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Feedback? Write us!In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of truth, Who are everywhere and fill all things; Treasury of blessings and Giver of life: Come and abide in us and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3x, bowing)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name's sake.
Lord have mercy. (3x)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(Mt. 6:9 In this manner, therefore, pray:) Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name,
10Your kingdom come, Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
13And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory
[Of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,
Now and ever, and] unto ages of ages. Amen.
Troparia to the Holy Trinity
Having arisen from sleep, we fall down before You, O Blessed One, and sing to You, O Mighty One, the Angelic Hymn: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
From my bed and sleep You have raised me: O Lord, enlighten my mind and my heart, and open my lips that I may praise You, O Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Suddenly the Judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be revealed; but with fear we cry out in the middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy. (12 times)
A Prayer to the Holy Trinity
Arising from sleep I thank You, O holy Trinity, because of the abundance of Your goodness and long-suffering You were not angry with me, slothful and sinful as I am; niether have You destroyed me in my transgressions: but in Your compassion raised me up, as I lay in despair; that at dawn I might sing the glories of Your majesty. Do now enlighten the eyes of my understanding, open my mouth to receive Your words, teach me Your commandments, help me to do Your will, confessing You from my heart, singing and praising Your All-holy Name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Come, let us worship and fall down before God our King. (Bow) Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God. (Bow) Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God. (Bow)
A Prayer of St. Basil the Great
We bless You, O God most high and Lord of mercies, Who always work great and mysterious deeds for us, glorious, wonderful and numberless; Who provide us with sleep as a rest from our infirmities and as a repose for our bodies tired by labor. We thank You that You have not destroyed us in our transgressions, but in Your love toward mankind You have raised us up, as we lay in despair, that we may glorify Your Majesty. We entreat Your infinite goodness, enlighten the eyes of our understanding and raise up our minds from the heavy sleep of indolence; open our mouths and fill them with Your praise, that we may unceasingly sing and confess You, Who are God glorified in all and by all, the all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday read Psalm 50 [51] instead of the Nicene Creed.)
1 Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me. 4 Against you, and you only, have I sinned, And done that which is evil in your sight; That you may be proved right when you speak, And justified when you judge. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity. In sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. 7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness, That the bones which you have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, And blot out all of my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. 11 Do not throw me from your presence, And do not take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners shall be converted to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation. My tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 Lord, open my lips. My mouth shall declare your praise. 16 For you do not delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 Do good in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, In burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer bulls on your altar.
(On Monday through Saturday, go to Weekday Morning Prayers.)
After saying the Trisagion, if at all possible, faithful Orthodox Christians should attend the Matins/Orthros service. If this is not possible, however, having gathered your thoughts, make the sign of the cross, then pray the following:
(†) Come, let us worship God our king. (bow)
(†) Come, let us worship Christ, our king and our God. (bow)
(†) Come, let us worship Christ Himself, our king and our God. (bow)
As time permits, read and meditate on one, several,or all of the following Psalms (the Hexapsalm of Matins):
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. (†) Glory to You, O God. (3x) Lord, have mercy. (3x)
(†) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(†) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, (†) Glory to You, O God. (3x) O our God and our hope, glory to You!
Then:
(†) Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
The company of the angels was amazed when they beheld You numbered among the dead; yet You, O Savior, destroyed the power of death, and raising up Adam with You and releasing all men from hell.
(†) Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
"Wherefore, O women disciples, do you mingle sweet-smelling spices with your tears of pity?" the radiant angel within the sepulcher cried unto the myrrh-bearing women. "Behold the grave and understand that the Savior is risen from the tomb."
(†) Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
Very early in the morning the myrrh-bearing women ran lamenting to Your tomb; but an angel came toward them, saying: "The time for lamentation is passed. Do not weep, but announce the resurrection unto the apostles."
(†) Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes.
The myrrh-bearing women mourned as bearing spices they drew near Your tomb, O Savior. But the angel spoke unto them, saying, "Why do you number the living among the dead? In that He is God, He is risen from the grave!"
(†) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
We worship (†) the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit: the Holy Trinity one in essence, crying with the seraphim: "Holy, holy, holy are You, O Lord."
(†) Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
In that you gave birth to the Giver of life, O Virgin, you gave joy to Eve in place of sadness. And He who was incarnate of you, both God and man, has restored to life those who had fallen therefrom.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Glory to Thee, O God. (3x)
O our God and our hope, glory to You!
