Morning prayers in fasting before Easter. Is it possible to read prayers in modern Russian

Miraculous words: prayer during fasting every day full description from all the sources we found.

V Great post it is customary to read different prayers, but the most important is the prayer of repentance of Saint Ephraim the Syrian. A chapter in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah is dedicated to this holiday. It describes in detail how to behave during the fast and other nuances. On these days, you can conduct various rituals, read conspiracies and prayers. People believe that all appeals to God during this period will certainly be heard.

Prayers recited during Lent

As already mentioned, the most important prayer in the days of Great Lent is considered to be a conversion from the holy Sirin. It lists the most important aspects repentance, and also indicates what exactly needs to be done and what to work on. The main idea of prayer is that a person should be free from ailment, which is an obstacle in communication with God. The prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian sounds like this:

“Lord and Master of my belly,

do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, love of command and idle talk.

But the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love, grant me to Thy servant.

grant me see my sins,

and do not condemn my brother,

as blessed art thou forever and ever, amen.

God, cleanse me, a sinner! "

To make prayer more understandable, you need to focus on the most important points that are described in it. First, a request is made to get rid of important sins:

The spirit of idleness... The saint asks God to save him from wasting his time. Everyone has certain talents and skills that must be properly applied for the benefit of all mankind. Idleness is considered the root of all sins.
Spirit of despondency... If a person is ruled by despondency, then he has no opportunity to see goodness and happiness in life. He just plunges into darkness and becomes a real pessimist. That is why, in order to move in the right direction and be closer to God, you need to get rid of this sin.
Spirit of lust... In almost every person's life there is a desire to rule people, for example, power in the family, at work, etc. Love for management can become a serious problem that prevents you from developing and communicating with God.
The spirit of praise... Man is the only creature of God who has acquired the ability to speak. Words are often used for insults, curses, etc. In prayer, the saint asks God to protect him from vain and evil words.

Fasting without prayer cannot pass. You can read the morning evening prayers or the Psalter. It is important to always add the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian.

Prayer during fasting by day

Prayer of Ephraim the Syrian

Lord and Master of my belly!

Do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, love of command and idle talk.

Grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.

She, Lord King, grant me to see my transgressions and not to condemn my brother,

as blessed art thou forever and ever. Amen.

Take yourself in prayer rule any additional texts: canons, akathists (akathists are read in private on the days of fasting), psalms, etc. (And think for yourself what you can really pick up, and do not ask your father who is always busy and in a hurry. He may approve or disapprove of your choice, but he cannot decide for you.)

necessary element of the post. Make it a rule to read the lives of the saints of this day every day.

Or all the texts of the service for that day.

You can discipline yourself by reading every morning, one chapter at a time, the Gospel (for another year - the Apostle) and meditate on what you read all day.

Forbid the wandering of thoughts on the post: read advertisements in the subway car, listen to the radio in the car, spend time watching TV at home. Let it be spiritual reading or listening to spiritual broadcasts.

Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann writes beautifully about this:

“We must understand that it is impossible to divide our life between the great-fast light sadness and the experience of a fashionable film or play. These two experiences are incompatible, and one of them finally destroys the other. However, it is very likely that the latest fashion film is more likely to overcome a light sadness; the opposite can only happen with the application special efforts... Therefore, the first Lent custom that can be proposed is the decisive cessation of listening to radio and television during Lent. In this case, we dare not suggest a perfect fast, but at least an ascetic one, which, as we have already said, first of all means a change in “diet” and abstinence. For example, there is nothing wrong with continuing to monitor the transmission of information or a serious program that enriches us spiritually and intellectually. But what should be stopped by fasting is being chained to the TV, the vegetative existence of a person chained to a screen, passively absorbing everything that is shown to him. "

Soul Watching

In general, a person must observe the soul all the time. However, this is especially true of fasting, and for this reason. Experiencing discomfort from lean abstinence, a person becomes more irritable, picky, it is more difficult for him to keep himself within limits. This can be attributed to temptations from demons. Not without temptations, of course, but the point is, first of all, that all those unhealed moods crawl out of the soul, which do not appear while we are full, not tired, satisfied ...

Therefore, from ancient times to the present, pastors strongly advise the fasting person to pay attention to their behavior, attitude towards others, etc. “Those who believe that fasting is only about abstaining from food is mistaken. True fasting is removal from evil, curbing the tongue, setting aside anger, taming lusts, stopping slander, lies and perjury ”(St. John Chrysostom).

The same saint says what a real fast should be:

“Along with bodily fasting, there must be a spiritual one ... During bodily fasting, the womb fasts from food and drink; with a spiritual fast, the soul refrains from evil thoughts, deeds and words. A true fasting person abstains from anger, rage, anger, revenge. A true fasting person refrains his tongue from idle talk, profanity, idle talk, slander, condemnation, flattery, lies and all slander ... You see, Christian, what a spiritual post? "

The Holy Fathers absolutely definitely taught that abstinence from food must be combined with the abstinence of the soul from evil. “The burden of the flesh, combined with the contrition of the spirit, will constitute a pleasant sacrifice to God and a worthy abode of holiness in the secrecy of a pure, beautified spirit” (St. John Cassian).

I will cite one more quote from the same holy father (his memory is celebrated every 4 years, on February 29), the great ascetic and ascetic:

“What is the use of abstaining from food and being defiled by fornication? You do not eat meat, but with slander you torment your brother's flesh. What profit is it not to indulge in wine, but to revel in wealth? What is the use of not eating bread and getting drunk with anger? What profit is to exhaust oneself by fasting and at the same time to curse one's neighbor? What is the use of abstaining from food and stealing someone else's? What is the need to drain the body and not feed the hungry? What is the use of exhausting members and not showing mercy to widows and orphans.

