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    • Prayer rule- 1) daily morning and evening that Christians perform (recommended texts can be found in); 2) regulated reading of these prayers.

    The rule can be general - obligatory for all or individual, selected for the believer, taking into account his spiritual state, strength and employment.

    Consists of morning and evening prayers, which are performed daily. This vital rhythm is necessary, because otherwise the soul easily falls out of the life of prayer, as if waking up only from time to time. In prayer, as in any great and difficult task, one "inspiration", "mood" and improvisation is not enough.

    Reading prayers connects a person with their creators: psalmists and ascetics. This helps to find a spiritual mood akin to their burning heart. In praying in other people's words, our example is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. His prayer exclamations during the suffering on the Cross are lines from ().

    There are three basic prayer rules:
    1) The complete prayer rule, which is printed in "";

    2) Brief prayer rule. Laity sometimes have situations when there is little time and energy left for prayer, and in this case it is better to read with attention and reverence short rule than hurriedly and superficially, without a prayerful attitude - the entire rule laid down. The holy fathers teach to treat their prayer rule with reason, on the one hand, not giving indulgences to their passions, laziness, self-pity and others that can destroy a correct spiritual dispensation, and on the other hand, to learn to shorten or even slightly change the rule without temptation and embarrassment when there is a real need for it.

    in the morning : “King of Heaven”, Trisagion, “”, “Virgin Mother of God”, “Rising from sleep”, “God have mercy on me”, “”, “God, cleanse me”, “To You, Vladyka”, “Holy Angel”, “ Holy Lady”, invocation of saints, prayer for the living and the dead;
    In the evening : “King of Heaven”, Trisagion, “Our Father”, “Have mercy on us, Lord”, “Eternal God”, “Good King”, “Angel of Christ”, from “Choose Governor” to “It is worthy to eat”;

    Morning and evening rules– this is just a necessary spiritual hygiene. We are commanded to pray without ceasing (see). The holy fathers said: if you churn milk, you will get butter, and in prayer, it turns from quantity into quality.

    “In order for a rule to become not an obstacle, but a real mover of a person to God, it is necessary that it be in proportion to his spiritual strength, correspond to his spiritual age and state of mind. Many people, not wanting to burden themselves, consciously choose prayer rules that are too light, which because of this become formal and do not bear fruit. But sometimes a great rule, chosen out of unreasonable jealousy, also becomes a shackle, plunging into despondency and preventing one from growing spiritually.
    The rule is not a frozen form, during the course of life it must necessarily change both qualitatively and externally.

    Prayers for a dream to come or Evening Prayers - the final part of the regular prayer rule of an Orthodox Christian - prayers read daily in the evening.

    Why do you need to read prayers for a dream to come

    Probably every believer asked himself the question: do I need to pray before going to bed? It seems to have read morning prayers, lived the day without shocks and okay. Why read more evening prayers, after which - only a dream and nothing more.

    If you have been asked such a question, then read the following words of St. Ignatius Brianchaninov: “A brief sedation by sleep during the night is an image of a long sleep in the darkness of the grave. And they remember our prayers for sleep in the future, our transmigration to eternity, they survey all our activities during the day, they teach us to bring confession to God of our sins and repentance for them. Even two short lines are enough to understand: the significance of evening prayers is very great and should not be omitted in any case.

    It is customary for them to thank the Lord for the day they have lived and to confess for the sins they have committed. Together with morning prayers and prayers during the day, evening prayers serve as food for the soul, which, like our body, needs constant care. As the Monk Abba Isaiah wrote: “Do not leave the rule of prayer, so as not to fall into the hands of your enemies. Follow your prayer rule carefully. Beware! don't let yourself neglect it. From the careful execution of the rule, the soul is enlightened and strengthened.

    Evening prayer rule

    The evening prayer rule can be complete or short. The first is intended for monks as well as spiritually experienced laymen and is published in " Orthodox prayer book". It requires the knowledge of all the prayers by heart and a special mental attitude, therefore, for people who are just starting to practice reading evening prayers, it is quite difficult: it is better for them to read the short rule first.

    There are two versions of the short prayer rule.

    The first option includes reading such prayers as “O Heavenly King”, the Trisagion, “Our Father”, “Have mercy on us, Lord”, “Eternal God”, “Good King”, “Angel of Christ”, from “Choose Voivode” to “Worthy is ”and is intended for those rare cases when it is difficult for a believer, either due to physical or spiritual weakness, or due to other reasons (for example, in the case of especially responsible shifts and duties, guards, active hostilities), it is difficult to read the full rule.

    The second option, also the prayer rule of St. Seraphim of Sarov, involves reading “Our Father” and “Virgin Mother of God” three times a day, and once the “Symbol of Faith”. It is not recommended for regular reading; is intended only for those exceptional days and circumstances when a person is extremely tired or very limited in time.

    It is undesirable to completely omit the reading of evening prayers, as well as to read them without due attention, “formally”. It is better to read selectively only a part of them, but sincerely and with zeal, than to quickly chatter and rumble into bed: there will definitely not be any benefit from such “reading”. In case of doubt, you should turn to your confessor; it is highly undesirable to rewrite the evening prayer rule yourself.

    Read prayers for the coming dream

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

    Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

    Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of Truth, Who is everywhere and fills everything, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed, our souls.

    Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)

    Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Lord, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name's sake.

    Lord have mercy. (Three times)

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

    Our Father, Who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread today; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

    Troparion penitential, tone 6

    Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us; bewildering any answer, we offer this prayer as the Lord of sin: have mercy on us.