Then:
In that we have beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless One. Your cross do we adore, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection; for You are our God, and we know none other than You; we call on Your name. O come, all you faithful, let us worship Christ's holy resurrection. For lo, through the cross has joy come into all the world. Let us ever bless the Lord, praising his resurrection, for in that He endured the cross for us, He has destroyed death by death.
(†) Glory to You, Who have shown us the light! Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will among men.
We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.
O Lord, heavenly king, God (†) the Father almighty: O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, Who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on us. You Who takes away the sins of the world.
Receive our prayer, You Who sits at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us.
For You only are holy, You only are the Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Every day will I bless You, and I will praise Your name forever; yes, forever and ever.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
Blessed are You, O Lord God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified be Your name forever. Amen.
Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we do put our hope in You.
Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes. (3x)
Lord, You have been our refuge in all generations. I said: Be merciful unto me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.
Lord, I have fled unto You; teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light shall we see light.
O continue Your loving-kindness unto them that know You.
(†) Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x, bowing)
(†) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
(†) Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Then, if the tone of the day is 1, 2, 3, or 4:
Today is salvation come unto the world. Let us sing praises to him that arose from the grave, the author of our life. For having by death destroyed death, he hath given us victory and great mercy.
Or, if the tone of the day is 5, 6, 7, or 8:
Having risen from the tomb and having burst the bonds of hades, You didst loose the condemnation of death, O Lord, releasing all mankind from the snares of the enemy. Having manifested Yourself to Your apostles, You didst send them forth to proclaim You, and through them You have granted Your peace unto the civilized world, O You who alone are plenteous of mercy.
Then depart in peace to the church to sanctify the Lord's Day through participation in the Divine Liturgy.
(Tue. | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. | Sat.)
Monday
First Prayer of St. Macarius the Great
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have so often sinned in Your sight. Deliver me from the evil one, and may Your will in me be to open my unworthy mouth without condemnation and praise Your holy name, of the (†) Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Second Prayer of St. Macarius the Great
Having risen from sleep, I offer You, O Savior, the midnight song, and I fall down and cry unto You: do not let me fall asleep in the death of sin, but have compassion on me, O You who were voluntarily crucified, and come quickly to raise me who am prostrate in idleness, and save me in prayer and intercession, and after the night's sleep, bless me with a sinless day, O Christ our God, and save me. (Go to intercession.)
Tuesday
Third Prayer of St. Macarius the Great
Having risen from sleep, I hasten to You, O Lord, Lover of mankind, and by Your loving-kindness I strive to do Your works, and I pray to You: help me at all times, in everything, and deliver me from every evil thing of the world and every attack of the devil, and lead me into Your eternal kingdom. For You are my Creator, the Giver and Protector of everything good, and all my hope is in You. And to You I send up glory, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Fourth Prayer of St. Macarius the Great
O Lord, Who in Your abundant goodness and Your great compassion have granted me, Your servant, to pass the time of this night without the temptation of any opposing evil, Lord and Creator of all, by Your true light grant me to do Your will with an enlightened heart now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. (Go to intercession.)
Wednesday
First Prayer of St. Basil the Great
Almighty Lord, God of the powers and of all flesh, Who lives in the highest and cares for the humble, Who searches our hearts and affections, and clearly foreknows the secrets of mankind, eternal and everlasting Light, in Whom is no change nor shadow of variation; O immortal King, receive our prayers which at the present time we offer to You from unclean lips, trusting in the multitude of Your mercies. Forgive all sins committed by us in thought, word, or deed, consciously or unconsciously, and cleanse us from all defilement of flesh and spirit. Grant us to pass the night of the whole present life with wakeful heart and sober thought, ever expecting the radiant appearing of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, when the judge of all will come with glory to reward us according to our deeds. May we not be found fallen and idle, but awake and alert for action ready to accompany Him into the joy and divine palace of His glory, where there is the ceaseless sound of those keeping festival and the unspeakable delight of those who behold the ineffable beauty of His face. For He is the true light Who enlightens and sanctifies all, and all creation sings to Him throughout the ages. Amen. (Go to intercession.)
Thursday
Fifth Prayer of St. Macarius the Great
Almighty Lord God, Who receives from Your heavenly powers the thrice-holy hymn, receive also from me, Your unworthy servant, this song of the night, and grant me every year of my life and at every hour to send up glory to You, (†) Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. (Go to intercession.)