Are you fasting? In this case, avoid slander, avoid lies, backbiting, enmity, blasphemy and all fuss.

Are you fasting? Then avoid anger, jealousy, perjury, and all injustice.

Are you fasting? Avoid gluttony, which breeds all unrighteousness ...

If you fast for the sake of God, then avoid any work that God hates, and He will accept your repentance with favor. "

The holy fathers considered the sin of idle talk to be one of our bad habits that must be eradicated. Russian word to chat very accurately, although rudely, conveys the meaning of this sin - swinging, swinging the tongue from side to side. When, if not in the days of Great Lent, should we declare war on idle talk?

Saint Gregory the Theologian wrote about this a wonderful treatise "A Word to Silence During Lent":

“When, bringing the mysterious sacrifice to the human suffering of God, so that I myself would die for life, I tied the flesh for forty days, according to the laws of Christ the King, since healing is given to cleansed bodies, then, firstly, I brought the mind into unshakability, living alone, far from everyone, surrounded by a cloud of lamentation, gathering all in himself and undisturbed by thoughts, and then, following the rules of the holy men, he put the door to his mouth. The reason for this is that, refraining from every word, learn to observe the measure in words ... "

And is it not for deliverance from the sin of idle talk that we pray with the words of the Lenten prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian: “Lord and Master of my life. Do not give me the spirit of ... idle talk. "

Good deeds

Many Christians ask how they could specifically serve others. It is clear that we do not leave elderly parents and relatives without care, we try to create peace and love in our own family. But not only their… Love to to their, taking care of parents is, in general, not an achievement, it is a duty! But the Christian must go further. He must take care of other people as well.

When the Savior (in the 25th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew) speaks about the judgment of the righteous and sinners, the only criterion for justification or condemnation here is concrete help to one's neighbor:

“And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and he will separate one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; And he will put the sheep on his right hand, and the goats on his left. Then the King will say to those on His right side: Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry, and you gave Me food; thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to me.

Then the righteous will answer Him: Lord! when did we see you hungry and feed you? or thirsty, and made drunk? when did we see you a stranger and welcome you in? or naked and clothed? when did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you? And the King will answer them: Truly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.

Then he will say to those on the left side: Depart from Me, cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry, and you did not give Me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; I was a stranger and did not receive me; I was naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick and in prison, and they did not visit me.

Then they will say to Him in response: Lord! when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not serve you? Then he will answer them: Truly, I say to you, since you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me. And these will go into eternal torment, but the righteous into eternal life. "

In this regard, I would like to say a few words about concrete help to our neighbors.

The author believes that every Christian should help those in need. Whether by money, by our strength, by our spiritual compassion ... But we must help. An exception can be made for teachers and doctors. Their professional ministry, if done with honesty and dedication, is their Christian ministry. But all the rest must take and carry out the ministry of helping their neighbor. How might it look like?

I have dozens of examples of how my parishioners do this.

Help with money poor family, in which there is a sick child (cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc.).

Take an elderly or sick person from a nursing home, from a shelter to the summer cottage.

Participate in life orphanage, or a shelter.

Just help a large or needy family with money (priests always have such familiar families);

Take a group of children for a walk (circus, park) from the orphanage at least once a month ...

There are a lot of options, opportunities, you can talk to the priest of your church, he can suggest something.

The only thing but: This should be done not only during fasting, but throughout the year, throughout our entire Christian life.

To limit our labors to the time of fasting is cruel in relation to those whom we have undertaken to care for, to nourish. Remember: once we take up the cause of help, we must always carry it.

What prayers are read at home during Lent 2018

Everyone knows that the Easter fast - from February 19 to April 7, 2018 - is the strictest and longest, and there are many restrictions on food during this seven-week period.

However, many of us forget that, in addition to refusing certain foods, during fasting a person must also be cleansed spiritually, thereby, as if trying to "draw closer" to God.

There are special prayers for every day during Great Lent, which should be read to all people belonging to the number of Orthodox Christians.

What prayers are read during Great Lent is indicated in the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, where a whole section is devoted to how one should behave throughout the seven-week period.

The main prayer is considered to be the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, which promotes liberation from the so-called "illness" that prevents a person from communicating with God. This prayer sounds like this:

Lord and Master of my belly,

the spirit of idleness, despondency, lust and idle talk

The spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love,

grant me, Thy servant.

She, Lord King, grant me to see my sins,

and do not condemn my brother,

as blessed art thou forever and ever, amen.

God, cleanse me, a sinner!

Morning prayers during Great Lent remain traditional, but their reading is certainly complemented by the above prayer of Ephraim the Syrian. It can be read not only in the church, but also at home, and has a purpose - to prepare a person for confession, repentance and purification.

It is important to understand that food restrictions, as well as morning, afternoon and evening prayers during Lent have one common goal - a person must learn to manage himself, to control his own feelings and emotions.

The seven-week Passover fast is a time of peace and repentance. Every Christian believer must consciously enter fasting, observe it and correctly leave this state.

As a rule, it is quite difficult for an ignorant person to do this, therefore, having decided for the first time on such a serious step as observing Great Lent, it is better to enlist the support of church officials, who will certainly help in everything and tell you how to act correctly.

Seven Commandments of Great Lent

How can you spend Lent for the benefit of yourself and others?