    Lord, have mercy on us, we put our trust in Thee; do not be angry with us, remember our iniquities below, but look now as if you are merciful, and deliver us from our enemies; Thou art our God, and we are Thy people, all works by Thy hand, and we call on Thy name.

    And now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

    Open the doors of mercy to us, blessed Mother of God, who hope in Thee, let us not perish, but let us be delivered from troubles by Thee: Thou art the salvation of the Christian race.

    Lord have mercy. (12 times)

    Prayer 1, Saint Macarius the Great, to God the Father

    Eternal God and the King of every creature, having vouchsafed me to sing even at this hour, forgive me the sins that I have done in this day by deed, word and thought, and cleanse, Lord, my humble soul from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. And give me, Lord, in this night's sleep to pass away in peace, but having risen from my humble bed, I will please your most holy name, all the days of my stomach, and I will stop the enemies of the flesh and fleshless who fight me. And deliver me, O Lord, from vain thoughts that defile me, and from evil lusts. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

    Prayer 2, Saint Antiochus, to our Lord Jesus Christ

    Almighty, Word of the Father, perfect Himself, Jesus Christ, for the sake of Thy mercy, never leave me, Thy servant, but always rest in me. Jesus, good Shepherd of Your sheep, do not betray me to sedition of the serpent, and do not leave me the desire of Satan, for there is a seed of aphids in me. You are, O Lord, worshiped God, Holy King, Jesus Christ, while sleeping, save me with a flickering light, by Your Holy Spirit, Who sanctified Your disciples. Give, Lord, to me, Your unworthy servant, Your salvation on my bed: enlighten my mind with the light of the mind of Your holy Gospel, soul with the love of Your Cross, heart with the purity of Your word, my body with Your impassive passion, save my thought with Your humility, and raise up me in time like Your praise. As if you were glorified with Your Father without beginning and with the Most Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

    Prayer 3, to the Holy Spirit

    Lord, the King of Heaven, the Comforter, the Soul of truth, have mercy and have mercy on me, Your sinful servant, and let me go unworthy, and forgive all, the fir tree has sinned today like a man, moreover, not like a man, but also more woeful than cattle, my free sins and involuntary, led and unknown: even from youth and science are evil, and even from impudence and despondency. If I swear by Your name, or blaspheme in my thoughts; or whom I reproach; or I slandered whom with my anger, or grieved, or about what I became angry; or lied, or was worthless, or came to me poor, and despised him; or my brother grieved, or married, or whom I condemned; or you become proud, or you become proud, or you become angry; or standing by me in prayer, my mind moving about the wickedness of this world, or the corruption of thoughts; or overeat, or drunk, or laughing madly; or a crafty thought, or seeing a strange kindness, and by that wounded by the heart; or unlike the verbs, or the sin of my brother laughed, but my essence is countless sins; or about prayer, not radih, or otherwise that crafty deeds, I don’t remember, that’s all and more than these deeds. Have mercy on me, my Creator, my Lord, a sad and unworthy servant of Yours, and leave me, and let go, and forgive me, as a Good and Humanitarian, but I will lie down in peace, sleep and rest, prodigal, sinful and accursed az, and I will worship and sing And I will glorify Your honorable name, with the Father and His Only Begotten Son, now and forever and forever. Amen.

    Prayer 4, Saint Macarius the Great

    What will I bring to Thee, or what will I repay Thee, the most gifted Immortal King, the generous and philanthropic Lord, as if lazy to me for Your pleasure, and doing nothing good, did You bring to the end of this past day, the conversion and salvation of my soul building? Be merciful to me, be a sinner and naked of every good deed, raise up my fallen soul, defiled in immeasurable sins, and take away from me all the evil thought of this visible life. Forgive my sins, O only Sinless One, even though I have sinned on this day, in knowledge and ignorance, in word and deed, and thought, and all my feelings. You yourself, covering, save me from every opposing situation with your divine power, and indescribable philanthropy, and strength. Cleanse, O God, cleanse the multitude of my sins. Delight, Lord, deliver me from the snares of the evil one, and save my passionate soul, and fall on me with the light of Your face, when You come in glory, and now sleep uncondemned, create sleep, and without dreaming, and undisturbed, keep the thought of Your servant, and all Satan's work reject me, and enlighten with me the reasonable eyes of the heart, so that I will not fall asleep in death. And send me an angel of peace, a guardian and mentor of my soul and body, may he deliver me from my enemies; so that, having risen from my bed, I will bring you prayers of thanksgiving. Hey, Lord, hear me, a sinful and wretched servant of Yours, with pleasure and conscience; grant me that I have risen to learn your words, and demonic despondency is far from me driven away to be created by your angels; May I bless Your holy name, and glorify and glorify the Most Pure Theotokos Mary, You have given us sinners intercession, and accept this one who prays for us; we know, as if imitating Your philanthropy, and praying does not stop. Toya intercession, and the sign of the Holy Cross, and for the sake of all Your saints, keep my poor soul, Jesus Christ our God, for Thou art Holy, and glorified forever. Amen.

    Prayer 5th

    Lord our God, if I have sinned in these days in word, deed and thought, forgive me as Good and Lover of mankind. Peaceful sleep and serene grant me. Send your guardian angel, covering and keeping me from all evil, as if you are the guardian of our souls and our bodies, and we send glory to you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.