Friday
Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
My most merciful and all-merciful God, Lord Jesus Christ, through Your great love You came down and took flesh to save all. And again, O Savior, save me by Your grace, I pray; for if You should save me for my works, this would not be grace or a gift, but rather a duty. Indeed, in Your infinite compassion and unspeakable mercy, You, O my Christ, have said: "Whoever believes in Me shall live and never see death." If faith in You saves the desperate, save me, for You are my God and Creator. Impute my faith instead of deeds, O my God, for You will find no deeds that could justify me, but may my faith suffice for all my deeds. May it answer for and acquit me, and may it make me a partaker of Your eternal glory. And may Satan not seize me, O Word, and boast that he has torn me from Your hand and fold. O Christ my Savior, whether I will or not, save me. Come quickly, for I perish! You are my God from my mother's womb. Grant me, O Lord, to love You now as once I loved sin and also to work for You without idleness, as I worked before for deceptive Satan. But supremely shall I work for You, (†) my Lord and God, Jesus Christ, all the days of my life, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. (Go to intercession.)
Saturday
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
O holy angel, who stands by my wretched soul and my passionate life: do not abandon me, a sinner, neither depart from me because of my lack of self-control. Leave no room for the evil demon to gain control of me through the passions of this mortal body. Strengthen my weak and feeble hand, and instruct me in the path of salvation. O holy angel of God, the guardian and protector of my wretched soul and body, forgive all the sorrows I have caused you every day of my life. Even if I have sinned in this past night, protect me during this day. Keep me from every adverse temptation, that I may not anger God by any sin. Pray to the Lord for me, that He may establish me in His fear and make me, His servant, worthy of His goodness. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
O most holy Theotokos, my Lady, through your holy and most-powerful prayers, turn away from me, this humble and unworthy servant, despair, forgetfulness, unreasonableness, indifference, and all unclean, evil, and blasphemous thoughts from my sinful heart and darkened mind. I am poor and wretched, pray therefore that the flame of my passion may be extinguished, that I may be delivered from my numerous and wicked memories and fantasies, and freed from all evil acts, for you are blessed by all generations, and your most honorable name is glorified unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayers for Intercession by the Saints and Angels
(†) O holy Mary, Mother of God the Word and ever-virgin Theotokos, ever remember and pray for us sinners.
(†) O glorious apostles, prophets, martyrs, and all saints, pray for us sinners.
(†) O holy (here invoke your parish's patron saint), patron of our church, intercede with the merciful God that He may grant our souls forgiveness of sins.
(†) Pray to God for me, O holy (here invoke your patron saint), for with fervor I turn to you, who are the speedy helper and intercessor for my soul.
Here invoke the name of other Saints whose intercession you desire.
(†) O heavenly hosts of holy angels and archangels, pray for us sinners.
Our Prayers of Intercession for Others
(Tue. | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. | Sat.)
On Mondays, intercede for the welfare of your own parish community:
Remember, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, my own parish community. Protect, preserve, confirm, strengthen, extend, and increase it, and keep it in peace, always a proof against the power of hell! (Go to devotions.)
On Tuesdays, intercede for the welfare of the bishops of our Archdiocese and all their clergy, as well as other bishops and clergy who are in need of our prayers.
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on all Orthodox hierarchs, especially (names), as well as the priests and deacons of our Archdiocese and all who serve in the Church, especially (names), whom You have ordained to feed Your spiritual flock. (Go to devotions.)
On Wednesdays, intercede for the furtherance of the work of our Archdiocese.
Remember, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, our Archdiocese. Protect, preserve, confirm, strengthen, extend, and increase it, and keep it in peace, always a proof against the power of hell! (Go to devotions.)
On Thursdays, intercede for the civil authorities of our country, state/province, and city, that they may enable us to live our life in peace and tranquility.
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on our president/prime minister and all those in authority in our country, state/province, and city, along with all those exercising political authority throughout the world. Speak peace and blessing in their hearts for Your holy Church and for all Your people, and grant that in their calm we too may lead a quiet and peaceful life in true belief, in all piety and in holiness. (Go to devotions.)
On Fridays, intercede for the sick, the suffering, and the poor.
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on the infirm, the suffering, and the poor (names). Visit, strengthen, comfort, and heal them, and by Your power speedily grant them relief, assistance, and deliverance. (Go to devotions.)