Great Lent began - a time of renewal, repentance and joy. Joy is not Easter, jubilant, but quiet and imperceptible at first glance, but at the same time some kind of deep. Maybe this is because during the post you once again want to move away from all the unnecessary, superficial fuss that envelops you every weekday, and find your true self.

Lent prepares us for the triumph of celebrations - Easter. This is a real journey. This is the spring of the spirit. And this spring path should lead us to become at least a little better by the end than we were at the beginning.

What can you do to truly experience fasting?

1. Eating is simple. Before we say anything about the spiritual component of fasting, we need to pay attention to how we will eat. After all, it is the food differences that are most noticeable during fasting. Fasting is not about not eating animal food (food by itself does not make us closer to God or further from Him). Yet we are creatures of flesh and blood, and the issue of our nutrition is extremely important. General rule: you need to eat so that you feel lightness. You can burden yourself with lean food. And don't get hung up on food. It is hardly worth looking all over the Internet for gourmet recipes. lean dishes... Spend less time and attention on preparing a meal. Spend less money on food while fasting. In this regard, let us think about the question of how appropriate it is to acquire, for example, delicious seafood during the fast, which are not prohibited by the charter. By the way, for some categories of people, the definitions of indulgence in food are permissible: for patients who are engaged in hard work, pregnant and lactating women, etc. But for this it is better to consult with a confessor. If this is not possible for any reason, then take responsibility for yourself. It is also known that "it is better not to fast than to re-fast." Moderation is the golden rule.

2. Give up any addiction or attachment. Fasting is the time of our liberation. Liberation from what enslaves us. At this time, we can accomplish a small feat: give up destructive attachment. Everyone will have his own. During this time, someone completely abstains from alcohol, someone from smoking, and someone from television series. Such feats should not be demanded from others, but it is good to try it yourself.

3. Pray regularly. Fasting without prayer is not fasting at all. It is convenient for us to attribute our usual "non-prayer" to the rhythm of city life, family concerns, problems, etc. But try to free up at least 10 minutes in the morning and evening for prayer during fasting. You can read the usual morning and evening prayers or something else, for example, the Psalter, but during fasting one should add one more to these prayers - the short and capacious prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian, which sets the “tone” for these weeks.

4. Read Scripture. During Great Lent, the Church reads three Old Testament books during daily services: Genesis, the prophet Isaiah and Proverbs. There is also a pious custom to read all four Gospels on your own during fasting. It's hard to be a Christian without knowing the Scriptures. If you haven't read the entire Old and New Testament- Catch up on lost time in the coming forty days. And if you have already mastered the entire Bible, do not think that this is enough: the property of our memory is such that, unfortunately, we forget a lot. Try to read Scripture regularly, preferably every day, in a calm environment where you can focus. It will be great if, after reading, you can take some time to reflect on what you have read and think about how to relate Scripture to your life.

5. Attend worship services. Great Lent is a special time in the rhythm of church services. But you can feel it if you only come to church in the middle of the week. After all, on Saturdays and Sundays, practically the same services are performed as always. The special mood of Great Lent, what Father Alexander Schmemann called "bright sorrow", can be felt only in the quiet beauty of everyday services. Try to come to the temple at least once or twice to read the Great penitential canon St. Andrew of Crete. This canon, the longest in existence in Orthodox Church born from the depths of repentance and imbued with the hope of the paternal love of God, is recited in portions on the evening of Monday through Thursday in the first week of Lent, and then repeated in full on Wednesday evening in the fifth week. You just need to come to the liturgy at least once during the entire fast. Presanctified Gifts(it will be great if you find a temple where she is served in the evening) and take communion, having experienced this day as a time of anxious expectation of meeting with Christ. And it is extremely important to be in the temple in passionate days starting on Maundy Thursday evening. But this time is still far away, and it is better to talk about it another time.

6. Clear your mind of vanity. Is it worth turning off the TV completely, introducing a moratorium on visiting blogs, forums and social networks- everyone decides for himself. But what will really be useful is to read at least one good book spiritual content. It can be a book on the history of the Church, on the basics of doctrine, an interpretation of the Holy Scriptures, or something else. Since the market of Orthodox literature today is not always replete with “spiritually high quality” publications, it is worthwhile to approach the choice of literature very carefully. You can also read something from the world classics - this will also be useful for keeping your mind from the hustle and bustle.

7. Do what you have been planning for a long time. Determine for yourself a case that has been thought about for a long time, but has not been completed. Fasting time is a positive time. All restrictive measures (in food, entertainment, etc.) are not important in themselves, but as a means to free our time and energy for the main thing: growth in Christ. And growing in Christ is doing good. To love God, neighbor and yourself. It is worth choosing at least one such thing, from which it will be good not only for you, but also for your neighbors. Before fasting, we heard the words of Christ: "What you did to one of these little ones, you did to Me." With a little thought, you will surely discover how much you can get done in those 40 days. Packing things for the orphanage, preparing dinner for your parents, doing something useful for the home, making a birdhouse, delving into what your children live in, finally, you will surely find a lot of ideas.

Lent is the longest and strictest of all. This period is aimed not only at bodily, but also at spiritual cleansing. So that the religious tradition does not turn into an ordinary diet, turn to the Lord and the saints with prayers daily.

Lent is preparation for Easter. During this period, believers can achieve union with God and cleanse the soul from sins. Many people mistakenly think that while fasting, you just need to give up prohibited foods. However, without prayer appeals and doing godly deeds fasting is a common diet. Remember to attend church and try to devote more time to prayer than usual.