    Prayer 6th

    Lord our God, in Worthless faith, and His name more than any name we call, give us, departing to sleep, weaken the soul and body, and keep us from every dream, except for dark sweetness; set the striving of passions, quench the kindling of the uprising of the body. Give us a chaste life of deeds and words; Yes, a virtuous residence is receptive, the promised ones will not fall away from Your good ones, for blessed are You forever. Amen.

    Prayer 7, St. John Chrysostom (24 prayers, according to the number of hours of the day and night)

    Lord, do not deprive me of Your heavenly blessings.

    Lord, deliver me eternal torment.

    Lord, whether in mind or thought, in word or deed, I have sinned, forgive me.

    Lord, deliver me from all ignorance and oblivion, and cowardice, and petrified insensitivity.

    Lord, deliver me from every temptation.

    Lord, enlighten my heart, darken the evil lust.

    Lord, if a man has sinned, You, like God, are generous, have mercy on me, seeing the weakness of my soul.

    Lord, send Thy grace to help me, may I glorify Thy holy name.

    Lord Jesus Christ, write me Thy servant in the book of animals and grant me a good end.

    Lord, my God, if I have done nothing good before You, but grant me, by Your grace, to lay a good beginning.

    Lord, sprinkle in my heart the dew of Thy grace.

    Lord of heaven and earth, remember me Thy sinful servant, cold and unclean, in Thy Kingdom. Amen.

    Lord, receive me in repentance.

    Lord, don't leave me.

    Lord, do not lead me into misfortune.

    Lord, give me a good thought.

    Lord, give me tears and the memory of death, and tenderness.

    Lord, give me the thought of confessing my sins.

    Lord, give me humility, chastity and obedience.

    Lord, give me patience, generosity and meekness.

    Lord, instill in me the root of the good, your fear in my heart.

    Lord, grant me to love Thee with all my soul and thoughts, and to do Thy will in everything.

    Lord, cover me from certain people, and demons, and passions, and from all other unsimilar things.

    Lord, weigh, as you do, as you will, may your will be done in me a sinner, as if you are blessed forever. Amen.

    Prayer 8, to our Lord Jesus Christ

    Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for the sake of Your most honest Mother, and Your bodiless Angels, the Prophet and Forerunner and Your Baptist, the apostles of God, the bright and victorious martyrs, the reverend and God-bearing father, and all the saints with prayers, deliver me from the present demonic condition. Hey, my Lord and Creator, do not want the death of a sinner, but as if to turn and live to be him, give me the conversion of the accursed and unworthy; deliver me from the mouth of the destructive serpent that gapes, devour me and bring me down to hell alive. Hey, my Lord, my consolation, Even for the sake of the accursed in corruptible flesh, throw me out of wretchedness, and give consolation to my wretched soul. Plant in my heart to do Thy commandments, and leave evil deeds, and receive Thy blessedness: in Thee, O Lord, trust, save me.

    Prayer 9, to the Most Holy Theotokos, Peter the Studio

    To Thee, the Most Pure Mother of God, as a cursed one, I pray: weigh, Queen, as if I sin without ceasing and anger Your Son and my God, and many times I repent, I find lies before God, and I repent trembling: will the Lord really strike me, and by the hour I will create ; lead this, my mistress, the Lady Theotokos, I pray, have mercy, yes strengthen, and do good work and grant me. Vesi bo, my Lady Mother of God, as if by no means an imam in hatred of my evil deeds, and with all my thought I love the law of my God; but we do not know, the Most Pure Lady, from where I hate it, I love it, but I transgress the good. Do not allow, Most Pure, my will to be done, it is not pleasing, but may the will of Your Son and my God be done: may it save me, and enlighten me, and give me the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that from now on I would stop foul deeds, and the rest would live in command Your Son, to Him befits all glory, honor and power, with His Beginningless Father, and His Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

    Prayer 10, to the Most Holy Theotokos

    Good Tsar, good Mother, Most Pure and Blessed Mother of God Mary, pour out the mercy of Your Son and our God on my passionate soul and with Your prayers instruct me in good deeds, so that the rest of my life will pass without a blemish and I will find paradise with You, Virgin Mother of God, one Pure and Blessed.

    Prayer 11, to the holy guardian angel

    Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all, the fir-tree of sinning in this day, and deliver me from every wickedness of the enemy, but in no sin will I anger my God; but pray for me a sinful and unworthy slave, as if I were worthy, show the goodness and mercy of the All-Holy Trinity and the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints. Amen.

    Kontakion to the Theotokos

    The chosen Voivode is victorious, as if having got rid of the evil ones, gratefully we will write down Ti Thy servants, the Mother of God, but as if having an invincible power, from all troubles of freedom, let us call Ty; Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.

    Glorious Ever-Virgin Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Your Son and our God, may our souls be saved by You.

    I put all my hope in You, Mother of God, keep me under Your shelter.

    Virgin Mother of God, do not despise me, a sinner, requiring Your help and Your intercession, my soul trusts in You, and have mercy on me.

    Prayer of St. Joannicius

    My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my protection is the Holy Spirit: Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.

    It is worthy to eat as truly blessed Thee, the Mother of God, the Blessed and Immaculate and Mother of our God. The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, without the corruption of God the Word, who gave birth to the real Mother of God, we magnify Thee.

    Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

    Lord have mercy. (Three times)

    Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

    Prayer of Saint John of Damascus

    Lover of mankind, will this coffin be for me, or will you enlighten my wretched soul in the daytime? Seven coffin is before me, seven death is coming. I am afraid of Your judgment, Lord, and endless torment, but I do not stop doing evil: I will always anger the Lord my God, and Your Most Pure Mother, and all the heavenly powers, and my holy guardian angel. We know, O Lord, that I am not worthy of Thy love for mankind, but I am worthy of all condemnation and torment. But, Lord, either I want it or I don't want it, save me. If you save the righteous, you are nothing great; and if you have mercy on the pure, it is nothing marvelous: for the essence of Thy mercy is worthy. But on me, a sinner, surprise Thy mercy: in this, show Thy philanthropy, so that my malice will not overcome Thy inexpressible goodness and mercy: and if you wish, arrange a thing for me.

    Troparion, voice 2

    Enlighten my eyes, O Christ God, lest I fall asleep into death, lest my enemy say: Be strong against him.

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

    Be the intercessor of my soul, O God, as I walk in the midst of many nets; Deliver me from them and save me, Blessed One, like a Lover of mankind.

    And now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

    glorious Mother of God, and the holy Angel of the Most Holy, silently sing with heart and mouth, confessing this Mother of God, as if she truly gave birth to God incarnate to us, and praying unceasingly for our souls.

    Mark yourself with the cross and say a prayer to the Holy Cross:

    Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee from His presence. As the smoke disappears, let them disappear; like wax melts from the face of fire, so let the demons perish from the face loving God and signing the sign of the cross, and saying with joy: Rejoice, Most Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, drive away the demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, crucified on you, who descended into hell and corrected the power of the devil, and gave us His Honest Cross to drive away any adversary. O Most Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord! Help me with the Holy Lady Virgin Mother of God and with all the saints forever. Amen.

    Or briefly:

    Protect me, Lord, by the power of Your Honorable and Life-Giving Cross, and save me from all evil.

    Prayer

    Weaken, leave, forgive, God, our sins, free and involuntary, even in word and in deed, even in knowledge and not in knowledge, even in days and nights, even in mind and in thought: forgive us all, as Good and Humanitarian.

    Prayer

    Forgive those who hate and offend us, Lord, Lover of mankind. Bless those who do good. Grant to our brethren and relatives even for the salvation of petitions and eternal life. In the infirmities of the being, visit and grant healing. Izhe govern the sea. Travel travel. Orthodox Christian fight. Grant forgiveness to those who serve and pardon us of sins. Those who have commanded us unworthy to pray for them, have mercy according to Your great mercy. Remember, Lord, before our departed father and brothers, and give them rest, where the light of Thy face dwells. Remember, Lord, our captive brothers and deliver me from every situation. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good in Your holy churches, and grant them even salvation, petitions and eternal life. Remember, Lord, also us, the humble and sinful and unworthy servants of Thy, and enlighten our minds with the light of Thy mind, and guide us on the path of Thy commandments, with the prayers of our Most Pure Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and all Thy saints: blessed be Thou forever and ever . Amen.

    Confession of sins everyday

    I confess to you the Lord my God and Creator, in Holy Trinity To the one, glorified and worshiped, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, all my sins, even if I have done all the days of my stomach, and for every hour, and now, and in the past days and nights, deed, word, thought, obsession, drunkenness, secret eating, idle talk, despondency, laziness, slander, disobedience, slander, condemnation, negligence, pride, acquisitiveness, theft, ill-spokenness, foul profit, mischief, jealousy, envy, anger, remembrance, malice, hatred, covetousness and all my feelings: sight, hearing, smelling, tasting, touching and my other sins, spiritual and bodily together, in the image of you my God and the Creator of anger, and my neighbor untrue: regretting these, I present myself guilty to you, my God, and I have the will to repent: just, Lord God my, help me, with tears I humbly pray to Thee: forgive me, who has passed my sins by Thy mercy, and resolve from all these, even I have spoken before Thee, as Good and Humanitarian.

    When you go to sleep, say:

    In Your hands, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I commit my spirit: You bless me, You have mercy on me and grant me eternal life. Amen.

    Prayer for sleep

    And give us, Lord, for the coming sleep, peace of body and soul, and save us from the dark sleep of sin, and all dark and nocturnal voluptuousness. Calm down the desire of passions, and extinguish the kindled arrows of the evil one, even flatteringly moved at us. Satisfy the flesh of our uprisings, and make room for all our earthly and material wisdom. And grant us, O God, a cheerful mind, a chaste thought, a sober heart, an easy sleep, and every satanic dream changed. Raise us up at the time of prayer, we are established in Your commandments, and the memory of Your judgments is strong in ourselves. Grant us all-night praise, in a hedgehog to sing and bless and glorify Your most honorable and magnificent name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever and ever. Amen.

    It is read separately from evening prayers, for example, before midday sleep.

    Listen to evening prayers

    Most things happen in life different situations and sometimes there is no time at all for reading the evening prayer rule, even a short one. In such cases, instead of reading personal evening prayers, it is allowed to listen to them in a recording.

    If you sometimes do not have an Internet connection, then download the recording to your phone or player so that it is always at hand.

    Download evening prayers performed by Abbot Flavian (Matveev). Recording duration 29:43.

    The formation of the evening prayer rule

    In the form known to us, the evening prayer rule was formed rather late: apparently only in the 18th century, as evidenced by Feofan Govorov and Ignatiy Brianchaninov. Up to this point, the composition of the evening prayers was noticeably more meager (they can be found in the Old Believer publications) and, in fact, was a greatly reduced Compline. In ancient times, separate evening prayers did not exist at all: in the first centuries Christian history there was only a common conciliar prayer, which was supplemented by personal petitions.

