Prayer for Guidance

O Lord, guide me in every thought, word, and deed. Enlighten my mind with Your wisdom and give me strength to follow Your will. Teach me to trust You in all circumstances and to walk in Your ways. May Your Holy Spirit inspire me to make decisions that are pleasing to You and lead me to eternal life. Amen.

- Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow and Kolomna

Prayer for Peace

O Lord, grant peace to my soul, and to the whole world. Let peace reign in my heart, so that I may serve You with a pure and undivided mind. Bring peace to all families, all churches, all nations, and let Your peace be upon all. O Lord, You are the Prince of Peace, establish Your kingdom of peace in my heart and in the world. Amen.

- Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow and Kolomna

Prayer of St. Ephraim

O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power and idle talk.
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant.
Yea, O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen. 

- St. Ephraim (306 - 373 AD)

Prayer for the Enlightening of the Soul

O Lord Jesus Christ, our God,
Enlighten my soul, that I may see Your light, And guide me, O Holy Spirit, into the truth of Your commandments. Help me to walk in Your ways with humility, patience, and love. Strengthen me to overcome every temptation, And teach me to love You with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. Through the prayers of the Theotokos and all the saints, Grant me salvation and eternal life. Amen.

- St. Nikolai Velimirovich (1881–1956)

The Prayer of Saint Sava the Enlightener

O Lord Jesus Christ, the true Light of the world,
Who created everything visible and invisible, Give light to my heart and mind so that I may see Your truth. Grant me the grace to serve You with a pure heart, To seek You in every thought, word, and action. Teach me to love my neighbor as myself, And to seek peace in all things. Through the intercession of Your Most Holy Mother, And all the saints, grant me salvation and eternal rest. Amen.

- Saint Sava (formerly Prince Rastko Nemanjić of Serbia), 1175–1236

Morning Prayer

O Lord, grant that I may greet the coming day in peace.
Help me in everything to trust in Your Holy Will.
In every moment of the day, reveal Your Will to me.
Bless my interactions with everyone around me.
Teach me to respond to everything that comes my way
throughout the day with peace of mind,
and with the strong belief that Your Will is in control of everything.
In all my actions and words, guide my thoughts and feelings.
In unexpected events, help me to remember that all are sent by You.
Teach me to act decisively and wisely, without causing harm or embarrassment to others.
Give me the strength to endure the challenges of the coming day, no matter what it brings.
Guide my Will.
Teach me to pray.
Pray through me.
Amen.

- Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow and Kolomna

Evening Prayer

Shelter me under the protection of Your wings that I may lie down in peace and sleep. Awaken me in due time that I may glorify You, for You alone are good and love all people. Into Your hands, O Lord Jesus Christ, I commend my spirit and body; bless me, save me, and grant me eternal life.

- Origin Unknown

Prayer to the Trinity

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

- Saint Ioanniki

Liturgical Prayers

Prayers Commonly Spoken During Orthodox Christian Worship

The Trisagion (Thrice Holy)

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us.
Lord, forgive our sins.
Master, pardon our transgressions.
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities,
for Your name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

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

- Daily Prayers. The Orthodox Prayer Book, edited by Rev. Fr. George Papadeas, Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1980, pp. 10-11.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

- Matthew 6:9-13

The Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made;

Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from the Heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man;

And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried;

And rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures;

And ascended into the Heavens, and sits at the right hand of the Father;

And He shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end;

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life; Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the Prophets;

In One, Holy, catholic, and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.

I look for the resurrection of the dead,

And the life of the world to come. Amen.

Before Reading the Holy Scripture

Illumine our hearts, O Master Who loves mankind, with the pure light of Your divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our minds to understand Your gospel teachings. Implant in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, that by trampling down all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, thinking and doing what is pleasing to You. For You are the light of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and to You we give glory, together with Your Father, Who is from everlasting, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

- Prayers for Reading Scripture. Orthodox Daily Prayers, edited by Fr. Seraphim Dedes, Archangels Books, 2015, p. 67.

Prayers for Children

Morning Prayer 1

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for the bright sunlight of a new day.
As You made the sun to rise in the heavens, so come to shine in my life today.
For You are the Light of the world.
Guide me, direct me, lead me that I may do Your holy Will and please You in all that I do this day.
Bless my parents, teachers, and all who care for me.

- Origin Unknown, My Orthodox Daily Prayer Book.

Morning Prayer 2

Lord, Jesus Christ, I thank You for the gift of this new day.
As You grew in wisdom and grace, may I too grow in understanding and love.
When You walked the earth, You blessed the children, saying Your kingdom is for such as these.
Please, receive me this day into Your care, and hear my morning prayer.

Bless my parents, teachers, and all who guide me,
for they help me to see the world with wonder and goodness.
Bless me also, protect me from harm, and surround me with Your love.
Give me the strength to be true, honest, kind, and helpful to others.
May I learn from the sun that rises,
from the plants that grow,
and from all living beings,
to become a member of Your kingdom,
where love and truth dwell.