The meaning of Lent

The main meaning of Lent is not to give up meat and dairy products, but to purify the soul. That is why the church recommends refraining not only from certain foods, but also from the usual entertainment.

During the fast, it is recommended to spend less time in front of the TV or on the Internet. Entertainment programs and meaningless information only litter our lives. Free hours are best spent in a church, where you can pray and repent of your sins.

During this period, you can rethink your life, think about your purpose. While fasting, you can look into your heart and understand what you really want out of life.

Take care not only to cleanse your body, but also your soul. Let go of negative thoughts and try to let go of old grudges. Imagine that every day you have an opportunity to start life from scratch, but for this you need to say goodbye to the past.

Morning prayer during Great Lent

Orthodox believers know to begin every morning with prayer, especially during fasting. With its help, you can create a positive attitude and protect yourself from any trouble.

“Lord God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Cleanse my soul from sins, deliver me from evil thoughts. Protect me from enemies and from their atrocities. I believe in Your generosity and kindness that You give us. Glory to You, God. Amen!"

Evening prayer during Great Lent

“Lord God, the creator of all life on earth and the King of Heaven, forgive me for the sins I committed during the day in word or deed. Even in a dream, I, the servant (s) of God (s), do not lose faith in You. I believe that you will deliver me from my sins and cleanse my soul. Every day I hope for Your protection. Hear my prayer, answer my requests. Amen".

Before going to bed, do not forget to pray to your Guardian Angel:

“Guardian Angel, protector of my soul and my body. If I have sinned that day, deliver me from my sins. Do not let the Lord God be angry with me. Pray for me, servant (s) of God (s) (name), before the Lord God, ask him for the forgiveness of my sins and protect me from committing evil. Amen".

Prayer for the forgiveness of sins

During Great Lent, every believer must repent for their sins - this is an important part of spiritual cleansing. Remember to say your prayer every day.

“I, the servant (a) of God (name) (name), turn to You, Lord, and with all my heart I ask You to forgive my sins. Have mercy on me, King of Heaven, deliver me from mental anguish and self-torture. I will turn to You, Son of God. You died for our sins and you rose again to live forever. I hope for your help and ask you to bless me. Forever You are my Savior. Amen!"

The main prayer in Great Lent

The short prayer of Ephraim the Syrian is the main prayer for the period of Great Lent. It is recited on weekdays, at the end of each Lent service. With its help, you can repent, deliver your soul from sins, and also protect yourself and your loved ones from ailments and evil.

“Lord God, Master of my days. Do not let the spirit of inaction, sadness, pride come to me. Give the spirit of sanity and obedience, love and patience to me, your servant (s) (her) (name). Lord God, punish me for my sins, but do not punish my neighbor for them. Amen!"

Prayer rules and prayer words.

Today there are no people in the world who would not know the meaning of the word "prayer". For some, these are just words, but for others much more is a conversation with God, an opportunity to thank Him, ask for help or protection in righteous deeds. But do you know how to properly pray to God and the saints in different places? Today we will talk about this.

How to pray at home, in church, in front of an icon, relics, so that God hears and helps us: Orthodox church rules

Each of us at least once in our life prayed to God - maybe it was in church, or maybe the prayer was a request for help in difficult situation and was expressed in my own words. Even the most persistent and strong personalities sometimes they turn to God. And in order for this appeal to be heard, one should adhere to the Orthodox church rules, which will be discussed below.

So, the first question that worries everyone is: "What is the right way to pray at home?" You can and even need to pray at home, but there are prescribed church rules to follow:

Preparation for prayer:

Before prayer, you should wash, comb and dress in clean clothes.
Approach the icon with reverence, without swaying or waving your hands
Stand straight, lean on both legs at the same time, do not shift, do not stretch your arms and legs (stand almost at attention), prayer on your knees is allowed
It is necessary to mentally and morally tune in to prayer, drive away all distracting thoughts, focus only on what you are going to do and why

If you do not know the prayer by heart, you can read it from the prayer book.
If you have never prayed at home before, just read the "Our Father" and you can further ask / thank God in your own words for some deed
It is better to read the prayer out loud and slowly, with reverence, passing every word "through" yourself
If while reading a prayer you are distracted by some suddenly appeared thoughts, ideas or desires to do something right at this moment, you should not interrupt the prayer, try to drive away thoughts and focus on prayer
And, of course, before saying the prayer, after its completion, if it is required, then during its reading - you should definitely overshadow yourself with the sign of the cross.

Closing prayer at home:

After you pray, you can do absolutely anything - be it cooking, cleaning, or hosting.
Usually at home morning and evening prayers are read, as well as prayers before and after meals. Prayers at home and in "emergency situations" are allowed when one overcomes fear for relatives and friends or has serious ailments.
If you do not have icons at home, you can pray in front of a window overlooking the east side or in any place convenient for you, representing the image of the person to whom the prayer is addressed.

Prayer at home or in church

The next equally important question: "What is the right way to pray in church?":

There are two types of prayers in the church - collective (general) and individual (independent)
Church (general) prayers are performed simultaneously by groups of acquaintances and strangers under the guidance of a priest or priest. He reads a prayer, and everyone present listens to it attentively and repeats it mentally. It is believed that such prayers are stronger than single ones - when one is distracted, the rest will continue to pray and the distracted one can easily join it, again becoming part of the stream.
Individual (single) prayers are performed by parishioners during the absence of the service. In such cases, the worshiper chooses an icon and places a candle in front of it. Then one should read "Our Father" and a prayer to the one whose image is on the icon. Prayer aloud in full voice is not allowed in the church. You can only pray in a quiet whisper or mentally.