    The beginning of the formation of the prayer rule dates back to the 12th century, when Bishop Cyril of Turov, nicknamed by his descendants "Chrysostom, who shone more than anyone else in Rus'", created a cycle of 21 prayers for the whole week: one after each Vespers, Matins and Hours. And although it was intended for distribution in monasteries, it quickly became popular: the cycle is known from many lists of Old Russian and South Slavic origin of the 13th and subsequent centuries, and was repeatedly included in prayer books. late XVI century and 17th centuries.

    It still remains unclear when the prayer rule for monks, created by Cyril of Turovsky, was transformed into a cell rule for the laity. According to the testimony of St. Athanasius Sakharov, already in the XIII-XIV centuries. In Rus', the practice of independent performance of liturgical services by the laity became widespread, and Compline and Midnight Office began to be perceived as private prayers in the evening and in the morning.

    In 1522, Francis Skaryna prepared and published the Small Book of Travelers - a Psalter with a follow-up, in which the author included two of his akathists with nominal acrostics. Later it became the basis for many Akathist books of the 16th-17th centuries, which, in addition to following the usual services of the daily cycle, began to include morning and evening prayers for cell reading (abbreviated Compline and Midnight Office with additional prayers), rules for communion and prayers before him.

    In the 18th century, the place of the Akathists was taken by the Prayer Books. The succession of morning and evening prayers takes its final form.

    Evening Prayer Traditions

    Despite the fact that another name for evening prayers is prayers for the coming dream, it is not recommended to read them immediately before going to bed. Late in the evening, due to fatigue, it can be very difficult to concentrate on the words of prayer and give it due attention, therefore better than prayer evening read in free minutes before dinner or even earlier.

    To read prayers for sleep to the future, it is advisable to retire, light a lamp or a candle and stand in front of the icon of the saint whose name you bear. First, you should make the sign of the cross over yourself and make a few bows or bows to the ground. Tune in to an internal dialogue with the Lord. And only then proceed to the fulfillment of the prayer rule: better out loud or in an undertone, pondering the meaning of the prayer. They end the evening prayers with thanksgiving to God for the gift of fellowship and contrition for their inattention.

    In some Orthodox families a tradition has been established to read the evening prayer rule together: usually before dinner or on special solemn days.

    IN modern tradition evening prayers are often combined with prayers for living and already dead relatives, for benefactors, for warring ones, for the Fatherland and for the whole world. On the days of the twelfth feasts and their celebrations, a troparion, kontakion, a memento with a verse and the magnification of this holiday are added to them, and on the days of Great Lent, the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian. On Easter and the whole subsequent week, prayers for sleep are not read to those who are coming, instead of them the Easter hour is sung.

    The Morning and Evening Short Prayers are short prayers that anyone can say, and when sincerely said, have exceptional power.

    People often ask: how should one pray, with what words, in what language? Some even say: “I don’t pray because I don’t know how, I don’t know prayers.” Prayer does not require any special skill. You can just talk to God. At worship in Orthodox Church we use a special language - Church Slavonic. But in private prayer, when we are alone with God, there is no need for any special language. We can pray to God in the language in which we speak with people, in which we think.

    Prayer should be very simple. The Monk Isaac the Syrian said: “Let the whole fabric of your prayer be simple. One word of the publican saved him, and one word of the thief on the cross made him heir to the Kingdom of Heaven.”

    Let us recall the parable of the publican and the Pharisee: “Two men went into the temple to pray: one was a Pharisee and the other was a publican. The Pharisee, standing up, prayed in himself like this: “God! I thank You that I am not like other people, robbers, offenders, adulterers, or like this publican; I fast twice a week, I give a tenth of everything I get.” The publican, standing afar off, did not even dare to raise his eyes to heaven; but, striking his chest, he said: “God! be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:10-13). And this short prayer saved him. Let us also remember the thief who was crucified with Jesus and who said to Him: “Remember me, Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom” (Luke 23:42). This alone was enough for him to enter heaven.

    Prayer can be extremely short. If you are just starting your prayer session, start with very short prayers - ones that you can focus on. God does not need words - He needs the heart of man. Words are secondary, but the feeling, the mood with which we approach God is of paramount importance. To approach God without a sense of reverence or absent-mindedly, when during prayer our mind wanders to the side, is much more dangerous than to say in prayer wrong word. Scattered prayer has neither meaning nor value. A simple law applies here: if the words of prayer do not reach our hearts, they will not reach God either. As is sometimes said, such a prayer will not rise above the ceiling of the room in which we pray, and yet it must reach heaven. Therefore, it is very important that every word of prayer be deeply experienced by us. If we are not able to concentrate on the long prayers that are contained in the books of the Orthodox Church - prayer books, we will try our hand at short prayers: “Lord, have mercy”, “Lord, save”, “Lord, help me”, “God, be merciful to me , a sinner."

    One ascetic said that if we could, with all the force of feeling, from the bottom of our hearts, with all our souls, say only one prayer, “Lord, have mercy,” this would be enough for salvation. But the problem is that, as a rule, we cannot say this with our whole heart, we cannot say this with our whole life. Therefore, in order to be heard by God, we are verbose.

    My Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos, with Thy holy and all-powerful supplications, expel from me, Thy humble and cursed servant, despondency, oblivion, foolishness, negligence, and all filthy, crafty and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and from my darkened mind; and extinguish the flame of my passions, for I am poor and cursed. And deliver me from many and fierce memories and enterprises, and from all the actions of evil free me. As if you are blessed from all generations, and Your honorable name is glorified forever and ever. Amen.