Guide me, as the light of the sun guides the day,
to walk in Your path, to see the divine in all things,
and to contribute to the healing of the world.
You are my Lord and King,
and to You, I offer my gratitude and praise, now and always.

- Adapted from A Child’s Morning Prayer. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, www.goarch.org, accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

A Child's Morning Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gift of this new day. When You came to earth for us, You grew in wisdom and grace. As Lord, You received children into Your arms, blessed them, and said that Your kingdom belongs to them. Dear Jesus, receive me also on this day and hear my morning prayer. Bless my parents, teachers, and all those who love and care for me. Bless me, also, and protect me from danger and evil. Give me strength to be truthful, honest, kind, and helpful to others. Guide me to grow as a member of Your kingdom. You are my Lord and King, and to You I give praise and thanks forever. Amen.

- A Child’s Morning Prayer. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, www.goarch.org, accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

A Child's Evening Prayer

Lord, Jesus Christ, You received the children who came to You. Receive also from Your child this evening prayer. Shelter me under the protection of Your wings that I may lie down in peace and sleep. Awaken me in due time that I may glorify You, for You alone are good and love all people. Into Your hands, O Lord Jesus Christ, I commend my spirit and body; bless me, save me, and grant me eternal life. The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my shelter. Holy Trinity, glory to You. Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. Amen.

- A Child’s Evening Prayer. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, www.goarch.org, accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

A Little Prayor For Children of All Ages

O Lord, I thank You for Your love and care. Please watch over me, keep me safe, and help me to be kind and good. Guide me to learn more about Your love and to share it with others. Amen.

- Bedtime and Other Rituals: Bedtime Prayers. Orthodox Christian Parenting, orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com, 7 Dec. 2016, accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Prayer to the Archangels

To my right, Michael,
And to my left, Gabriel,
And before me, Uriel,
And behind me, Raphael,
And over my head,
The Presence of God.

– Traditional Jewish Prayer

For the Growing Child

May God's Wisdom shine through me.
May God's Love glow in me.
May God's Strength penetrate me.
That in me may arise
A helper of mankind,
A servant of holy things,
Selfless and true.

- Origin Unknown

Young Adults

Morning Prayer

O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me to rely on Your holy will at every moment. In every hour of the day, reveal Your will to me. Bless my time with all who surround me. Teach me to treat whatever may happen to me throughout the day with peace of soul and with the firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all is sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering or embarrassing others. Give me the strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will. Teach me to pray. Pray Yourself in me. Amen.

~ "Prayers." Orthodox Church in America, www.oca.org/orthodoxy/prayers. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

Prayer for Cherished Relationships and Strength in Challenges

Dear God, Thank you for the wonderful gift of relationships. I pray that I would always remember the value of other people in my life. Help me to treat others with kindness, respect, and love. I also pray for strength when relationships are difficult. Give me wisdom to know when to stand up for myself and when to let things go.

~ 35 Powerful Prayers For Youth and Young Adults. Home Faith Family, homefaithfamily.com/prayers-for-youth. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

Prayer for Purpose, Renewal and Spiritual Guidance

Lord, as we struggle for meaning and purpose in life, guide us with Your helping hand. Teach us to be aware of God’s abiding love, and stir our concern for our fellow man. We commit to You our lives in the spirit of dedication and obedience so that we may be spiritually renewed through the teaching of our Faith and the guidance of the Orthodox Church. For You are the God that loves mankind and to You we ascribe Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

~ "Prayer for the Youth." Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, 29 Mar. 2021, www.goarch.org/-/prayer-youth. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

Prayer Before Study

Christ, the true light, who enlightens and sanctifies every person coming into the world, let the light of Your countenance shine upon me, that in it I may behold the unapproachable light; and guide my steps in the performance of Your commandments, by the intercessions of Your all-immaculate Mother and of all the saints. Amen.

~ Adapted to the first person from "Prayers." Orthodox Church in America, www.oca.org/orthodoxy/prayers. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.

Graces

A Grace for Any Occasion

O Lord, You bless the earth and all its fruits to nourish our bodies. We thank You for Your abundant kindness. Bless this food and guide us to serve You through our actions, to grow in Your grace and love, learning from the gifts of the earth to be stewards of Your creation. For You are the Giver of Life and to you we give all honor, glory and thanks. Amen

- Prayers of Thanksgiving. The Orthodox Study Bible, Thomas Nelson, 2008, p. 1746.

A Grace Before Meals

We thank You, O Christ our God, for You have again filled us with earthly blessings. Keep us in Your holiness, that we may partake of Your heavenly blessings also. For You are the source of all goodness, and to You we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

- Grace Before Meals. The Orthodox Prayer Book, edited by Rev. Fr. George Papadeas, Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1980, p. 28.

