Orthodox Prayer Rule

From the Holy and Great Sunday of Pascha until the Saturday of Renewal Week, in place of the usual Daily Prayers, the Paschal Hours are read.

Begin your prayers by going to your icon corner without laziness. Silently light your candles (if you wish, light charcoal in your incense burner and place incense in it), and reverence the icons. Afterwards, stand in silence for a few moments until all your senses are calmed. Then 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 you, our God, glory to you.

Heavenly King, Paraclete, Spirit of Truth, present everywhere, filling all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, cleanse us from every stain, and, O Good One, save our souls.

If it is the Paschal season, the above prayer is replaced by the Apolytikion of Pascha:

Christ has risen from the dead, by death he has trampled on death, and to those in the graves given life. 3 times

Come, let us worship and fall down before the King, our God. bow
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ the King, our God. bow
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, the King, our God. bow

Then the following Thanksgiving Troparia to the Holy Trinity. In the morning:

On rising from sleep, we fall down before you, O Good One, and we cry to you with the Angels’ hymn, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy are you, O God: through the Mother of God have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

We who are on earth, imitating the Powers above, offer you, O Good one, a hymn of victory: Holy, Holy, Holy are you, O God. Through the Mother of God have mercy on us.

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Uncreated nature, maker of all things, open our lips that we may declare your praise as we cry: Holy, Holy, Holy are you, O God. Through the Mother of God have mercy on us.

But in the evening:

As I come to the end of the day, I thank you, Lord, and I ask that the evening and the night may be without sin. Grant me this, O Saviour, and save me.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As I reach the end of the day, I glorify you, Master, and I ask that the evening and the night may be without stumbling. Grant me this, O Saviour, and save me.

Both now and for ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

As I pass to the end of the day, I praise you, Holy One, and I ask that the evening and the night may be without assault. Grant me this, O Saviour, and save me.

And then:

Lord, have mercy. 12 times

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, in accordance with your great mercy. According to the multitude of your compassion blot out my offence. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my wickedness, and my sin is ever before me. Against you alone I have sinned and done what is evil in your sight, that you may be justified in your words and win when you are judged. For see, in wickedness I was conceived and in sin my mother bore me. For see, you have loved truth; you have shown me the hidden and secret things of your wisdom. You will sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be cleansed. You will wash me and I shall be made whiter than snow. You will make me hear of joy and gladness; the bones which have been humbled will rejoice. Turn away your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right Spirit within me. Do not cast me out from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Give me back the joy of your salvation, and establish me with your sovereign Spirit. I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn to you again. O God, the God of my salvation, deliver me from bloodshed and my tongue will rejoice at your justice. Lord, you will open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise. For if you had wanted a sacrifice, I would have given it. You will not take pleasure in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a humbled heart God will not despise. Do good to Sion, Lord, in your good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be rebuilt. Then you will be well pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer calves upon your altar.

If we are to take Communion, we may add, or instead say, one or all of the Psalms before Holy Communion.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, may your name be hallowed, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

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

Then the appointed Kathisma from the Psalter, followed by the appointed readings from the Lectionary. And afterwards:

The Great Doxology

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill among men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory. Lord, King, God of heaven, Father almighty: Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us; you take away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, you who sit on the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us. For you alone are holy, you alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every morning (or evening) I will bless you, and praise your name for ever and to the ages of ages. 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 have run to you for refuge; teach me to do your will for you are my God. For with you is the source of life, and in your light we shall see light. Continue your mercy towards those who know you. Grant, Lord, this day (or night) to keep us without sin. Blessed are you, Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name for evermore. Amen.

May your mercy, Lord, be upon us, as we have trusted in you. Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your statutes. Blessed are you, Master, make me understand your statutes. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me with your statutes. Lord, your mercy is for ever: Do not scorn the work of your hands. To you praise is due, to you song is due, to you glory is due, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Orthodox Creed

I believe in one God, Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages. Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made; for our sake and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man; he was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; he rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; he is coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead; and his kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with Father and Son is worshipped and together glorified; who spoke through the Prophets. In one, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Here we chant the Canon to the Virgin from the Paraklitiki or one to the Saint of the Day from the Menaion. If read privately, the Paraklesis Canon is usually read. We may recite any Canon or Akathist that's desired if the appointed one is not available, or the Canon before Holy Communion.

