#prayer rule

[dramoor]

"It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever blessed and most blameless, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify."

~From the Prayer Rule of St. Pachomius the Great

(Image via Pinterest)

[prehistoricpatristics]

Orthodox Christian Prayer Rules

FIRST DISCLAIMER: This is aimed at inquirers, or dvoverie practitioners who are not associated with a Church or spiritual father. If you are associated with a church and have a spiritual father, go to them, not me. There are 3 major components to a prayer rule in Eastern Orthodoxy: Proper Measure, Consistency, and Quality.

Proper Measure: a proper measure allows a person to grow both spiritually and earthly, you shouldn't over do your prayer rule, but you shouldn't be underdoing it either. Do not take on a long rule that you cannot reasonably achieve.

Consistency: you should always be consistent in prayer as this is the point of a prayer rule, always aim to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thess. 5:17).

Quality: A quality prayer rule is always better than quantity. The quality of prayer is determined by the attention of the mind, and the depth of repentance in the heart. If prayer becomes a chore, or simply you reading from a page, you do not have a quality prayer rule.

Outline for Morning Prayer:

(this layout is mimicked for the evening prayers, the difference mainly comes from the difference in psalms)

NOTE: if you are dual faith, and wish to include prayers to other entities, I would insert them either before or after the Prayers to Saints

Introductory Prayers

One of the 6 morning Psalms:

Intercessions for the living and dead

Psalm 51

Doxology

Personal Dialogue with God

Prayers to Saints

Jesus Prayer

Dismissal Prayer

Introductory Prayers Suggestions

Begin with: 'In the name of the Father Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen Glory to you our God , Glory be to Thee!'

Choose any number of:

Prayer to Holy Spirit Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, Treasury of Goodness and Giver of life: come and abide in us. Cleanse us from every stain of sin and save our souls, O Gracious Lord.

Trisagion Prayer

Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal Have mercy on us.(3)

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

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 evil.

For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Morning Psalms

Psalm 3

LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the LORD with my voice, And He heard me from His holy hill. Selah I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O LORD; Save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the LORD. Your blessing is upon Your people.

Psalm 63

O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, And Your hand presses me down.

There is no soundness in my flesh Because of Your anger, Nor any health in my bones Because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering Because of my foolishness.

I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, And there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart.

Lord, all my desire is before You; And my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart pants, my strength fails me; As for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me.

My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, And my relatives stand afar off. Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; Those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, And plan deception all the day long.

But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; And I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. Thus I am like a man who does not hear, And in whose mouth is no response.

For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God. For I said, “Hear me, lest they rejoice over me, Lest, when my foot slips, they exalt themselves against me.”

For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin. But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; And those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied. Those also who render evil for good, They are my adversaries, because I follow what is good.

Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

Psalm 63

O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory.

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.

But those who seek my life, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword; They shall be a portion for jackals.

But the king shall rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him shall glory; But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

Psalm 88

1 O LORD, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. 2 Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry.

For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength, Adrift among the dead, Like the slain who lie in the grave, Whom You remember no more, And who are cut off from Your hand.

You have laid me in the lowest pit, In darkness, in the depths. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, And You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out; My eye wastes away because of affliction.

LORD, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You. Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction? Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

But to You I have cried out, O LORD, And in the morning my prayer comes before You. LORD, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me? I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth; I suffer Your terrors; I am distraught. Your fierce wrath has gone over me; Your terrors have cut me off. They came around me all day long like water; They engulfed me altogether. Loved one and friend You have put far from me, And my acquaintances into darkness.

Friday - Psalm 103 Psalm of David.

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The LORD executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, 18 To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them. 19 The LORD has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. 21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the LORD, all His works, In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Psalm 143

Hear my prayer, O LORD, Give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, And in Your righteousness. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, For in Your sight no one living is righteous. For the enemy has persecuted my soul; He has crushed my life to the ground; He has made me dwell in darkness, Like those who have long been dead. Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; My soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Selah Answer me speedily, O LORD; My spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, Lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; In You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, O LORD, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Your mercy cut off my enemies, And destroy all those who afflict my soul; For I am Your servant.