The church is not allowed:

Individual prayer out loud
Prayer with your back to the iconostasis
Prayer while sitting (except in cases of extreme fatigue, disability, or serious illness due to which the person cannot stand)

It is worth noting that in prayer in church, as in prayer at home, it is customary to make the sign of the cross before and after prayer. Also, when visiting a church sign of the cross takes place before entering the church and after leaving it.

Prayer before the icon. You can pray in front of the icon both at home and in the church. The main one is the rule of conversion - the prayer is pronounced to the saint in front of whose icon you are standing. This rule cannot be violated. If you do not know where the icon you need is located in the church, you can check with the ministers and nuns.

Prayers to the relics. In some churches there are relics of saints, you can venerate them on any day through special glass sarcophagi, and on major holidays it is allowed to kiss the relics themselves. In addition, it is believed that the relics of the saints are very powerful, therefore it is customary to turn to them for help in prayers.

It is no secret that few people managed to venerate the relics and read the entire prayer, because, as usual, the queue creates a huge onslaught on the one who is in front of the relics. Therefore, it is customary to do this:

First, in the church, they light a candle and pray in front of the icon of the saint, to whose relics they want to venerate
They go to attach themselves to the relics, and at the moment of the application themselves they express their request or gratitude in a few words. This is done in a whisper or mentally.

The attachment to the relics is considered one of the most ancient rituals in Christianity and carries great significance for true believers.

What are the main prayers an Orthodox Christian should know and read?

As we mentioned earlier, in prayer, a person can ask for help, give thanks for help, ask for forgiveness, or praise the Lord. It is on this principle (by appointment) that prayers are classified:

Praise prayers are prayers in which people praise God without asking for anything for themselves. Such prayers include praises
Thanksgiving prayers are prayers in which people thank God for help in business, for protection in important matters that have merged
Petition prayers are prayers in which people ask for help in worldly matters, ask for protection for themselves and loved ones, ask for a speedy recovery, etc.
Repentance prayers are prayers in which people repent for their deeds, words spoken

It is believed that each Orthodox Christian must always remember the words of 5 prayers:

"Our Father" - The Lord's Prayer
"Heavenly King" - prayer to the Holy Spirit
"Theotokos, virgin, rejoice" - prayer to the Mother of God
"It is worthy to eat" - the prayer of the Mother of God

Prayer "Our Father": words

It is believed that Jesus Christ himself read this prayer, and then passed it on to his disciples. Our Father is a “universal” prayer - it can be read in all cases. Usually home prayers, appeals to God begin with her, and they also ask for help and protection with her.

This is the first prayer that children should learn. Usually, "Our Father" is familiar from childhood, and almost everyone can play it by heart. Such a prayer can be read mentally for your protection in dangerous situations, it is also read over sick and small children so that they sleep well.

Prayer "Alive in help": words

One of the strongest prayers is "Alive in help". According to legend, King David wrote her, she is very old, and therefore strong. This is a prayer-amulet and a prayer-helper. It protects against attacks, injuries, disasters, evil spirits and its influence. In addition, it is recommended to read "Alive to help" those who go to an important cause - in long journey, for an exam, before moving to a new place.

Alive in help

It is believed that if you sew a piece of paper with the words of this prayer into the belt of your clothes (or it is better to embroider them at all on the belt), then the person who has worn such an outfit will be lucky.

Prayer "Symbol of Faith": words

Surprisingly, the Symbol of Faith prayer is actually not a prayer. This fact is recognized by the church, but still the "Symbol of Faith" is always included in the prayer book. Why?

Symbol of faith

At its core, this prayer is a collection of the dogmas of the Christian faith. They are sure to be read at evening and morning prayers and also sung as part of the Liturgy of the Faithful. In addition, while reading the Creed, Christians repeat the truth of their faith over and over again.

Prayer for Neighbors: Words

It often happens that our relatives, friends or relatives need help. In this case, you can read the Jesus Prayer for your neighbors.

In addition, if a person is baptized, you can pray for him in home prayer, pray in church and light candles for health, order health notes about him, in special cases (when a person really needs help), you can order a magpie about health.
It is customary to pray for baptized relatives, relatives and friends in the morning prayer rule, at the very end.
Please note: you cannot put candles in the church for unbaptized people, you cannot order notes and magpies about health. If unbaptized person needs help, you can pray for him in home prayer in your own words, without lighting a candle.

Prayer for the dead: words

There are events that are beyond the control of anyone. Death is one such event. She brings grief, sadness and tears to a family where a person leaves life. All those around them grieve and sincerely wish the deceased to go to Paradise. It is in such cases that prayers for the dead are used. Such prayers can be read:

At home
In the church:

Order a memorial service
Submit a note for commemoration at the liturgy
Order the magpie about the repose of the soul of the deceased

It is believed that after the death of a person, the Last Judgment awaits, at which they will ask about all his sins. The deceased himself will in no way be able to alleviate his suffering and his fate at the Last Judgment. But his relatives and friends can ask for him with prayers, give alms, order magpies. All this helps the soul to get to Paradise.

IMPORTANT: In no case should you pray, light candles for the repose of the soul and order a magpie for a person who committed suicide. In addition, it is not worth doing this for the unbaptized.

Prayer for Enemies: Words

Each of us has enemies. Whether we like it or not, there are people who envy us, who do not like us because of their faith, personal qualities or actions. What to do in such a situation and how to protect yourself from negative influences?