    Prayer invocation of the saint whose name you bear

    Pray to God for me, holy servant of God (name), as I diligently resort to you, a quick helper and prayer book for my soul.

    Prayer for the Living

    Save, Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father (name), my parents (names), relatives (names), bosses, mentors, benefactors (their names) and all Orthodox Christians.

    Prayer for the dead

    Give rest, Lord, to the souls of the departed Thy servants: my parents, relatives, benefactors (their names), and all Orthodox Christians, and forgive them all sins, voluntary and involuntary, and grant them the Kingdom of Heaven.

    End of prayers

    It is worthy to eat as if truly blessed Theotokos, Blessed and Immaculate and Mother of our God. The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, without the corruption of God the Word, who gave birth to the real Mother of God, we magnify Thee.

    Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

    Short evening prayers (for sleep)

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

    Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

    Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of Truth, Who is everywhere and fills everything, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed, our souls.

    Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)

    Our Father, Who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread today; and leave us ours, as we also leave our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

    Tropari
    Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us; bewildering any answer, we offer this prayer as the Lord of sin: have mercy on us. Glory: Lord, have mercy on us, we put our trust in you; do not be angry with us, remember our iniquities below, but look now as if you are merciful, and deliver us from our enemies; Thou art our God, and we are Thy people, all works by Thy hand, and we call on Thy name. kind of Christian.
    Lord have mercy. (12 times)

    Prayer 1, Saint Macarius the Great, to God the Father
    Eternal God and the King of every creature, having vouchsafed me to sing even at this hour, forgive me the sins that I have done in this day by deed, word and thought, and cleanse, Lord, my humble soul from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. And give me, Lord, in this night's sleep to pass away in peace, but having risen from my humble bed, I will please your most holy name, all the days of my stomach, and I will stop the enemies of the flesh and fleshless who fight me. And deliver me, O Lord, from vain thoughts that defile me, and from evil lusts. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.

    Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
    Good Tsar, good Mother, Most Pure and Blessed Mother of God Mary, pour out the mercy of Your Son and our God on my passionate soul and with Your prayers instruct me in good deeds, so that the rest of my life will pass without a blemish and I will find paradise with You, Virgin Mother of God, one Pure and Blessed.

    Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel
    Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all, the fir-tree of sinning in this day, and deliver me from every wickedness of the enemy, but in no sin will I anger my God; but pray for me a sinful and unworthy slave, as if I were worthy, show the goodness and mercy of the All-Holy Trinity and the Mother of my Lord Christ and all the saints. Amen.

    Kontakion to the Theotokos
    The chosen Voivode is victorious, as if having got rid of the evil ones, gratefully we will write down Ti Thy servants, the Mother of God, but as if having an invincible power, from all troubles of freedom, let us call Ty; Rejoice, Bride of the Bride. Glorious Ever-Virgin, Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Your Son and our God, may our souls be saved by You. I put all my hope in You, Mother of God, save me under Your shelter. sinner, requiring Your help and Your intercession, my soul has hoped in You, and have mercy on me.

    Prayer of St. Joannicius
    My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my cover is the Holy Spirit: Holy Trinity, glory to Thee. The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, without the corruption of God the Word, who gave birth to the real Mother of God, we magnify You. Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

    In contact with

    It is necessary to pray not only in grief or life's difficulties, but also every day, thanking God for all the blessings that He sends us. Prayers are read when they wake up and go to bed, and thereby invoke the grace of God for life. A constant prayer rule brings peace of mind and tranquility.

    IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! Fortuneteller Baba Nina:"There will always be plenty of money if you put it under your pillow..." Read more >>

    During the day, unpleasant emotions accumulate, fatigue, committed actions burden the conscience. All this adversely affects sleep. Not always heavy thoughts about the future let you fall asleep. Brief and understandable prayers to God, the Blessed Virgin and saints before going to bed will help calm your thoughts and tell you how best to proceed.

      Why should you pray daily?

      Modern life is very busy, it requires from a person full dedication and constant acceleration, combining many things. It is important for an Orthodox Christian not to lose sight of the main thing, namely the need for constant communication with the Creator. It is important to allocate a certain time for reading the prayer for the coming dream and steadily adhere to it. This will help to develop a habit and life will certainly begin to change for the better.

        Prayer before bed will help:

        • turn thoughts to God;
        • bring repentance for unworthy deeds committed during the day;
        • to thank for life and health, daily bread, pleasant moments;
        • drive away bad thoughts;
        • ask for support and help for the future.

        You can read only one prayer or read the full evening prayer rule, turn to God and the saints in ready-made texts or in your own words. The choice depends on the desire of the worshiper and the availability of free time. If a person is busy with work and household duties, you can learn a few prayers and read on the way, or doing monotonous work.

        If there are problems with sleep due to worries and stress, then it is recommended to read the evening prayer rule from the prayer books. An appeal to the Almighty, the Mother of God will help to realize that not everything is in the power of man, but everything is possible for God, the nerves will calm down and a peaceful sleep will come.

        Prayer is a spiritual work that brings good results. The one who prays notices that he is gaining love, patience, and peace in his soul. It doesn't come all at once, but you have to strive for it. A person gradually conquers passions, takes over bad habits.

        Whom do they pray to before going to bed?

        Evening prayer includes an appeal to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the guardian angel. Also, with separate prayers, they turn to the Most Holy Spirit, the Life-Giving Cross. Included in the rules and prayers for every hour of the day and night, written by St. John Chrysostom, commemoration, confession of sins.

