Since early times, Orthodox believers have gathered in the morning and evening hours to thank God and put in a word before him about the salvation of the world. By the fourth century, if not earlier, morning and evening had become obligatory hours for prayer and offering the praise of God. Although they have remained so since then, over time there have been two great changes in the form of the proposed prayer.
First, regular daily morning and evening petitions became more and more the practice of members of the clergy and religious orders, and the rest of God's people mostly participated in prayers on Sundays or church holidays. Secondly, as a result of this prayer, they began to be perceived more as words to be spoken and performed than as to be celebrated.
Evening prayer before bed
The evening rule of prayer for sleep, the coming one is chanting words of gratitude to God, and asking for protection from dubious thoughts and fears that appear in a person before going to bed.
Orthodox Christians have long been able to make sure that evening prayer brings peace to a person and the opportunity to look at the current life situation in a different way, so to speak, from the outside, and, in the end, to see ways to solve it. It is God who helps in realizing this through sacred action.
It is in the evening, when a person has finished with the day's affairs, that he can pay more attention to prayer. Sometimes people themselves do not notice how they resort to petition in order to turn to God for help:
- in fear;
- in confusion;
- in grief and so on.
Some changes to the evening rule serve to help Christians of our time get involved in the action. Prayer words can be sung in a very simple form or enriched with optional chants.
If possible, the rule should include some singing, especially the gospel song, which is the culmination of morning or evening praise for the work of God in Christ. If desired, some paraphrases can be replaced by any of the biblical chants, and other songs can be added at appropriate places.
Evening the prayer rule must be in force. This applies to patients and women with small children. Prayer should not be taken as a duty, it should be voluntary. When you do, you must experience God's grace. It is better to turn to the clergyman for a blessing to read, and to discuss the main aspects of the action. The main path to the priesthood: reasoning and advice.
The nature of liturgical prayer can be enhanced in a variety of ways, including the use of certain changes in posture, the provision of a visual orientation for worship, the use of a lit candle, and the designation of different parts of the service, for example:
- reading scriptures;
- singing verses of psalms and hymns;
- performance of various prayer books.
Evening praise may not only be read by you, you can also listen to someone else read it. Now there is a large selection of prayers for the coming dream. You can download them for free and listen to them anytime, anywhere. But you can also download the text of the evening rule on the Internet, it will not differ much, since at their core they are similar to each other.
There are many possible combinations. It is important to make a responsible decision about using Scripture that allows you to meditate on the Word of God and about offering praise to God and praying for God's peace throughout the day and week. In addition, today, prayers for the coming dream are presented in a large selection. The Prayer Book contains the main of the necessary appeals to God.
The structure of the evening chant
1. Preparation.
- Appeal to God.
- Thanksgiving prayer.
- Open song.
- Introductory plea if desired.
2. Repentance.
- Blessing of the world.
- form of repentance.
3. Word of God
- Psalm.
- Song.
- Reading from the Holy Scriptures.
- Gospel song.
4. Prayers
- Thanksgiving and requests.
- Prayer to the Guardian Angel.
- Lord's Prayer.
5. Conclusion
- and Grace.
- Final answer.
When and how to start praying for the coming dream
Orthodox prayers for a dream to come are used by an individual, a small group or a religious community. The first decision made must have to do with regular worship. Of course, this will largely depend on the time available. If you read a prayer every evening, then your coming sleep will be calm.
It happens that small children often have scary dreams. To avoid this, you need to use the evening sacrament. At first, the child can repeat after the parent. But it is imperative to explain the true meaning of this action. If this does not bring a positive result, then you can go to the temple and light a candle for the health of the child. In addition, mothers often read appeals to the icons of the Kazan Mother of God and the Guardian Angel. It will protect your child's sleep. When reading an appeal to God, try not to shorten it, especially in the morning and evening. If for some serious reason you do not have the opportunity to read the petition in full, then let it be a short, but, most importantly, daily action.
What prayers to read or listen to
The prayer book offers a ready-made set of prayers for any requirement. But still, they may differ depending on the Old Testament and the New Testament. If you find it difficult to choose a text, then you need to contact the priest. The priest will help you with the choice and bless you for reading.
Attention to the place is important for those who pray with someone, and for those who pray on their own. The place should be quiet and calm, without extraneous noise. Light a candle, this will help you tune in to prayer. It is very important that nothing distracts you. You can also download the text of the prayer and play it before bed.
The question of singing, silence, choice of text must be decided in advance. This will be a guarantee for auspicious prayer. The holy scripture says that prayer is the duty of every Orthodox person before God. However, this should not be taken as coercion. Every self-respecting Christian should always pray: when he is awake, getting ready for bed, starting a new business. In addition, you need to teach this to your child.