Intercessions for the living and dead (There are many to choose from, this is my favourite)

Lord, we pray for peace in the world. For all the faithful and Orthodox Christians. For our Archbishop (name), our Bishop (name), and all our brothers and sisters in Christ. (If you are part of a church) For our parents, our brothers and sisters, our children, our relatives and friends, and all people. For those who hate us and those who love us. For those who work with us and those who serve us. For those who have asked us, unworthy as we are, to pray for them. For travelers by land, sea and air. For prisoners and captives. 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. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Psalm 50

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart –– these, O God, You will not despise, Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.

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

Doxology

Glory to God, Who has shown us the Light!

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men!

We praise You! We bless You! We worship You! We glorify You and give thanks to You for Your great glory! O Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty! O Lord, the Only-Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit! O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us! You, Who take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer! You, Who sit on the right hand of God the Father, have mercy on us! For You alone are holy, and You alone are Lord. You alone, O Lord Jesus Christ, are most high in the glory of God the Father! Amen!

I will give thanks to You every day and praise Your Name forever and ever. Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation! I said, "Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my Soul, for I have sinned against You!" Lord, I flee to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. For with You is the fountain of Life, and In Your light shall we see light. Continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name for ever. Amen.

Let Your mercy be upon us, O Lord, even as we have set our hope on You. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. Blessed are You, O Master; make me to understand Your commandments. Blessed are You, O Holy One; enlighten me with Your precepts. Your mercy endures for ever, O Lord! Do not despise the works of Your hands! To You belongs worship, to You belongs praise, to You belongs glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Personal Dialogue with God

Prayers to Saints

(Research prayers and Akathists to saints that you venerate)

Jesus Prayer

'Lord Jesus Christ, Have mercy on me, a sinner' x10, 33, 100, or 300

Dismissal Prayer

Most holy Theotokos, save us! More honorable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim! Without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you! Glory to You, O Christ, our God and our hope, glory to You! 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, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Outline for Evening Prayer:

Introductory Prayers

One of the 6 evening Psalms:

Intercessions for the living and dead

Psalm 51

Doxology

Personal Dialogue with God

Prayers to Saints

Jesus Prayer

Dismissal Prayer

Introductory Prayers Suggestions (same as morning prayers, use the same or different ones)

Evening Psalms

Psalm 103 (104)

Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great! You are clothed with honor and majesty, and cover Yourself with light as with a garment. You have stretched out the heavens like a tent and have laid the beams of Your chambers on the waters. You make the clouds Your chariot and ride on the wings of the wind. You make the winds Your messengers, and fire and flame Your ministers. You have set the earth on its foundations so that it should never be shaken. You have covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At Your rebuke they fled; at the sound of Your thunder they took flight. The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place which You appointed for them. You set a bound which they should not pass so that they might not again cover the earth. You make springs gush forth in the valleys;

they flow between the hills, they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. By them the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches. From Your lofty abode You water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your work. You have caused the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate, that they may bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden their heart, oil to make their faces shine and bread to strengthen their hearts. The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon which He planted. In them the birds build their nests; the stork has her home in the fir trees. The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the badgers. You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. You have made darkness, and it is night, when all the beasts of the forest creep forth. The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. When the sun rises, they gather together and lie down in their dens. People go forth to their work and to their labors until the evening. O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, which teems with things innumerable, living things both small and great. There go the ships,

and Leviathan which You formed to sport in it. These all look to You to give them their food in due season. When You give to them they gather it up; when You open Your hand they are filled with good things. When You hide Your face they are dismayed; when You take away their breath they die and return to their dust. When You send forth Your Spirit they are created; and You renew the face of the earth. May the glory of the Lord endure forever, may the Lord rejoice in His works, who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed from the earth and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 140 (141)

Lord I Call Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hearken unto me. Hearken unto me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hearken unto me; attend to the voice of my supplication, when I cry unto Thee. Hearken unto me, O Lord.