On Saturdays, intercession is made for the departed:
Remember, O Lord, the souls of Your servants who have departed in sleep, especially (NN). Forgive them every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary. Grant them the kingdom and a part in eternal joys and the delight of Your blessed and everlasting life.
Begin Your Private Devotions
(†) O God, have mercy upon me and cleanse me a sinner. (†) Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me a sinner. (†) Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me and cleanse me a sinner. (†)
Prayer for the Acceptance of God's Will
(St. Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow, †1867)
O Lord, I do not know what to ask of You. You alone know what are my true needs. You love me more than I myself know how to love. Help me to see my real needs that are concealed from me. I do not dare ask either a cross or consolation, I can only wait on You. Come and help me for Your great mercy's sake. Strike me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up. I worship in silence Your holy will and Your inscrutable ways. I offer myself as a living sacrifice to You. You have said, O Lord, "A man's mind plans his ways, but the Lord directs his steps" (Prov. 16.9). Do not forsake me, O Lord, for I have put all my trust in You. I have no other desire than to fulfill Your will. Teach me how to pray. (†) Pray You Yourself in me. Amen.
Prayer at the Beginning of the Day
(St. Philaret, Metropolitan of Moscow, †1867)
O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul, and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events let me not forget that all are in Your hands. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embarrassing or embittering others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will and teach me (†) to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love. Amen.
IF YOU PREFER TO READ THE TEXTS ASSIGNED FOR THE DAY DURING MORNING PRAYER, YOU MAY DO SO AT THIS POINT, BEGINNING WITH THE PRAYER BEFORE THE GOSPEL READING:
Shine in our hearts, O Master Who loves mankind, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our minds to understand Your Gospel teachings; enable us also to fear Your blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual way of life, both thinking and doing what pleases You; for You illumine our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and we glorify You, together with Your (†) Eternal Father, and Your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Conclusion
(Tue. | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. | Sat.)
(Troparion for Monday, for the holy angels:)
O you foremost of the heavenly hosts, we, though unworthy, beseech you that by your petitions you would encompass us with the shadow of your immaterial glory, preserving us who kneel and cry ceaselessly: Deliver us from oppressions, since you are the princes of the hosts on high. (Go to "Glory...".)
(Troparion for Tuesday, for St. John the Baptist and Forerunner:)
The memory of the righteous is in praise. And for you, Forerunner, the testimony of the Lord suffices; for in truth you have been revealed as nobler than all the prophets for having been considered worthy to baptize in running waters Him who was preached. Therefore, you strove for the truth happily. You proclaimed to those in hades God appearing in the body, Who takes away the sins of the world and grants us great mercy. (Go to "Glory...".)
(Troparion for Wednesday, for the Cross:)
O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to Your people over all adversaries, and by Your cross, preserving Your estate. (Go to "Glory...".)
(Troparion for Thursday, for the holy Apostles and St. Nicholas:)
O Holy Apostles, intercede with the merciful God that He may grant our souls the forgiveness of our sins.
O Father, Bishop Nicholas, the work of justice showed you to your congregation a canon of faith, the likeness of humility, a teacher of abstinence. Because by humility you achieved exaltation; and by meekness, richness; therefore intercede with Christ to save our souls. (Go to "Glory...".)
(Troparion for Friday, for the Cross:)
O Lord, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, granting victory to Your people over all adversaries, and by Your cross, preserving Your estate. (Go to "Glory...".)
(Troporion for Saturday, for all the saints and the faithful departed:)
O you apostles, martyrs, prophets, hierarchs, saints, and righteous, who have fought the good fight and kept the faith, we beseech you, since you have achieved favor with the Savior, plead with Him for our sake, for He is good, to save our souls.
Remember, Lord, the souls of Your servants (NN) for You are good. Forgive them all their sins in this life; for no one is without sin except You, who are able to grant rest to the departed.
Kontakion: O Christ, with the saints, grant rest to the souls of Your servants in a place where there is no suffering, no sorrows, and no sighs, but life everlasting.
(†) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Read or sing troparion for saint/event of the day, the troparion of your home parish, or of a saint/event that is particularly meaningful to you.
(†) Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
It is good and right to bless you, O Theotokos, who are ever blessed and most pure and the Mother of Christ our God. More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, you who without stain bore God the Word, and are truly Theotokos, we magnify you!
(†) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
God be gracious unto us and bless us. May He make His countenance to shine upon us, and have mercy on us!
THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE; LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!
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