Praying in the evening, look back, admit your mistakes and ask for forgiveness for all sorts of sins and wrong deeds. God will surely listen and guide you on the right path. Only in God's power to free us from fear and give hope for well-being. In the evening petition, you turn not only to God, but also to your Guardian Angel. And you will definitely be heard. The angel will protect your dreams. Do not forget to thank him for the past day.
Before you start reading the evening prayer, talk to God in ordinary language. Thank him for everything in your life and turn to him for help. If you are worried about what you have done or have bad thoughts, tell God about it before you fall asleep, and you will notice how much better and easier you feel.
Foreword
The lay prayer rule consists of morning and evening prayers, which are performed daily. This 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 big and difficult task, inspiration, mood and improvisation alone are not enough.
There is a complete prayer rule, designed for monks and spiritually experienced lay people, which is printed in Orthodox prayer book.
However, for those who are just beginning to get used to prayer, it is difficult to immediately begin to read the entire rule. Usually confessors advise to start with several prayers, and then add one prayer to the rule every 7-10 days, so that the ability to read the rule develops gradually and naturally.
In addition, situations sometimes arise among the laity when there is little time left for prayer, and in this case it is better to read a short rule with attention and reverence than hastily and superficially, without a prayerful mood, mechanically read out the full rule.
Thus, cultivating a reasonable attitude to the rule of prayer, Saint Theophan the Recluse writes to a family person:
“Bless, Lord, and continue to pray according to your rule. But never bind yourself to a rule and think that there is anything of value in having such a rule or always making it. The whole price is in the heart before God falling down. The saints write that if someone does not depart from prayer as a condemned person, worthy of any punishment from the Lord, then such a person departs from it as a Pharisee. Another said: "standing at prayer, stand as at the Last Judgment, when God's decisive decision about you is ready: depart or come."
Formality and mechanism in prayer should be avoided in every possible way. Let this every time be a matter of deliberate free decision, and do it with consciousness and feeling, and not somehow. In case you need to be able to shorten the rule. Are there any accidents in family life?.. You can, for example, in the morning and in the evening, when there is no time, to read only the morning prayers and for the coming sleep. You can even not read all of them, but several. You can read nothing at all, but make a few bows, but with true heartfelt prayer. The rule must be handled with complete freedom. Be the mistress of the rule, not a slave. A servant only of God, obliged to devote all the minutes of her life to please Him.
For such cases, there is short prayer rule for all believers.
In the morning it includes:
“King of Heaven”, Trisagion, “Our Father”, “Virgin Mother of God”, “Rising from sleep”, “Have mercy on me, God”, “I believe”, “God, cleanse”, “To You, Master”, “Holy Angel ”, “Most Holy Lady”, invocation of the saints, prayer for the living and the dead.
In the evening it includes:
“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 prayers
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.Predestinatory prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
(Read three times, with the sign of the cross and a bow from the waist.)
Lord's Prayer
Song of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Virgin Mother of God, rejoice, Blessed Mary, the Lord is with you; Blessed are you in women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, as if the Savior gave birth to our souls.
Prayer to the Holy Trinity
Having risen from sleep, I thank Thee, Holy Trinity, for many, for the sake of Thy goodness and long-suffering, have not been angry with me, lazy and sinful, below have destroyed me with my iniquities; but you usually loved humanity and in the hopelessness of the lying one raised me up, in a hedgehog to matine and glorify Your power. And now enlighten my mental eyes, open my mouth to learn Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and sing Thee in confession of the heart, and sing of Thy all-holy name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever centuries. Amen.
Come, let us worship our King God. (Bow)
Come, let us bow down and bow down to Christ, our King God. (Bow)
Come, let us worship and bow down to Christ Himself, the King and our God. (Bow)
Psalm 50
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 done evil before you, as if you were justified in your words, and conquered when you judge Thee. Behold, in iniquities I was conceived, and in sins my mother gave birth to me. Behold, thou hast loved the truth; the unknown and secret wisdom of Thy revealed to me. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Give joy and joy to my hearing; 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. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Reward me the joy of Your salvation and confirm me with the dominating Spirit. I will teach the wicked in Your way, and the wicked will turn to You. Deliver me from blood, O God, God of my salvation; my tongue rejoices in thy righteousness. Lord, open my mouth, and my mouth will proclaim your praise. As if you would have desired sacrifices, you would have given them: you do not favor burnt offerings. Sacrifice to God the spirit is broken; a contrite and humble heart 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, an offering and a burnt offering; then they will offer bullocks on your altar.
