Every Orthodox knows a regular prayer rule, which includes reading a prayer in the morning and evening. Morning prayers are an unchanging ritual of believers, helping to direct the soul before a difficult day, to protect from temptations, and to bestow strength. They are necessary along with public prayers. In the article we will tell how to read them, why in the morning, and list the most effective prayers for the whole family.
The power of morning prayer
The modern ritual of daily prayers was formed more than 200 years ago and is verified by centuries of experience in the practice of the church and the monastic way of life. It was believed that in the morning a person turns to God for instruction, asks to be sent to him, calls for help in future affairs and asks for favor.
The morning prayer rule includes prayers:
- after a night's sleep;
- at the beginning of the day.
These include 24 prayers, which will certainly be read in order. This allows you to tune in to the proper tonality in communion with the Lord, to give strength for the whole day and to adjust the soul. However, in the modern world there is not enough time to read each prayer, so some are limited to the initial prayers or the Seraphim rule.
What prayers to read in the morning?
Do not confuse morning prayers in Russian with reading morning prayers in Church Slavonic or special secret-perfect prayers, offered only by bishops and clergymen.
As a morning prayer for beginners, the Seraphim rule is suitable, which includes:
- Three reads "Our Father";
- Thrice "Virgin Mary, rejoice ...";
- Once I "believe."
Among the main morning prayers, sung by Orthodox believers, the following should be noted.
The Prayer of the Publican
The first prayer after “Our Father” is the Prayer of the Publican, which is described in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 18, verse 13. It contains an appeal to God and the forgiveness of his mercy.
"God, be merciful to me a sinner."
After the need to bow. This prayer book explains that regardless of sins, a person can come and repent before the Lord. It is important to turn your heart and repent.
Eternal prayer
Eminent praise marks the beginning of new deeds of every day. After it, proceed to other appeals.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Clean Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to Thee, O our God, Glory to Thee. ”
Appeal to the Holy Trinity
God is one in essence, but threefold in persons: Father, Son, Holy Ghost. The prayer to the Trinity is a symbol of the faith of the one who converted. She is asked for absolution not according to merit, but to glorify the name of God. This is not about deliverance for the sake of something, but about salvation for the sake of the name of the Lord.
“Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us;
O Lord, cleanse our sins;
Master, forgive our iniquities;
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, in thy 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, both now and ever and ever and ever.
Amen".
The text is pronounced three times, and after each appeal to the Most High Almighty should be bowed.
Our Father
“Our Father” is the most famous prayer that can be read at any time of the day and day of the week. It embodies the main dogmas, praises God, demonstrates human humility and a request for heavenly patronage throughout the coming day.
“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 debts, as we forgive our debtors;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen".
After reading it is necessary to sign the cross with the sign of the cross.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the face of the Lord, which is manifested in the church and man. By turning to him, awareness, acceptance and faith in God, who is present in every living being, is manifested. Refer to the Holy Spirit with the words:
"To the Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Soul of truth, All the same everywhere and all fulfilled, Treasure of good and life to the Giver, come and move into us, and cleanse us from all filthiness, and save, Bless our souls."
Through praise, people ask for cleansing and gifting of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles.
How to pray in the morning?
Reading any prayer must comply with the rules defined by the ecclesiastical ordinances and statutes that have developed over the centuries. Choosing the text of the petition, consider:
- The source. It is recommended to choose texts from prayer books with original doxologies, described by the Saints, and in which there are no dogmatic mistakes or wrong moral principles;
- A place. It is preferable to read serious prayers in the walls of a church or temple during the morning service. Praying at home is necessary before the icons;
- The right attitude. The result of the supplication should be obedience and humility, entrusting one’s destiny and spirit to the Lord, but not vanity or egoism;
- Emotions. In the process of prayer, excessive emotionality should be avoided: tears, screams, ecstasy, tenderness to what is happening. Such states lead astray and interfere with the true feeling of righteous prayer;
- Destination. It is necessary to know to whom this or that prayer service is dedicated. Do not leave your words without a recipient. Be sure to contact the Lord, the Saints, the Virgin Mary;
- The nature of the prayer. It is important to remember that praise should not include instructions to God, you pray for help and blessings. Also, do not rejoice over other people's misfortunes or ask other people to intrigue. To begin reading the sacred texts is possible only with a pure heart;
- Meaning. Without the meaning embedded in the text of the prayer, there can be no result. Only by thinking about the essence of the petition, you can begin to pray.
The right prayer is read in the right frame of mind and with bright sincere feelings. Before this, it is recommended to be alone and quiet, to gather thoughts and tune in to the forthcoming fellowship with the Lord. Having concentrated, you can start reading, and then, remaining in a prayer position: standing or kneeling with folded palms, it is necessary to comprehend the read appeal. As a final stage, you should sign yourself with a sign of the cross.