Grace for a Young Child

Of the soil, gifts from You,
The Sun's warm light makes food anew.
By Your grace, we are fed each day,
Thanks to God, we sing and pray.

- Anonymous

Intercessory Prayer for the Living and the Dead

O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, who out of your eternal mercy and love became human, suffered crucifixion, and died for our salvation; who rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, sitting at the right hand of the Father, where you hear the prayers of all who call upon you humbly and with their whole heart: please listen to us, and accept this prayer that your servants offer as a spiritual sacrifice for all your people.

~ Orthodox Prayer Book (adapted to contemporary English). Orthodox Church in America, www.oca.org/resources/prayers/intercessory-prayers-for-living-and-dead. 

Prayer for Intercession by the Saints

O Saint (Name), please pray to God for me, my home, and everyone I love.

~ Prayers to the Saints (adapted to contemporary English). St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, www.saintbarbara.org/praying-to-the-saints. 

Prayer for Our Children

O God, our heavenly Father, Who loves mankind, and is most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon our children, Your servants, [names], for whom I humbly pray You, and commend them to Your gracious protection. Be You, O God, their guide and guardian in all their endeavors; lead them in the path of Your truth, and draw them near to You, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Your love and fear; doing Your will in all matters. Amen.

~ Adapted to contemporary English from "Nice Orthodox Prayer for Our Children/Young or Older." Byzantine Forum, www.byzcath.org/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/307885/nice-orthodox-prayer-for-our-children-young-or-older. 

Prayer for Our Youth

Dear Heavenly Father, how I thank and praise you for the young men and women who have trusted in the Lord Jesus as their Saviour, and I ask that You would work in the lives of all young people who have stepped out in faith in the Son of God. Draw ever closer to those who have made a commitment to You. May they grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus in the days that lie ahead.

~ "Prayer for Our Youth." Prayers for Youth, Prayer.Knowing-Jesus.com, prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Prayers-for-Youth. 

Prayer for the Sick

O Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, the Healer of our souls and bodies, who became human and died on the Cross for our salvation, and through your tender love and compassion healed all kinds of sickness and affliction: please visit me in my suffering, grant me the grace and strength to bear this illness with Christian patience and submission to your will, trusting in your loving kindness and tender mercy.

~ Orthodox Prayers in Time of Sickness & Trouble (adapted to contemporary English). St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church, www.sthermansoca.org/prayers-for-someone-else-who-is-sick. 

Prayer for Healing and Deliverance from Despair

O Lord, You are the Physician of our souls and bodies. You heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. Look down on Your servant, who is overwhelmed by the spirit of despair and hopelessness. Come to them, O Lord, and give them Your peace. Take away the heavy burden of their suffering and let Your light shine upon their heart. Grant them the strength to face the trials of life and the courage to live according to Your will. Protect them from the enemy's snares, and guide them in Your paths of righteousness. Have mercy on them, O Lord, and grant them relief from their anguish. In Your mercy, heal their brokenness, and bring them into Your loving arms. Through the prayers of the Theotokos and all the saints, have mercy on us all. Amen.

~ "Prayer for Healing and Deliverance from Despair." Orthodox Prayer Book, compiled by the Orthodox Church in America, www.oca.org/orthodoxy/prayers. 

Prayer for Those Struggling with Mental and Emotional Health

O Christ our God, You are the source of peace and the healer of souls and bodies. Look mercifully upon Your servant who struggles with mental anguish and turmoil. Grant them the strength to overcome despair, the courage to seek help, and the light of Your presence to guide them through this darkness. Calm their troubled thoughts and renew their mind with Your grace. Surround them with love, support, and understanding. May Your healing power restore them to peace and hope, that they may glorify You, the Giver of Life, now and forever. Amen."

~ "Prayer for Those Struggling with Mental Health." Orthodox Church in America, www.oca.org/orthodoxy/prayers. 

The Departed

Prayer for the Departed

Remember, O Lord, the souls of Your departed servants (names) and of all my kins according to the flesh. Also remember all those of our fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection and life eternal.

~ "Orthodox Prayers for the Departed (Prayers for the Repose of Souls)." Saint Gregory Outreach, 2010, https://www.saintgregoryoutreach.org/2010/01/prayers-for-repose-of-souls.html.

Personal Prayer for the Departed

O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who descended into Hades, trampled down death, and broke the bonds of death, giving life to Your world: Do You, the same Lord, give rest to the soul of Your departed servant [Name], in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sorrow, sighing, and pain have fled away. Pardon every transgression which he/she has committed, whether by word, deed, or thought, for You are a good and loving God, and You desire the salvation of all.

~ Adapted from "Prayer for Every Departed Person." Orthodox.net, https://www.orthodox.net/trebnic/prayer-for-every-departed-person-in-the-psalter.html.