Every Orthodox knows a regular prayer rule, including reading prayers in the morning and evening. Morning prayers are an invariable ritual of believers that helps to direct the soul before a difficult day, protect from temptations, and give strength. They are necessary along with public prayers. In the article we will tell you 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 tested by centuries of experience in church practice and the monastic way of life. It was believed that in the morning a person turns to God for guidance, asks to be directed, calls for help in future affairs and prays for favor.
Prayers to the morning prayer rule include:
- after a night's sleep;
- at the beginning of the day.
These include 24 prayers, which are certainly read in order. This allows you to tune in the proper tone in communication with the Lord, give strength for the whole day and tune the soul. However, in the modern world, there is not enough time to read each prayer, so some are limited to 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 secretly-performing prayers that are offered only by bishops and clergy.
As a morning prayer for beginners, the Seraphim rule, which includes:
- Three readings "Our Father";
- Three times, “Virgin Mary, rejoice ...”;
- Once I believe.
Among the main morning prayers sung by Orthodox believers, the following should be noted.
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 you definitely need to bow. This prayer explains that regardless of sins, a person can come and repent before the Lord. It is important to turn your heart and repent.
Preliminary prayer
Preliminaries of praise mark the beginning of new deeds of every day. After it proceed to other appeals.
“Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, prayers for Thy Most Holy Mater and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to you, our God, glory to you. "
Appeal to the Holy Trinity
God is one in essence, but threefold in persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. The prayer given to the Trinity is a symbol of the faith of the convert. With her they ask for absolution not according to their deserts, but to glorify the name of God. It is not about deliverance for the sake of something, but about salvation for the name of the Lord.
“Holy Trinity, have mercy on us;
Lord, cleanse our sins;
Lord, forgive our lawlessness;
Saint, visit and heal our weaknesses, in thy name's sake.
Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and forever and ever.
Amen".
The text is pronounced three times, and after each appeal to the members of the Almighty, one should bow.
Our Father
“Our Father” is the most famous prayer that can be read at any time of the day or day of the week. It contains the basic tenets, praises God, demonstrates human humility and a request for heavenly protection over the coming day.
“Our Father who is in heaven! Hallowed be thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;
Give us our daily bread today;
and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors;
and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen".
After reading it is necessary to overshadow yourself with a sign of the Cross three times.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the face of the Lord, which is manifested in the church and man. With appeal to him, awareness, acceptance and faith in God, present in every living being, are manifested. The Holy Spirit should be addressed with the words:
"To the King of Heaven, to the Comforter, to the Soul of Truth, Even this whole and to fulfill, Treasure of the good and life to the Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, Better, our soul."
Through praise, people ask for cleansing and granting wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and miracles.
How to pray in the morning?
The recitation of any prayer must comply with the rules defined by church mandates and charters that have evolved over the centuries. When choosing a petition text, consider:
- The source. It is recommended to choose texts from prayer books with original hymns described by the Saints, and in which there are no dogmatic errors or incorrect moral attitudes;
- A place. It is preferable to read serious prayers in the walls of a church or temple during the morning service. You need to pray at home in front of the icons;
- The right attitude. The result of the prayer should be obedience and humility, the entrustment of our fate and spirit to the Lord, but not vanity or selfishness;
- Emotions In the process of litigation, excessive emotionality should be avoided: tears, screams, ecstasy, and tenderness for what is happening. Such states lead one astray and interfere with the true feeling of righteous prayer;
- Destination. You need to know to whom this or that prayer is dedicated. Do not leave your words without a recipient. Be sure to contact the Lord, Saints, the Virgin;
- The nature of the prayer. It is important to remember that praise should not include instructions to God; you pray for help and blessing. Also, do not be happy for other people's troubles or ask other people to intrigue. To start 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. Just thinking about the essence of the petition, you can begin to pray.
Right prayer is recited in the right mood and with bright sincere feelings. Before this, it is recommended to be alone and in silence in order to gather your thoughts and tune in your upcoming fellowship with the Lord. Having concentrated, you can start reading, and then, remaining in a prayer position: standing or on your knees with folded hands, it is necessary to comprehend the read address. As a final step, you should overshadow yourself with a sign of the Cross.