        Before going to bed, they ask God for forgiveness of sins. Bad deeds deprive people of grace and drive away the guardian angel, since holiness and evil are incompatible. But if you have not yet managed to become a saint, do not despair, because the Bible says: "There is no person who would not sin." Daily prayers will help in the work on correcting life, because the Almighty always comes forward, appreciating even one good intention.

        God forgives those who sincerely repent, their souls are freed from the burden of sins, and a state of peace and hope for the best sets in. They ask God and the guardian angel for protection from evil, since the devil confuses a person and is the cause of falling into sin. The main note of night prayers is to become worthy of the grace of God, to be worthy of eternal life with God and His saints.

        Requests to the Mother of God consist in instruction on good deeds and a sinless life. There is one unusual prayer in the rule - the kontakion to the Virgin Mary, briefly called the "Choose Voivode". This prayer was written after the miraculous lifting of the siege of Constantinople, when the patriarch with the icon of the Virgin went around the walls of the city, and the danger was over.


        Evening prayer rule

        IN Orthodox tradition there are ready-made prayer rules for reading in the morning and in the evening. They are obligatory for all Christians. They can be found in every prayer book. These prayers are ancient and written by saints who had great spiritual experience.

        For beginners, the meaning of a large number of prayers is captured only in in general terms and can be interpreted by everyone in their own way, sometimes wrongly. Expressions such as "fierce bodily anger" (severe bodily suffering) are not always clear to readers. Misunderstanding the words of the prayer turns prayer into mere meaningless reading.

        The need of the soul to converse with God in an understandable language is better than beautiful highly poetic works in Church Slavonic, but incomprehensible to the mind of the one who prays. Many collections of prayers and church hymns translated into Russian have been published. There is the so-called Explanatory Prayer Book, which includes the most common prayers, morning and night, the main liturgical texts, troparia and kontakia of major holidays.

        Strong prayers for the coming dream

        Prayer rules are helpers designed to teach a Christian how to pray correctly. They do not cancel their own prayer, but only direct it. In addition to the rules presented, there are other forms of night prayers.

        The Optina elders wrote that prayer should be according to its power. It is better to reduce the number of prayers, but read them daily, than to read a lot, but not always. Elder Ambrose said: “It is better when the source flows incessantly, at least a little, than a lot with interruptions ... It is better not to have a great rule, but to constantly fulfill it, rather than a lot of perfect abandonment with interruptions.”

        Three powerful prayers for the night

        Great saint of God Seraphim of Sarov advised 3 strong prayers for everyday reading:

        • "Our Father" 3 times;
        • “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice” 3 times;
        • Creed 1 time.

        The text of the prayer "Our Father":


        Prayer to the Mother of God:

        Creed text.

    "Every Christian should have a rule." (St. John Chrysostom)

    "If you create a rule without laziness, then you will receive a great reward from God and remission of sins." (St. Innocent of Irkutsk)


    I. Initial bows

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

    Stay a little, silently, and then pray slowly with the fear of God, if possible, then with tears, firmly believing that "the Holy Spirit strengthens us in our weaknesses: for we do not know what to pray for, and how we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings that cannot be expressed" (Rom. 8:26).


    God, be merciful to me a sinner (bow).

    God, cleanse my sins and have mercy on me (bow).

    Having created me, Lord, have mercy on me (bow).

    No number of sins. Lord, forgive me (bow).

    My mistress, Most Holy Theotokos, save me a sinner (bow).

    Angel, my holy guardian, save me from all evil (bow).

    Holy (your Saint's name), pray to God for me (bow).


    II. Initial prayers

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

    Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

    The King of Heaven, the Comforter, the Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything. Treasure of the good and life to the Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Blessed, our souls. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal; have mercy on us (thrice).

    Note. During the time from Holy Pascha to Pentecost, the prayer to the Holy Spirit - "King of Heaven" is not read. On the week of St. Easter does not read all the trisagion, but is replaced by the troparion "Christ is Risen ..." three times. Also, before Easter is given, instead of “It is worthy to eat, as it truly is,” one reads or sings: “Shine, shine, new Jerusalem: the glory of the Lord is exalted upon You; rejoice now and rejoice Zion, you are Pure, be beautiful to the Theotokos, about the rise of Your Nativity.”


    Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us: Lord, cleanse our sins; Lord, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for the sake of Your name.

    Lord, have mercy (three times).

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

    Our Father, Who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread today; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.


    Come, let us bow to the King of our God (bow).

    Come, let us bow down and fall down to Christ, the King of our God (bow).

    Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the Tsar and our God (bow).

    Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy, and according to the multitude of Thy mercies, cleanse my iniquity. Wash me most of all from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin before me is taken out. I have sinned against you alone, and have done evil before you; as if you were justified in your words, and you won, when you judge Ty.

    Behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sins give birth to me, my mother. Behold, thou didst love the truth, Thy obscure and secret wisdom revealed to me. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Give joy and gladness to my ears, the bones of the humble will rejoice. Turn Your face away from my sins, and cleanse all my iniquities. Create a pure heart in me, O God, and renew a right spirit in my womb. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Give me the joy of Your salvation, and confirm me with the Sovereign Spirit. I will teach the wicked in Your way, and the wicked will turn to You. Spare me the blood. O God, God of my salvation, my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness, O Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth shall proclaim Thy praise. As if you would have desired sacrifices, you would have given them, you did not favor burnt offerings. Sacrifice to God, the spirit is broken, the heart is contrite and humble, God will not despise. Please, O Lord, with Thy favor Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, the offering and the burnt offering; then they will offer calves on Your altar. (Psalm 50.)