Salutation to the Theotokos

Virgin Mother of God, hail Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Saviour of our souls. 3 times

The Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. 3 times

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. 3 times

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

And the appointed Troparion, followed by:

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Then the Kontakion, and:

Both now and for ever and to the ages of ages.

Followed by the Theotokion, then:

Lord, have mercy. 40 times

Troparia, Kontakia and Theotokia for ordinary days and Sundays can be found here. And afterwards:

A Prayer to Christ for Every Hour

At every time and at every hour, in heaven and on earth worshipped and glorified, Christ God, long-suffering, great in mercy, great in compassion, loving the just and merciful to sinners, calling all to salvation by the promise of the blessings to come; do you, Lord, yourself accept our entreaties at this hour, and direct our lives to your commandments. Sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, correct our thoughts, cleanse our ideas and deliver us from every distress, evil, and pain. Wall us about with your holy Angels, that, protected and guided by their host, we may reach the unity of the faith and the knowledge of your unapproachable glory; for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

If we are to take Communion, we may add, or instead say, one or all of the prayers before Holy Communion.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and for ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn to the Theotokos

It is truly right to call you blessed, who gave birth to God, ever-blessed and most pure and the Mother of our God. Greater in honour than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word; truly the Mother of God, we magnify you.

But during the Paschal season, the above hymn is replaced with the following:

Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Dance now and be glad, O Sion, and you too rejoice, pure Mother of God, at the arising of him to whom you gave birth.

Lord, have mercy. 3 times

And save and help us, All-holy Virgin.

In Great Lent, on weekdays (Monday–Friday mornings and Sunday–Thursday evenings), the following prayer is added:

Prayer of St. Ephraim of Syria

Lord and Master of my life, do not give me a spirit of sloth, idle curiosity, love of power and useless chatter. prostrate
Rather accord to me, your servant, a spirit of sobriety, humility, patience and love. prostrate
Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to condemn my brother; for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. prostrate

Then say, with prostrations:

O God, cleanse me a sinner and have mercy on me. 12 times

Conclude with:

Lord and Master of my life, do not give me a spirit of sloth, idle curiosity, love of power and useless chatter. Rather accord to me, your servant, a spirit of sobriety, humility, patience and love. Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to condemn my brother; for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. prostrate

You may add specific intercessions and supplications of your own, then continue with:

Prayers to the Theotokos

Most glorious, ever-virgin, blessed Mother of God, offer our prayer to your Son and our God, and ask that through you he may save our souls.

We take refuge beneath your compassion, Mother of God: do not despise our petitions in trouble: but rescue us from dangers, only pure, only blessed one.

All-holy Lady, Mother of God, intercede for us sinners.

Prayers to the Saints

All you heavenly Powers of Angels and Archangels, intercede for us sinners.

Baptist of Christ, remember us all, that we may be delivered from our transgressions: for you have been given grace to intercede for us.

Pray for us, holy Apostles, Prophets and Martyrs, and All you Saints, that we may be delivered from dangers and afflictions: for in you we have gained fervent advocates with the Saviour.

Our Venerable, God-bearing Fathers, Shepherds and Teachers of the whole world, intercede for us sinners.

Here we may say the Apolytikion of our patron saint or the following prayer:

Prayer to the Patron Saint

Pray to God for me, O Holy (name), well-pleasing to God: for I turn to you, who are my swift helper and the intercessor for my soul.

Prayer to the Guardian Angel

O Angel of Christ, holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me everything wherein I have offended you every day of my life, and protect me from all influence and temptation of the evil one. May I nevermore anger God by any sin. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make me worthy of the grace of the All-holy Trinity, of the most-holy Mother of God, and of all the saints.

Prayer to the Holy Cross

Unconquerable, indestructible and divine power of the precious and life-giving Cross, do not abandon us sinners.

O God, cleanse us sinners.

And have mercy on us.

And these hymns of repentance:

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us; for we sinners, lacking all defence, offer you, as our Master, this supplication: have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Lord, have mercy on us, for in you we have put our trust. Do not be very angry with us, nor remember our iniquities. But look on us now, as you are compassionate, and rescue us from our enemies. For you are our God, and we are your people; we are all the work of your hands, and we have called on your name.

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Open the gate of compassion to us, blessed Mother of God; hoping in you, may we not fail. Through you may we be delivered from adversities, for you are the salvation of the Christian race.

