive me also on this day and hear my morning prayer.
Bless my parents, teachers and all those who love and care for me.
Bless me, also, and protect me from danger and evil.
Give me the strength to be truthful, honest, kind and helpful to others.
Guide me to grow in grace and wisdom as a member of Your kingdom.
You are my Lord and King, and to You I give praise and thanks forever. Amen.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
I praise, bless and thank You, almighty God, the Father of light, that You have again shown to me the light of this day. I entreat You: forgive my sins and accept my prayer in Your great mercy, for I seek refuge in You, the merciful and almighty God. Shine in my heart the light of Christ, the Sun of Righteousness. Enlighten my mind and my whole being that I may live according to Your commandments and serve You in all that I do and say. For You are the source of life and light, and to You I give praise and thanksgiving, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Personal Requests
Pray to God also with your own words about personal concerns, for other people, and for Gods guidance and help. Having received Gods blessing, go forth confidently to fulfill your daily tasks in ways that honor God.