That's right, pick up a prayer for the enemy and read it. Usually this is enough for a person to lose interest in you and stop taking any negative actions, speaking out, etc.
There are sections in prayer books devoted to this issue. But there are times when one home prayer few

If you know that a person treats you negatively and on this basis constantly creates problems for you, then you should go to church.

In the church, you need to do the following:

Pray for the health of your enemy
Light a candle for his health
In difficult cases, you can order this person a magpie for health (but only on condition that you know for sure that the enemy is baptized)

In addition, each time praying for your enemy, ask the Lord for patience for yourself to endure it.

Family Prayer: Words

Christian believers believe that the family is an extension of the church. This is why it is customary in many families to pray together.

In houses where families pray, there is a so-called "red corner" where icons are placed. Usually a room is chosen for him, in which everyone can fit for prayer so that they can see the icons. The icons, in turn, are placed in the eastern corner of the room. As usual, the father of the family reads the prayer, the rest mentally repeat it
If there is no such corner in the house, it's okay. Family prayer can be said together before meals or after meals.

Family prayer involves all members of the family, except the youngest children. Older children are allowed to repeat the words of prayer for their father.
Family prayers are very strong amulet for the family. In such prayers, you can ask for the whole family at once or for one person. In families where it is customary to pray together, real Christians grow up who are able to pass on their faith to children.
In addition, there are cases when such prayers helped the sick to recover, and married couples, which long time it is impossible to get hold of children, to find the happiness of parenthood.

Is it possible and how to pray correctly in your own words?

As we mentioned earlier, you can pray in your own words. But that doesn't mean you just walk into a church, light a candle and ask or thank God for something. No.

There are also rules for praying in your own words:

You can pray in your own words in the morning and evening rules between prayers
Before praying in your own words, you should read "Our Father"
Prayer in your own words still provides for the sign of the cross.
They pray only in their own words for the unbaptized and people of other faith (only in cases of extreme necessity)
You can pray in your own words in home prayers and in church, while you should adhere to the rules
You cannot pray in your own words, as well as say an ordinary prayer, and at the same time ask for punishment for someone

Is it possible to read prayers in modern Russian?

Opinions differ on this point. Some clergymen say that prayers should be read only in the church language, others - that there is no difference. Usually a person turns to God in a language that he understands, asks for something that is understandable to him. Therefore, if you have not learned Our Father in the Church language or are addressing the saints in your own language, which you understand, there is nothing to worry about. It is not for nothing that they say - "God understands every language."

Can you read prayers during your period?

In the Middle Ages, girls and women were forbidden to attend church during menstruation. But the origins of this issue have their own history, which confirms the opinion of many - during your period you can pray and attend church.

Today, it is allowed to go to church and pray at home in front of icons during menstruation. But when visiting church, some restrictions still apply:

During this period, you cannot receive communion
You can not apply to the relics, icons and the altar cross, which is given by the priest
It is forbidden to use prosphora and holy water

In addition, if a girl does not feel well during this special period, it is still better to refuse to attend church.

Is it possible to read prayers electronically from a computer or phone?

Modern technologies are breaking into all spheres of life, and religion is no exception. It is possible, but not desirable, to read prayers from the screens of electronic media. If you have no other choice, you can read it once from the tablet / phone / monitor screen. After all, the main thing in prayer is not the source of the texts, but the spiritual mood. But please note that reading prayers in churches from the phone is not accepted... You may be reprimanded by ministers or nuns.

Can you read a prayer from a piece of paper?

If you are praying at home or in church and you still do not know the text of the prayer very well
If you are in church, then the "cheat sheet" should be on clean slate, you should not rustle it or wrinkle it. According to generally accepted rules, in the church it is allowed to read a prayer from a prayer book

Is it possible to read prayers on public transport?

You can pray in transport. It is advisable to do this while standing, but if it is not possible to get up (for example, the transport is full), it is allowed to read prayers while sitting.

Is it possible to read a prayer silently, in a whisper?

Prayers are read aloud on rare occasions, therefore It is considered quite normal to perform the prayer in a whisper or mentally. In addition, it is not customary even to whisper at a general (church) prayer. You listen to the prayer that the priest reads, you can mentally repeat the words, but in no case out loud. Read aloud family prayers or independent home prayers when you are praying alone.

Can you read prayers after eating?

Orthodox Christians have a good family tradition - prayers before and after meals.

Saying a prayer after a meal is permissible only if you said a prayer before eating.
There are special prayers in prayer books before and after meals. Reading them is allowed both sitting and standing.
Little children are baptized by parents during prayers. Before the end of the prayer, it is forbidden to start eating.

The ritual itself can occur in several ways:

Someone reads a prayer, the rest mentally repeat it
All together read a prayer aloud
Everyone mentally reads a prayer and is baptized

Is it possible to read prayers while sitting at home?

You can pray at home in several ways, we examined them above. According to the rules, you can only pray while standing on your feet or on your knees. In a seated position, it is allowed to pray at home in several cases:

A disability or illness that prevents a person from praying while standing. Lying patients are allowed to pray in any position that is comfortable for them.
Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
While sitting, you can pray at the table before and after meals.

Is it possible to read a prayer at home only in the morning or only in the evening?

Reading prayers in the morning and evening is called morning and evening rules. Of course, you can pray only in the evening or only in the morning, but if possible it is better to do it both in the morning and in the evening. Also, if you feel the need for prayer, but you do not have a prayer book, read Our Father 3 times.

Can a Muslim read the Lord's Prayer?