Symbol of faith
I believe in one God the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, who was born of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, uncreated, consubstantial with the Father, Whom all was. For us for the sake of man and for our sake of salvation, he descended from heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin and became human. Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And resurrected on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And the packs of the future with glory to judge the living and the dead, His Kingdom will have no end. 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. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.
First Prayer of Saint Macarius the Great
God, cleanse me a sinner, for I have done no good before Thee; but deliver me from the evil one, and let Thy will be in me, but without condemnation I will open my unworthy mouth and praise Your holy name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever Amen.
The prayer of the same saint
To Thee, O Lord, Lover of mankind, I have risen from sleep, and I strive for Thy works by Thy mercy, and I pray to Thee: help me at all times, in all things, and deliver me from every evil worldly thing and the devil's haste, and save me, and enter into your eternal kingdom. You are my Creator and all good, the Provider and Giver, all my hope is in You, and I send glory to You, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Holy Angel, stand before my accursed soul and my passionate life, do not leave me a sinner, depart from me below for my intemperance. Give no place to the crafty demon to possess me, the violence of this mortal body; strengthen my poor and thin hand and guide me on the path of salvation. Hey, holy angel of God, guardian and patron of my damned soul and body, forgive me all, insult you with great insults all the days of my stomach, and if I have sinned this past night, cover me this present day, and save me from every temptation of the opposite Yes, in no sin will I anger God, and pray for me to the Lord, may he confirm me in His fear, and show me worthy of His servant of goodness. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
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, free 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.
Prayers for the dream to come
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 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 forgive us our debts, as we forgive 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 Thee; do not be angry with us, remember our iniquities below, but look now as if you are kind, 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: Open the doors of Mercy to us, blessed Mother of God, hoping 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 made me 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, O Lord, to pass in peace in this night of sleep, and having arisen from my humble bed, I will please your most holy name, all the days of my stomach, and I will stop the fleshly and incorporeal enemies that 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 Mary, 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 today, and deliver me from all the wickedness of the enemy, so that I will not anger my God in any sin; 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 Governor is victorious, as if having got rid of the evil ones, thankfully 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 place 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.
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.
* From Easter to Ascension, instead of this prayer, the troparion is read:
"Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and bestowing life on those in the tombs." (Thrice) From Ascension to Trinity, we begin prayers with "Holy God ...", omitting all previous ones. This remark also applies to prayers for the coming sleep.
Throughout Bright Week, instead of this rule, the hours of Holy Pascha are read.
** From Pascha to Ascension, instead of this prayer, the refrain and irmos of the 9th song of the Paschal canon are read:
“An angel crying out more graciously: Pure Virgin, rejoice! And pack the river: rejoice! Your Son is risen three days from the tomb and raised up the dead; folks, have fun! Shine, shine, new Jerusalem, the glory of the Lord is upon you. Rejoice now and rejoice, Sione. But you, Pure One, show off, Mother of God, about the rise of Your Nativity.
These remarks also apply to prayers for the coming sleep.
Compiled using materials from the book:
How to learn to pray at home. Moscow, "The Ark", 2004. Trifonov Pechenga Monastery
For the work of the day, believers thank the Lord; for this, a short prayer for the coming dream is used. There are few words in it, but the essence is very meaningful and voluminous. And the latter is desirable to understand. There is no sense in the meaningless mumbling of memorized words. Let's talk about what happens to the coming dream, why they pronounce it, what they think about at this moment.
Legend-parable
For church-going people, the Lord is always in their souls, and for everyone else, let us recall a well-known story. It tells about a man who walks on the sand. The legend says that an angel constantly wanders beside him, adjusting to the rhythm of the traveler's steps. And on the sand together they leave traces that the wind does not sweep away, the rain does not flood, that is, you can always look back and check how their route went. Ask, what does the short prayer for the coming dream have to do with it? Now you will understand its essence, and this is more important than words. Somehow the man turned around and looked at the footprints. Surprisingly, he noticed areas where only one chain is visible, and the second is missing. The man remembered that it was at this time that it was especially difficult for him. He reproached the angel for leaving him, did not support him at the most unfortunate moments of the journey. But he objected. The angel reminded the traveler that at that time his strength was leaving him along with his firmness of spirit. He sank on the sand and refused to continue the road. The angel carried him in his arms, so only one chain of footprints remained in the sand. Agree, the character of this parable reminds each of us. Everyone has difficulties, moments of despondency and depression. And who helps to overcome them? So a short prayer is addressed to him for the coming dream. It represents gratitude to the Lord for the day lived and his support.