Let my prayer be set forth as incense before Thee, the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Hearken unto me, O Lord.             Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies. Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him reprove me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked. Their judges are overthrown by the sides of the cliff, and they hear my words, for they are sweet. Our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave, as when one plows and breaks up the earth. But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; in You I take refuge; do not leave my soul destitute. Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape safely.

Intercessions for the living and dead (same as morning)

Psalm 50 (same as morning)

Doxology (same as morning)

Personal Dialogue with God

Prayers to Saints

(Research prayers and Akathists to saints that you venerate)

Jesus Prayer

'Lord Jesus Christ, Have mercy on me, a sinner' x10, 33, 100, or 300

Dismissal Prayer (same as morning)

Prayers before and after Meals

Before Meals In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 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 evil. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (3)

Christ our God, bless the food and drink of Your servants, for You are holy always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. After Meals We thank You, Christ our God, that You have satisfied us with Your earthly blessings. Deprive us not of Your heavenly kingdom. As You came among Your disciples after the resurrection, O Savior, and gave them peace, come also among us, grant us peace and save us. Amen. Glory to You, Lord and King! You have gladdened our hearts through Your earthly gifts. Fill us also with the gift of Your Holy Spirit, that we may abound in every good work to the glory of Your name. Amen. We thank You, Lord, Giver of all good things, for these Your gifts and all Your mercies, and we bless Your holy name forever. Amen.

Ways to customise prayers before and after meals for dual faith practitioners

You can personalise these by invoking additional spirits/deities in the same prayers, such as:

'Christ our God, Hestia the Blessed of the hearth, bless the food and drink of Your servants, for You are holy always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.'

This is an example for a dual-faith practitioner combining Hellenic Polytheism and Orthodox Christianity, but this could be altered for any other spirit to be invoked.

[dramoor]

It is important to remember that we will never have time for God but rather must make time for God.

A Prayer Rule

Trisagion Prayers

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

 Glory to Thee, O God; glory to Thee.

 O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things; Treasury of blessings and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

 Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us (3x)

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

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us, O Lord, cleanse us from our sins.  Master, pardon our iniquities.  O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy names' sake.

 Lord have mercy. (3x)

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

 Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed by 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.

 Lord have mercy. (3 x)

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

 Come let us worship God our King.  Come let us worship and fall down before Christ Our King and God.  Come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

 Psalm 50

 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression.  Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.  For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged.  For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me.  For behold, Thou has loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me.  Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.  Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness, the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice.  Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me.  I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee.  Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness.  O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.  For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased.  A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.  Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded.  Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblations and whole-burnt offerings.  Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

 Then 5 or 10 prostrations (or bows if we are not able) saying the Jesus Prayer,

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me.

 We pray either for ourselves, our loved ones, or those with whom we are at enmity.  We cross ourselves each time and say the prayer as we bow to the ground with our forehead quickly touching the floor.

 Then, for at least 5 or 10 minutes, we audibly but quietly say the Jesus Prayer, either standing or kneeling (but preferably not sitting).

 Then we read a chapter from the Gospels and from a small portion of Orthodox spiritual reading.

 Then this morning prayer:

I thank Thee, O Lord, that Thou hast again shown me the Light of a new day.  Grant me to greet this day in peace.  At all times, help me to rely upon Thy holy will.  In every hour of this day, help me, teach me, and reveal Thy will to me.  Bless, help, and save all those who surround me.  Teach me to treat everything that comes to me throughout this day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that Thy will governs all things.  In all my deeds and words, sanctify, bless, and correct my thoughts and feelings.  In unforeseen events, let me not forget that everything is sent by Thee.  Teach me to act firmly and wisely without embittering or embarrassing others.  O Lord, give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray, and Thyself, come, grant me Thy blessing, be with me, and pray within me. Amen.