The Orthodox Church does not encourage such experiments in faith. Most often, priests answer this question with a resolute "no." But there are priests who are trying to grasp the essence of the problem - and if the need to read the prayer "Our Father" comes from the depths of the soul of a Muslim or Muslim woman, then in rare cases they give permission to read this particular prayer.

Can a prayer of detention be read to pregnant women?

Prayer for detention is considered a very powerful talisman, but at the same time, not all clergy recognize it as a prayer. Usually it is read at home in front of a lit candle.

According to most priests, pregnant women should not read this prayer. If pregnant women have a need or they are worried about the health of their baby, they are advised to read special prayers about carrying a child, about healthy child and the preservation of the child to Matushka Matrona.

Can you read several prayers in a row?

Several prayers in a row are allowed to be read in the morning and evening rule, as well as to those people who feel the need for it. If you are just taking your first steps towards God, it is better to turn to him with one prayer in full concentration than a dozen prayers with porridge in your head. It is also permissible after reading Our Father to pray in your own words, ask or thank God for protection and help.

Can lay people read the Jesus Prayer?

There is an opinion that the Jesus Prayer should not be said to the laity. The ban on the words "Lord Jesus Christ, Blue God, have mercy on me, a sinner" for the laity existed for a long time for one reason - such a prayer was addressed to God by monks, and worldly people often heard this appeal in the church language did not understand it and could not repeat it ... This is how the imaginary ban on this prayer developed. In fact, every Christian can say this prayer, it heals and clears the mind. You can repeat it 3 times in a row or using the rosary method.

Is it possible to read prayers not in front of an icon?

You can not pray in front of an icon. The church does not prohibit saying prayers at the table (prayers before and after meals), prayers for protection and intercession in critical situations, prayers for recovery and healing can also be read over the sick. Indeed, in prayer, the presence of an icon in front of the person praying is not the main thing, the main thing is the mental attitude and readiness for prayer.

Can pregnant women read a prayer for the dead?

Today it is not considered a sin for a pregnant woman to attend church. It is also not forbidden to order a magpie about the health of yourself, your relatives and friends. You can submit notes about the repose of the souls of deceased relatives.

But in most cases, priests still do not recommend that pregnant women read prayers for the dead. This is especially true for the first 40 days after the death of close relatives. In addition, pregnant women are prohibited from ordering a magpie for the repose of acquaintances or friends.

Can a prayer be read to an unbaptized person?

If an unbaptized person has a craving for Orthodoxy, he can read Orthodox prayers... In addition, in the church he will be advised to read the Gospel and think about further baptism.

Can you read prayers without a candle?

The presence of a candle when reading a prayer is desirable and pious, but its presence is not a prerequisite for prayer. Since there are moments of urgent need for prayer, and there is no candle at hand, prayer is allowed without it.

As you can see, there are rules for reading prayers, but for the most part they are optional. Remember, when pronouncing a prayer, the most important thing is not the place, and not the way, but your spiritual attitude and sincerity.

Video: How to read morning and evening prayers correctly?

Prayer of Ephraim the Syrian
Lord and Master of my belly!
Do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, love of command and idle talk.
Bow to earth
Grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Bow to earth
She, Lord King, grant me to see my transgressions and not to condemn my brother,
as blessed art thou forever and ever. Amen.
Bow to earth

God, cleanse me, a sinner.
12 times with belt bows

And once again, the whole prayer is completely with one bow to the ground at the end

Take some additional texts into your prayer rule: canons, akathists (akathists are read in private on the days of fasting), psalms, etc. (And think for yourself what you can really pick up, and do not ask your father who is always busy and in a hurry. He may approve or disapprove of your choice, but he cannot decide for you.)

necessary element of the post. Make it a rule to read the lives of the saints of this day every day.

Or all the texts of the service for that day.

You can discipline yourself every morning reading, one chapter at a time, the Gospel (for another year - the Apostle) and meditate on what you read all day.

Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann writes beautifully about this:

“We must understand that it is impossible to divide our life between the great-fast light sadness and the experience of a fashionable film or play. These two experiences are incompatible, and one of them finally destroys the other. However, it is very likely that the latest fashion film is more likely to overcome a light sadness; the opposite can only happen with great effort. Therefore, the first Lent custom that can be proposed is the decisive cessation of listening to radio and television during Lent. In this case, we dare not suggest a perfect fast, but at least an ascetic one, which, as we have already said, first of all means a change in “diet” and abstinence. For example, there is nothing wrong with continuing to monitor the transmission of information or a serious program that enriches us spiritually and intellectually. But what should be stopped by fasting is being chained to the TV, the vegetative existence of a person chained to a screen, passively absorbing everything that is shown to him. "

Soul Watching

The same saint says what a real fast should be:

I will cite one more quote from the same holy father (his memory is celebrated every 4 years, on February 29), the great ascetic and ascetic:

Are you fasting? In this case, avoid slander, avoid lies, backbiting, enmity, blasphemy and all fuss.

Are you fasting? Then avoid anger, jealousy, perjury, and all injustice.

Are you fasting? Avoid gluttony, which breeds all unrighteousness ...

If you fast for the sake of God, then avoid any work that God hates, and He will accept your repentance with favor. "

Saint Gregory the Theologian wrote about this a wonderful treatise "A Word to Silence During Lent":

Good deeds

In this regard, I would like to say a few words about concrete help to our neighbors.

I have dozens of examples of how my parishioners do this.

Help a poor family with a sick child (cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc.) with money.

Take an elderly or sick person from a nursing home, from a shelter to the summer cottage.

Participate in the life of an orphanage or shelter.

Just help a large or needy family with money (priests always have such familiar families);

Take a group of children for a walk (circus, park) from the orphanage at least once a month ...