for the dream to come
Monks follow special rules. They say many prayers throughout the day. This for monks and church people becomes a habitual occupation that does not cause inconvenience. The prayer for the salvation of the soul, like other texts, is like a breath of fresh air or rest for them. These people constantly aspire to the Lord with their souls, therefore they perceive strict rules quite naturally. It's a different matter for the laity. They have a hard time at first. Even a short prayer for the coming dream takes some time, and is also perceived as a duty. And the last one is especially dangerous. Remember the parable of the publican and the Pharisee. That prayer is dearer to the Lord who reads it with his heart. If turning to the Saints turns into a tedious duty, there will be no grace in it, there is only one harm for the soul. A person, having decided that he needs prayers read at night or any other, takes an obligation to the Lord. Sometimes its implementation can be uncomfortable or difficult, but you can not say words without thoughtfulness, mechanically. It is better to sin and deviate from your rule.
Explanations of St. Theophan the Recluse
Do not think that only in our purely material world people do not understand what to pray for before going to bed. These questions were of interest to many in the past. People tried to enlist the recommendations of their confessors. So, there are letters of St. Theophan the Recluse concerning this particular problem. He said that the rule of prayer is not granite and not the master of the believer. You can't become his slave. On the contrary, one should be responsible for the obligations assumed, but concentrate on spiritual fellowship with the Lord. When circumstances do not contribute to the opening of the heart, it is better to bow to the icon of the saint with the name of God on the lips. He who thoughtlessly follows the rule departs from prayer either condemned or a Pharisee. Formality must be avoided in this case. Prayer for the salvation of the soul must come from the heart, and not only from the lips. The saint also wrote that one must be the mistress of one's rule, and not a slave. From this follows, on the one hand, the desire to fulfill the obligations taken, on the other hand, to do it from the heart. Believers are only servants of the Lord. And therefore, all their thoughts are aimed at pleasing Him, and not the rule of prayer. Let's clarify the last point a bit.
Believers and the Lord
The question asked is tricky. In a couple of sentences it can not be opened. But we are not striving for this. It is important for us to understand why St. Theophan the Recluse speaks of the possibility and even the necessity of violating the prayer rule. The fact is that a believer runs the risk of replacing concepts, being overly zealous in fulfilling obligations. At some point, it will turn out that it is more important for him to follow the rules, and not to communicate with the Lord. And this means that he replaced God with his duty to Him. Such a worldview is the Phariseeism, which is spoken of in the parable. You can't blindly follow any rules. They are accepted by believers voluntarily, and it is desirable to observe them. However, this no longer refers to the form of the obligation, but to its content. Take, for example, the evening prayers of Optina Pustyn. They are read by monks who have dedicated themselves to the Lord. They not only gave their whole soul to service, but also abandoned worldly pleasures for its sake. This is not required of the laity. They should seek fellowship with the Lord with all their hearts. For this, obligations are taken, prayer rules are created. Don't know what it is?
Prayer Rules
We all talk about the essence of tradition, but there is also a certain form. Let's look at the above example again. The evening prayers of Optina Pustyn include up to three dozen texts. It takes a lot of time to read all of them. This may well frighten a layman who is thinking about adopting a rule. In fact, the average person does not have to read all of them. On this account there are recommendations of the clergy. For example, the book “How to Learn to Pray at Home” (Trifonov Pechenga Monastery) says that you can read the following texts: “Our Father”, “Evening God”, “To the King of Heaven”, “Angel of Christ”, “Good King”, Trisagion, "Have mercy on us, Lord." This is only a recommendation, not mandatory canon. It should be understood that the selected texts are the rule or obligation of the believer. Each one makes it for himself.
Prayer Details
The strict rule, which we have talked about so far, prescribes to take already existing texts. However, believers do not always do this, many are interested in what to pray for before going to bed. You can just talk to the Lord before you go to bed. You will always find the topic if you remember the parable with which we started the conversation. During the day, you experienced different events, worked or thought about solving problems. The Lord was always near, even when you do not understand and do not realize it. Thank Him. For this, an Orthodox prayer is read for the coming dream. In fact, it is gratitude to the Lord for the day of life, for the fact that He is near, in the heart, thoughts and soul. If you think carefully about the texts mentioned above, then they are about the same. Believers strive to be with the Lord every second, they devote all their daily affairs to Him. And any decision is checked against His commandments. And for the fact that he gave such a way of life, be sure to thank.