Lord have mercy. 40 times

Prayer of St. Mardarios

God and Master, Father almighty, Lord, only begotten Son, Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit, one godhead, one power, have mercy on me a sinner; and by the judgements which you know, save me your unworthy servant; for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

If we have received Communion, we may add prayers of thanksgiving after Holy Communion. Then conclude your prayers with the following:

Prayer of Saint Ioannikios

The Father is my hope, the Son my refuge, the Holy Spirit my protection. Holy Trinity, glory to you.

Glory to you, Christ, God, our hope, glory to you.

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

Lord, have mercy. 3 times

Then in the morning, this prayer by St. Philaret of Moscow:

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 comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul and with the 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 are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will; teach me to pray; pray You Yourself in me. Amen.

But in the evening, this prayer, by the same Saint:

My Lord, I know not what I ought to ask of you. You and you alone know my needs. You love me more than I am able to love you. O Father, grant unto me, your servant, all which I cannot ask. For a cross I dare not ask, nor for consolation; I dare only to stand in your presence. My heart is open to you. You see my needs of which I myself am unaware. Behold and lift me up! In your presence I stand, awed and silenced by your will and your judgments, into which my mind cannot penetrate. To you I offer myself as a sacrifice. No other desire is mine but to fulfill your will. Teach me how to pray. Do yourself pray within me. Amen.

Hymn of St. Simeon

Now, Master, you let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel.

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

If you are retiring, include the following prayers before sleep:

Lord who fashioned me, you know well that my invisible enemies do not sleep and you know the weakness of my miserable flesh, and so I will entrust my spirit into your hands. Shelter me with the wings of your goodness, that I may not sleep unto death. Enlighten the eyes of my mind with the delight of your divine words, and rouse me at the proper time to give you glory, are you are alone are good and love mankind.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Enlighten my eyes, Christ God, that I may never sleep in death. Let my enemy never say, ‘I have prevailed against him.’

Both now and for ever and to the ages of ages.

Be the Helper of my soul, O God, for I walk in the midst of many snares. Deliver me from them and save me, for you are good and love mankind.

Lord, have mercy. 12 times

Remit, forgive, pardon, O God, our offences, willing and unwilling, in deed and in word, in knowledge and in ignorance, of the day and of the night, in mind and in thought; pardon them all, as you are good and love mankind.

This is to be said pointing at your bed:

Prayer of St. John Damascus

O Lord Jesus Christ, Lover of mankind, is this bed to be my grave, or will you shine upon my wretched soul with the light of another day? Behold the grave lies before me and death confronts me: I fear your judgment, O Lord, and the eternal torments, but still I do not cease from my evil ways, continually angering you, my Lord God, together with your immaculate Mother, all the heavenly hosts and my holy guardian angel. I know, O Lord, that I am unworthy of your love for mankind and that I deserve every condemnation and torment; but I implore you, O Lord, save me according to the abundance of your goodness; for it is no great deed if you grant salvation to the righteous, nor is it a miracle for you to have mercy on those who are pure, for they deserve your lovingkindness. But work the wonder of your mercy on me, a sinner, and thus reveal your love for mankind, that my wickedness may not prevail over your unspeakable goodness and mercy. Order my life as you will. Amen.

And when about to lie down in bed, say:

Guard me O Lord by the power of Your Holy and Life-giving Cross and protect me from all evil.

Then kiss your Cross, and make the sign of the Cross [with the Cross] from the head to the foot of the bed, and likewise from side to side, while saying the Prayer to the Precious Cross:

Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered and let those who hate Him flee before from His face. As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish: as wax which melts before the fire, so let the demons perish from the presence of those who love God and who sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross saying joyfully: Hail, most precious and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, for You drive away demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified on you. He descended into hades and trampled on the power of the devil and gave us you, His venerable Cross, to drive away all enemies. O most precious and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, together with the Holy Sovereign Lady, the Virgin Mother of God and all the Saints, help me throughout the ages. Amen.

As you give yourself up to sleep, make the sign of the Cross and say:

I shall be sheltered under the shadow of Your wings, and I shall sleep, for You alone, O Lord, have made me dwell in hope.

Into Your hands, O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I surrender my spirit. Bless me, have mercy on me, and grant me eternal life. Amen.