    1. I believe in one God the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible.

    2. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten. Who is born from the Father before all ages. Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, Whom all was.

    3. For us, man, and for our salvation, who descended from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became human.

    4. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried.

    5. And resurrected on the third day according to the Scriptures.

    6. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father;

    7. And the packs of the coming with glory to judge the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end.

    8. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets.

    9. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

    10. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.

    11. I look forward to the resurrection of the dead;

    12. And the life of the future age. Amen.


    Morning prayer (read only in the morning)

    To Thee, Lord, Lover of mankind, having risen from sleep, I resort to Thy deeds and strive by Thy mercy; and I pray to Thee: help me at all times, in all things, and deliver me from all evil worldly things and devilish haste, and save me and lead me into Your kingdom eternal. You are my Creator, and the Provider and Giver of every good, all my hope is in You, and I send glory to You, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.


    Evening prayer (read only in the evening)

    Lord our God, if I have sinned in these days in word, deed and thought, for I am Good and Lover of mankind, forgive me. Peaceful sleep and serene grant me; Send your guardian angel, covering and keeping me from all evil; as you are the guardian of our souls and our bodies, and we send glory to you. Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever, and throughout the ages of ages. Amen.


    Virgin Mary, rejoice. Gracious Mary, the Lord is with you: blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, as if you gave birth to our souls as the Savior.

    Weaken, leave, forgive, God, our sins, free and involuntary, even in word and in deed, even in knowledge and not in knowledge, even in days and nights, even in mind and in thought: forgive us all, as Good and Humanitarian.

    Forgive those who hate and offend us, Lord, Lover of mankind. Bless those who do good. Grant to our brethren and relatives even for the salvation of petitions and eternal life: visit the infirmities of beings, and grant healing. Izhe govern the sea. Travel travel. Conquer the Emperor. Grant forgiveness to those who serve and pardon us of sins. Those who have commanded us unworthy to pray for them, have mercy on the greatness of Your mercy. Remember, Lord, our father and brothers who have fallen asleep before, and give them rest, where the light of Your face visits. Remember, Lord, our captive brethren, and deliver me from every circumstance. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good in Your holy churches, and grant them even salvation, petitions and eternal life. Remember, Lord, and us humble and sinful and unworthy servants of Thy, and enlighten our minds with the light of Thy mind, and guide us on the path of Thy commandments with the prayers of our Most Pure Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and all Thy Saints, as blessed be Thou forever and ever. Amen (bow).


    Memorial of the Living

    Save, Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father (his name), and with his holy prayers forgive my sins (bow). Save, Lord, and have mercy on my parents (their names), brothers and sisters, and my relatives according to the flesh and all the neighbors of my family, and friends, and grant them Your peace and peace of good (bow).


    Save, Lord, and have mercy on those who hate and offend me and do misfortune to me, and do not leave them to perish for the sake of a sinner (bow).


    Hasten, Lord, to enlighten the ignorant of Thee (pagans) with the light of Your Gospel, and blinded by destructive heresies and schism, enlighten and unite to Your Holy Apostolic and Catholic Church (bow).


    About the departed

    Remember, Lord, the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, my parents (their names) and all relatives in the flesh; and forgive them all sins, free and involuntary, grant them the Kingdom and the communion of Your eternal good and Your endless and blessed life pleasure (bow).


    Grant, Lord, the remission of sins to all the fathers, brothers and sisters who have departed in the faith and hope of the resurrection, and create eternal memory for them (thrice).


    End of prayers

    Glorious Ever-Virgin Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Your Son and our God, may our souls be saved by You.


    My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my shelter is the Holy Spirit! Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.


    It is worthy to eat as truly blessed Thee, the Mother of God, the Blessed and Immaculate and Mother of our God. The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious without comparison Seraphim, without the corruption of God the Word, who gave birth to the real Mother of God, we magnify Thee.

    Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen.

    Lord have mercy (three times). bless.


    Vacation

    Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and the saint (remember the Holy Day) and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen. (three bows).

    Note 1st. In the morning, without having prayed, do not proceed to food or drink, or to any business. Before starting any work, pray like this: "Lord, bless! In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen." At the end of the case, say: "Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee! Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and in the age of ages. Amen."

    Before eating food, read: "Our Father" ... to the end, then bless the food and drink with the cross. (In the family, the elder in the house blesses.) At the end of the meal (food), read "It is worthy to eat as truly ..." to the end, for Holy Virgin Mary, through the birth of the Son of God, gave the whole world "true food and true drink" (John 6:55); Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout the day, keep in your heart the shortest, but most saving prayer: "Lord, have mercy!" ...


    Note 2. If you have an urgent task ahead of you and you are very busy with work, or if you are in weakness, then never read the rules hastily without due attention, do not anger God, and do not multiply your sins: it is better to read one prayer slowly, reverently, than several prayers hastily , hastily. Therefore strongly busy person you should, with the blessing of the Monk Martyr Macarius of Kanevsky, read one prayer - "Our Father ..." If you have a little more time, then, with the blessing of St. Seraphim of Sarov miracle. - read "Our Father" three times, "Virgin Mother of God, rejoice" three times and "I believe" - ​​once.

    Note 3. If, on the contrary, you have quite a bit of free time, then by no means spend it idle, because idleness is the mother of vices, but even if you were no longer capable of labor due to illness or old age, fill your time with a feat of prayer, so that you will gain great mercy from the Lord God.


    (The text is given according to the book: Bishop Pavel of Nikolsk-Ussuri; "From the Holy Font to the Sepulcher", 1915)