How to Prepare for Prayer
Turning to faith, a person out of habit pays a lot of attention to the external side of the issue. It's probably easier to change your lifestyle this way. In fact, real faith does not need special "decorations". God is in the soul of man, and this is the most important thing. However, almost no one can feel it right away. The religious world is too different from our usual reality. Therefore, one should tune in to prayer, at least at first. Bring icons from the temple and place them in the "red corner". This is an Orthodox tradition. Holy faces should hang on the opposite wall from the door. Nearby you can not place pictures of indecent content and devices broadcasting information (TV, computer). Next to the icons it would be nice to place a lamp or a place for candles. Also think about a place convenient for the whole family. It is necessary that people could gather at the Holy Faces and not interfere with each other. Arrange a time for evening prayer. That way you can have a quiet conversation with the Lord. Just don't turn on the TV at this time. He breaks privacy.
Prayer for a child to sleep
Children also need to be taught to believe. While they are small, mothers pray for their souls (or fathers, other relatives). And as they grow up, they will begin to imitate the elders. They will only need to be directed, to explain the essence of what is happening. Here, for example, is a prayer for children recommended by Ambrose of Optina: “Lord, You are One in all things. You can do everything and want to help everyone come to the mind of truth. Lord, enlighten our children (names) with the knowledge of Your holy truth. Strengthen their will to live according to Your commandments. And us sinners, have mercy. Amen!" This prayer should be included in your rule. And when the youths become interested in what mother says there and is baptized, be sure to explain. Just do it thoughtfully, without neglecting the essence of tradition. Parents often think that the child is still too young to understand how a believer communicates with the Lord. And then the children slide into hypocrisy (they explained how it was above), simply repeating the rule after their parents.
Why Believers Make Commitments
Probably, this question will also have to be revealed to children. So let's talk a little. We have already found out that the believer accepts the prayer rule voluntarily. He does not answer to anyone but the Lord and his conscience. A does this to prove the firmness of the decision to accept the faith. But the bottom line is that this is a personal matter. A person proves his commitment to the Lord only to himself. And he struggles with laziness, unwillingness to pray for his soul. Nobody needs to stick to prayer rules anymore. Everyone does it for themselves. The believer in this way acquires the grace of God. And this, as Sergei Sarovsky explained, is the main goal of man. He accumulates heavenly "capital" in this way. Everything that is done by a believer is aimed at acquiring grace. So the fulfillment of the prayer rule is also a step along this path.
So what texts to read?
Not everyone is affected by discussions of faith. Some people are looking for clues, they need to indicate exactly what the prayer for the coming dream is short. We have already mentioned 3 strong ones earlier, but we will repeat ourselves. Before going to bed, you need to say: “Have mercy on us, Lord”, “Angel of Christ” and “Our Father”. Other texts can be included in the rule at will and need. In the book mentioned above, the monks recommend starting the evening prayer with one text. When you get used to it, there will be an awareness of what you are doing, add the next one. In this way, you will gradually work out your own prayer rule. And it is important to move away from the mechanical reading of texts closer to spirituality. If it doesn’t work right away, then put the prayer book aside, just talk with the Lord, thank you for the past day. And if this does not work out, bow to the icons with an open heart and trust.
Conclusion
Religious traditions are complex, difficult and intricate only at first glance. In fact, if you concentrate on their true essence, you will quickly understand everything. We got up in the morning - turn your thoughts to the Lord, read a prayer. During the day you encountered difficulties - do the same, formed - again remember God. And in the evening, thank him for everything that has fallen to your lot, ask for a blessing. He will always be in your soul, which is what all believers strive for.
Christians end each day with the obligatory evening prayer. Daily morning and evening prayer appeals are called the prayer rule. It can be short, but sincere and no less powerful. A short evening prayer for the coming dream is not in vain called the prayer rule. Such a rule helps to build daily work on your soul into your schedule. This work is carried out constantly, and not only when a person suddenly remembered the need for prayer.
Under what circumstances should the Short Evening Rule be read?
Evening prayers cannot be postponed until the next day. In this case, there is a danger of destroying the spiritual mood with temptations, passions and laziness. Sometimes there are circumstances due to which a person cannot read a complete prayer with awareness, passing every word through himself. In such cases, abbreviated evening prayers will help.
Short evening prayers before going to bed are suitable:
- those who, due to external circumstances, have neither the strength nor the time left for full prayer, and those who understand that reading a prayer hastily and superficially does not make sense;
- those who work on a rotational basis and who are on duty in the evening or at night;
- for beginning Christians (an abbreviated version in Russian is allowed)
- Orthodox parishioners, whose evening prayer is chosen individually with their confessor and reflects the experiences that are happening in the heart of the believer.
How to read evening prayers?