 Or this evening prayer:

O Eternal God and King of all creation, Who hast kept me safe to attain to this hour, forgive me all wherein I have sinned today in deed, word, and thought.  Cleanse, O Lord, my transgressions and faults and make me a Temple for the Holy Spirit.  Vanquish the enemies, both bodily and bodiless that fight against me, and keep and deliver me from the vain thoughts and evil desires which tempt me.  Receive my prayers in Thy great mercy.  Shine into my heart the Light of the Holy Spirit. Grant me to live according to Thy commandments.  Teach me to do Thy will for Thou art my God.  O Lord, I thank Thee for all the things that Thou hast brought me this day and I commend it all into Thy hands, trusting that through Thy mercy all things will turn out for the good and my salvation.  Grant me also, as I go to sleep, rest for my body and soul, and preserve me from the passions of the flesh and the influences of dark and evil spirits.  Amen.

 Then:

It is truly meet to bless thee, O 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!

 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, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. Amen.

Through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, my holy Guardian Angel, my patron saint (Name) and of all Thy saints, have mercy on us and upon Thy world.

 O Lord, into Thy hands I commit my spirit.  Amen.

 ************************************************************************

A prayer rule should be said alone, in front of the icons and Gospel, preferably with a lit candle and, if possible, the room lights dimmed.  It is important to remember that we will never have time for God but rather must make time for God.  The best time to pray is in the morning or in the evening, when it is darker.

Also, when using a rule of prayer we must be flexible and do what works for us; our goal is to maintain the connection with God and cultivate a real relationship, not just fulfill our 'rule' of prayer.

~Archimandrite Sergius Bowyer, Abbot of St. Tikhon's Monastery

[bylagunabay]

Scripture for Busy People

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thes. 5:16-18)

[gospelofthekingdom]

I came across this quote from St. Theophan the Recluse on Prayer in ‘Kindling the Divine Spark: Teachings on How to Preserve Spiritual Zeal’ [p. 71-72] after finishing a really peaceful compline and evening vigil. 

“The best guide in matters of prayer is the accepted standard rule of prayer. It was established by the holy God-bearing Fathers, the same ones whose prayers moved mountains. Follow them, and live by their rules. As is customary to pray in the cell, pray thus. As is customary to pray in church, pray in such wise. As is customary to acquire unceasing prayer, follow that way. When you get up to pray, collect your thoughts and, while reading or listening to the prayer, unite your thoughts and feelings to every word–and that’s all there is to it. To this must be added only the effort of directing your thoughts–which don’t concentrate willingly on one subject–along with taking care in every way that the labor of prayer doesn’t stop at the end of the prayer rule but occupies us at every other time as well. He who accomplishes this is a true man of prayer. And the more he establishes himself in such a way of prayer, the more he immerses himself in prayer. And the more he immerses himself in prayer, the more he relinquishes his visible surroundings and later even the very words of the prayers, until he approaches the point at which he speaks to God in prayer with his own words, rather than someone else’s, and still not in words at all but in thoughts and feelings of the heart. Here is the entire ladder of prayer–simple, not confusing or cunning!

But know that just as everything requires effort, so in prayer you must work, even labor, with the body and even more with the spirit, both working together. The body must stand, bow and utter the prayers. Of the spirit is required attention, feeling, renunciation of everything, and a yearning towards God…Labor at prayer, and you will get what you ask for and will attain perfection in prayer. But without effort you will receive nothing.”

[gospelofthekingdom]

Be steadfast in the sacramental life. Say your prayers. Repent everyday for everyone and everything (especially for yourself). Give thanks always and for all things. Give away stuff, practicing an audacious generosity. That’s pretty much the Orthodox life.

Fr. Stephen Freeman

[gospelofthekingdom]

Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love?' These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will be many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.

Henri Nouwen

A contemplative practice I recently put into practice at the end of my prayer rule. It’s been very therapeutic for me.

[eccematertua]

Fascinating article about the Orthodox Prayer Rule of the Mother of God ! 

"This rule was given by the Mother of God herself in about the eighth century, and at one time all Christians fulfilled it. We Orthodox have forgotten about it, and St. Seraphim has reminded me of this Rule..."

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