There are a lot of options, opportunities, you can talk to the priest of your church, he can suggest something.

The only thing but: This should be done not only during fasting, but throughout the year, throughout our entire Christian life.

To limit our labors to the time of fasting is cruel in relation to those whom we have undertaken to care for, to nourish. Remember: once we have taken up the cause of help, we must always carry it.

Our Easter is Christ, and when approaching Him, it makes sense to read pre-Christian books, advises Sergey Komarov.

Great Lent is approaching - the school of the spiritual life of a Christian. The time of the holy Forty-days differs from other days of the church year primarily in the divine service. One of characteristic features of the Great Lent liturgical ustav is an intensive reading of the Old Testament books. Thus, the Psalter of David is read twice in a week. Genesis, Proverbs, and the Book of Isaiah must be fully read during Lent. Why are these books chosen? First of all Special attention to them is associated with the ancient practice of preparing catechumens for baptism in Holy Saturday... The Book of Genesis is important for those preparing for the Sacrament, since it describes the creation of Adam and his fall - that is, the beginning of the spiritual history of mankind. Proverbs educated morally, the book of Isaiah introduced the messianic prophecies.

Today we do not have the institution of the catechumens, we are all baptized, and someone might think that this side of the charter is a kind of church rudiment and a place for it in historical reference books. But no. The study of the Old Testament books during Great Lent has a much broader meaning than the teaching of the catechumens.

The fact is that both the catechumens preparing to be baptized and the baptized one awaiting Passover have a similar inner attitude. In both cases, the soul makes a difficult journey to a new birth in the Spirit. For the catechuchman, this will be the Sacrament of Baptism, and for the one who is already baptized, it will be Easter night, which renews the soul. Every soul on the path to a new life needs strengthening and guidance. This is what the Church gives in the rich meal of the word of God, consisting in the statutory readings of the Forty-day.
Opening ancient books, we are immersed in pre-Christian history, which helps us to understand the Old Testament yearning of the Jews for the Messiah. By not serving the Liturgy on weekdays of Great Lent, we seem to deprive ourselves of Christ for a while - in order to feel what it means to wait for the Redeemer, but not yet have Him. Like the Israelite people walking through the wilderness to the Promised Land, we make our journey for Easter. Our Easter is Christ (see 1 Cor. 5: 7), and when approaching Him, it makes sense to read pre-Christian books.

The statutory readings of Great Lent testify against the very widespread opinion that Old Testament books are unnecessary. The Church commands us to read them before Easter, wishing to tell us: not knowing Old Testament we will understand little about Christ.

I once heard an interesting thought from one of the modern preachers. The New Testament texts open with the genealogy of Jesus Christ - a long list of Old Testament names. Essentially, the New Testament starts with the Old, doesn't it? Let's remember that the Gospel of Matthew was written for the Jews and has many references to the Old Testament texts. There are more than 130 quotes from the Hebrew Bible alone by the Apostle Matthew (1).

Further in the New Testament text, quotations from the Pentateuch, the Prophets and the Scriptures (constituent parts of the Hebrew canon) increase with greater or lesser intensity and culminate in the Epistles of the Council. Then there is a slight decline (in those Epistles of Paul, which are addressed mainly to linguistic Christians), then again an increase in attention to the Hebrew Bible, culminating in the Epistle to the Hebrews. The Apocalypse is an almost continuous allusion to Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel and other books of Moses and the prophets.

What conclusion can be drawn? As much as the Old Testament texts were relevant for the first Christians who investigated the truth of Christ as Messiah and Savior precisely according to Scripture, just as these books will be important for Christians who will see with their own eyes the final fulfillment of everything written. The closer the world comes to the Second Coming, the more interesting Christians should be in pre-Christian biblical books. In them, in prophetic language, events are described in which we can all become participants.

If a person does not love the Old Testament, then he does not know the New. First, because these texts are interconnected. Secondly: if he knew, then exhaustive apostolic testimonies about the old books of the Bible would not have passed his attention.

For example, Paul writes to his beloved disciple Timothy: “You know from childhood scriptures who can make you wise for salvation by faith in Christ Jesus ”(2 Tim. 3:15). As it is interestingly said: the Old Testament Scriptures "make wise for salvation," moreover, "by faith in Christ Jesus." We are saved by faith in Christ Jesus, but we contrive from the Scriptures (the Old Testament, of course, because in Timothy's childhood neither Matthew, nor Luke, nor Mark, nor John, nor Paul wrote anything yet). Great thought.

To the same Timothy the apostle says: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). We have before us a testimony of the inspiration and general benefit of the Old Testament books. They are as important to us as the Four Gospels, and Acts, and the Epistles to the Council, and the letters of Paul, and the Apocalypse. Each Book has its own place, role, purpose.

“We have the surest prophetic word; and you do well that you turn to him as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts ”- wrote the apostle Peter to the churches of Asia Minor (2 Pet. 1:19). So, the prophetic word is "sure", and to refer to it means "to do well." Opening prophetic books means lighting a lamp in a dark place.

So, here is a soulful occupation that should become one of the main ones in the coming days of Great Lent: look for the image of Christ in the Old Testament books; miss the Savior and call on Him to come to us Himself and renew our souls on the holy Easter night. The realization of this simple thought will help us rise one more step in the ladder of our churching.

Sergey Komarov

Notes:

1. Archpriest Alexander Sorokin. Christ and the Church in the New Testament. The Gospel of Matthew // El. resource: http://predanie.ru/lib/book/67523/

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