The difficulty of evening prayer may lie in fatigue or inexperience. Either a short rule for evening prayers, or transferring prayer to an earlier time will help here. It is possible not only to read the evening prayer before going to bed, but also before dinner. Knowing the basic prayers helps not only to reduce the time for reading them, but also to feel the words of the prayer.
- retire, stand, if possible, in front of the icon, light a candle or lamp;
- cleanse the soul of anger, irritation and resentment of the past day, tune in to a conversation with God;
- overshadow oneself with the sign of the cross;
- read one or more prayers.
The evening prayer ritual allows the Orthodox to think about their own deeds, feelings and thoughts of the passing day. They allow you to set the soul on the true path, to accept the events that have occurred with repentance and humility, and through an open heart to God, to accept with love the actions of others.
Texts of short evening prayers
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer initiatory
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee!
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, Who exists everywhere and fills the whole world, Source of blessings and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, Good, our souls.
Trisagion
(Bow)
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.(Bow)
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.(Bow)
Prayer to the Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse our sins. Lord, forgive our transgressions. 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, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Lord's Prayer ("Our Father")
Our Father who art in Heaven! May your name be hallowed; let your kingdom come; May Your will be done both in heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread for this day; and forgive us our debts, as we also forgive 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! Finding no justification for ourselves, we sinners offer this prayer to You, as to the Lord: “Have mercy on us!”
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. God! Have mercy on us, we trust in You. Do not be greatly angry with us and do not remember our iniquities: but turn Your gaze on us even now, because You are merciful. And deliver us from our enemies: for You are our God and we are Your people, all are the works of Your hands and we call on Your name.
And now and always and forever and ever. Amen. Open for us, blessed Mother of God, the doors to the mercy of God, so that we, who trust in You, would not perish, but would be delivered through You from troubles: after all, You are the salvation of the Christian race.
Lord have mercy.(12 times)
Prayer 1, Saint Macarius the Great to God the Father
Eternal God and King of all created things, who has made me live up to this hour, forgive me the sins that I committed on this day in deed, word and thought; and cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul from all impurity of the flesh and spirit. And give me, Lord, this night to spend in peace, so that, having risen from sleep, all the days of my life I do what is pleasing to Your most holy name and defeat the enemies that attack me - carnal and incorporeal. And deliver me, Lord, from the vain thoughts and vicious desires that defile me. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer 2, Saint Antiochus to our Lord Jesus Christ
Almighty, Word of the Father, Jesus Christ! Being Himself perfect, according to Your great mercy, never leave me, Your servant, but always abide in me. Jesus, good Shepherd of Your sheep, do not give me over to the action of the serpent and do not leave me to the will of Satan, for there is in me the seed of destruction. You, Lord God, whom everyone worships, the Holy King, Jesus Christ, preserve me during my sleep with unfading Light, Your Holy Spirit, with which You sanctified Your disciples. Grant, Lord, to me, Your unworthy servant, Your salvation on my bed: enlighten my mind with the light of understanding Your holy Gospel, my soul with love for Your Cross, my heart with the purity of Your word, my body with Your suffering, alien to passion, my thought Keep your humility. And lift me up at the proper time to glorify You. For You are glorified in the highest degree together with Your Father without beginning and the Most Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Prayer 3, Rev. Ephraim the Syrian to the Holy Spirit
Lord, King of Heaven, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, have mercy and have mercy on me, Your sinful servant, and release me, unworthy, and forgive all the sins that I have sinned against You today as a man and, moreover, not as a man, but even worse livestock. Forgive my voluntary and involuntary sins, known and unknown: made out of immaturity and evil habit, irascibility and carelessness. If I swore by Your name, or blasphemed Him in my mind; or whom he reproached; or slandered someone in my anger, or saddened, or about what I got angry; either he lied, or he slept untimely, or a beggar came to me, and I rejected him; or my brother grieved, or provoked quarrels, or whom he condemned; or exalted, or proud, or angry; or when he stood at prayer, his mind strove for crafty worldly thoughts, or had insidious thoughts; or ate too much, or got drunk, or laughed madly; or thought evil; or, seeing the imaginary beauty, bowed his heart to what is outside of You; or said something obscene; or laughed at my brother's sin, while my sins are without number; or did not care about prayer, or did something evil that I did not remember: I did all this and even more than this. Have mercy on me, my Creator and Master, your careless and unworthy servant, and leave me, and forgive my sins, and forgive me, for You are Good and Humanitarian. So that I lie down in the world, fall asleep and calm down, prodigal, sinful and unhappy, and so that I bow and sing and glorify Your most honored name, with the Father, and His Only Begotten Son, now, and always, and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer 4th
Lord our God, everything in which I have sinned this day in word, deed and thought You, as the Merciful and Humanitarian, forgive me. Grant me a peaceful and restful sleep. Send me Your Guardian Angel, who would cover and protect me from all evil. For You are the guardian of our souls and bodies, and we give glory to You, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer 5, 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 from eternal torment.
- Lord, whether I have sinned in mind or thought, in word or deed, forgive me.
- Lord, deliver me from all ignorance, oblivion, cowardice, and petrified insensitivity.
- Lord, deliver me from every temptation.
- Lord, enlighten my heart, which is darkened by the evildesires.
- Lord, as a man I have sinned, but You, as a generous God, have mercy on me, seeing the weakness of my soul.
- Lord, send Your grace to help me, may I glorify Your holy name.
- Lord Jesus Christ, write me, Your servant, in the Book of Life and grant me a good end.
- Lord, my God, although I have done nothing good before You, grant me, by Your grace, to initiate good deeds.
- Lord, sprinkle in my heart the dew of Your grace.
- Lord of Heaven and earth, remember me, Thy sinful servant, filthy and unclean, in Thy Kingdom. Amen.
- Lord, accept me in repentance.
- Lord, don't leave me.
- Lord, protect me from all harm.
- Lord, give me a good thought.
- Lord, give me tears, and the memory of death, and contrition of the heart for sins.
- Lord, give me the thought to confess my sins.
- Lord, give me humility, chastity and obedience.
- Lord, give me patience, generosity and meekness.
- Lord, plant in me the root of goodness - the fear of You in my heart.
- Lord, make me worthy to love You with all my soul and mind and to do Your will in everything.
- Lord, protect me from evil people, and demons, and passions, and from every inappropriate deed.
- Lord, You know what You are doing and what You desire - may Your will be done and over me, a sinner, for You are blessed forever. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
Merciful King, merciful Mother, most pure and blessed Mother of God Mary! Pour out the mercy of Your Son, and our God, on my passionate soul, and direct me with Your prayers to good deeds, so that I can live the rest of my life without sin and with Your help, Virgin Mother of God, alone, pure and blessed, enter paradise.
Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel
Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and patron of my soul and body! Forgive me everything in which I have sinned today, and deliver me from every insidious plan of the enemy coming against me, so that I do not anger my God with any sin. But pray for me, a sinful and unworthy slave, to present me worthy of the goodness and mercy of the Most Holy Trinity and Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints. Amen.
Kontakion to the Theotokos
To you, the supreme Commander, having got rid of troubles, we, Your unworthy servants, Mother of God, sing a song of victory and thanksgiving. You, as having invincible power, free us from all troubles, so that we cry out to You: rejoice, Bride, not involved in marriage!
Glorious Ever-Virgin, Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Your Son and our God, may He save our souls through Your prayers.
I place all my hope in You, Mother of God, keep me under Your protection.
Enlighten my eyes, O Christ God, so that I do not fall asleep in the sleep of death, so that my enemy does not say: I defeated him.
Be the Protector of my soul, O God, for I walk among many nets. Deliver me from them and save me, O God, for You are the Lover of mankind.
Prayer of St. Joannicius
My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my shelter is the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to Thee!
End of prayers
It is truly worthy to glorify You as the Mother of God, always blessed and immaculate, and the Mother of our God. We magnify You as the true Mother of God, who painlessly gave birth to God the Word, worthy of greater honor than the Cherubim, and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Lord have mercy.(Three times)
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, in prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Prayers said in private, separate from the evening rule
Prayer 1st
Weaken, let go, forgive, God, our sins, voluntary and involuntary, committed in word and deed, consciously and unconsciously, day and night, in the mind and in thought - forgive us everything, as the Merciful and Humanitarian. Forgive those who hate and offend us, Lord Lover of mankind! Do good to those who do good. To our brothers and relatives, graciously fulfill their petitions in what leads to salvation, and grant eternal life. Visit the weak and give them healing. Help those at sea. Accompany travelers. Help Orthodox Christians in the struggle. Grant remission of sins to those who serve us and pity us. Those who instructed us, the unworthy, to pray for them, have mercy on Your great mercy. Remember, Lord, before our departed fathers and brothers, and give them rest where the light of Your Face shines. Remember, Lord, our brothers who are in captivity, and deliver them from every misfortune.
Remember, Lord, those who bear the fruits of their labors and adorn Your holy churches. Give them, according to their requests, that which leads to salvation, and eternal life. Remember, Lord, also us, Thy humble, sinful and unworthy servants, and enlighten our minds so that we may know Thee, and guide us on the path of following Thy commandments, through the prayers of our most pure Lady, the Ever-Virgin Mary, and all Thy saints, for Thou art blessed forever and ever. Amen.
Confession of sins everyday, pronounced in private in private.
I confess to You, the Lord my God and Creator, in the Holy Trinity, the One, glorified and worshiped, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, all my sins that I have committed all the days of my life, and at every hour, and at the present time, by deed, by word, thought, sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, and all my senses, spiritual and bodily, with which I angered you my God and Creator, and offended my neighbor. Sinned:(further listing of individual sins) . Pitying them, I stand guilty before You and want to repent. Only, Lord my God, help me, with tears I humbly pray to You. Forgive me the sins I have committed by Your mercy and free me from them, for You are Good and Lover of mankind.
Prayer to the Holy Cross
Lying in bed, mark yourself with a cross and say a prayer to the Holy Cross:
Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered, and let all who hate Him flee from His Face. As smoke disappears, so let them disappear. As wax melts from fire, so let the demons perish at the sight of those who love God, and overshadow themselves with the sign of the cross and say with joy: “Rejoice, much-honored and life-giving Cross of the Lord, driving away demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ crucified on you, who descended into hell and who destroyed the power of the devil and gave us you, His honored Cross, to drive away every enemy. O most revered and life-giving Cross of the Lord! Help me with the Holy Lady, the Virgin Mary, and with all the saints forever. Amen.
According to the Orthodox tradition, one should thank God for every day lived, in the morning and in the evening, before going to bed. Prayers help to feel the love of the Lord and protect from nightmares and misfortune.
It is known that one should turn to God not only in moments of spiritual unhappiness and grief, but also in free time. Morning prayers help to tune in to a happy and successful day. And the evening ones cry out to the Creator: through words we thank the Almighty for every day we live and save our soul from evil.
Orthodox prayers for the coming dream
Most people have lost the habit of such a wonderful tradition as praying at night. In the bustle of days, we forget to express love for God, and this is necessary. Prayer helps not only to glorify the Creator and ask for help: it has a beneficial effect on our mood, soul and sleep. A person who performs such actions every day has greater happiness and luck in life than one who turns to the Almighty only with a request to resolve his problems. However, for the prayer to work, you need to read it at home correctly.
Turning to God greatly affects our life and consciousness. With the help of holy words, we can drive away trouble, change the future and attract happiness. Not every person knows the Church Slavonic language, so it may be difficult to read powerful words. Especially for you, we have translated some prayers into Russian: they have not lost their power, but have become accessible and understandable.
Prayer to God before going to bed:
“Father of all living things, help me at this hour, forgive my sins, which I (name) created by negligence today. If I offended a person with a swear word or an unacceptable act, I pray for forgiveness. Cleanse my soul from bad thoughts, and the flesh— from the desires of sinners. Deliver, O God, from the vanity of the earth and reveal Your grace in a dream. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen"
Prayer to the Lord and Jesus Christ for the coming dream:
“Our Father and Jesus Christ, grant me (name) your mercy, do not leave me on the path of life. I kneel and pray for help in tomorrow, save my dream and sanctify my life. May your salvation and your love descend upon me on my bed. Release my sins for the day and guide me along the path of repentance and light. Let all adversity pass, as the day passed. My God and Your Son Jesus, I humbly believe in Your strength and power over evil. Save your servant (name). May your kingdom on earth be eternal. Amen".
Evening Prayer to the Holy Spirit:
“Lord, comforter of my soul. Show Your mercy and save Your servant (name) from misfortune. Through Your help, O God, I want to cleanse my soul from the sins of the day. My thoughts and my words are involuntary, and therefore sinful. Save me from longing, sadness, despondency, grief and all evil intentions. Replace my depraved deeds with the grace of God and let me repent of my deeds done. Have mercy on me before going to bed and forgive my sins. Grant Thy intercession before the evil power. I praise you forever and ever. Amen".
Prayer to the Guardian Angel for the night:
“My Guardian, my soul and body are under Your protection. Forgive me (name) if I have sinned and neglected Your trust. For the deeds of my day, I ask for forgiveness and pray for deliverance from sin. Not from evil, but involuntarily, I will anger the Lord God and you, my Protector. Show me your grace and mercy. To the glory of our Lord. Amen".
In order for God and his saints to hear your prayers, you should say them with pure thoughts and love in your heart. You can choose one prayer, memorize it and read it every day before going to bed, because the point is not in quantity, but in your righteousness. With the help of prayers, you can fulfill your desires, the most important thing is to know the sacred text and have faith in God. be happy and don't forget to press the buttons and
03.05.2017 06:15
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