Morning - Monday
Opening
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, amen.
O God, cleanse me a sinner. (Prostration)
O Lord, be merciful to me, the sinner. (Prostration)
O Father, be gracious unto my sins and have mercy on me. (Prostration)
O thou who has fashioned me, have mercy on me. Because I have sinned beyond measure, please forgive me.(Prostration)
O most Holy Theotokos, save me, the sinner.(Prostration)
O angel of God, my guardian, pray for me, the sinner.(Prostration)
All holy saints pray to God for me the sinner.(Prostration)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God,(cross) have mercy on us and save us amen.
Glory to Thee our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth (cross) who is everywhere present and fills all things, treasury of good things and giver of life, come and dwell in us, cleanse us of all impurities and save our souls O Good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us (reverence) (3x)
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit both now and ever unto ages of ages amen (reverence).
O Most Holy Trinity (cross) have mercy on us. O Lord blot out our sins, O Master pardon our transgressions, O Holy One visit and heal our infirmites for Thy name’s sake.
Lord have mercy (3x)
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit both now and ever unto ages of ages amen (reverence).
Our Father, who art in the heavens (cross), 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 debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.
Troparia to the Holy Trinity
Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee O Good one, and the angelic hymn we cry aloud to Thee, O Mighty One:
Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit (cross).
From bed and sleep hast thou raised me up O Lord: enlighten my mind and heart, and open my lips that I might hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity:
Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages, amen.
Suddenly the Judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare, but with fear do we cry at midnight:
Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy (12x)
Prayer of St. Basil the Great to the Most Holy Trinity
As I rise from sleep, I thank You O Holy Trinity, that through Your great goodness and patience You were not angry with me, and idler and a sinner, nor did You destroy me with my iniquities, but You have shown Your usual love for mankind; and while I was prostrate in despair, You have raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Your power. And now, enlighten my mind’s eye and open my mouth that I may meditate on Your words and understand Your commandments and do Your will and hymn You in heartfelt confession and sing praises to Your all-holy name: of the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit (cross), now and ever and unto ages of ages, amen.
O come let us worship God our King. (reverence)
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God. (reverence)
O come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself our King and God. (reverence).
Psalm 3
O Lord, why do those who afflict me multiply?
Many are those who rise up against me.
Many are those who say to my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in his God” (pause)
But You, O Lord, are my protector,
My Glory and the One who lifts up my head.
I cried to the Lord with my voice,
And He heard me from His holy hill.(pause)
I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord will help me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who set themselves against me all around.
Arise, O Lord, and save me, O my God,
For you struck all those who were foolishly at enmity with me;
You broke the teeth of the sinners.
Salvation is of the Lord,
And Your blessing is upon Your people.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on my O God, according to Your great mercy;
and according to the abundance of Your compassions blot out my transgression.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin,.
For I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me.
Against You only have I sinned, and done evil in Your sight
That You will be justified in Your words and prevail when You are judged.
For behold, I was conceived in iniquities and in sins my mother bore me.
Behold, You love truth, You showed me the unknown and hidden things of Your wisdom.
You will sprinkle me with hyssop and I will be cleansed.
You shall wash me and I will be made whiter than snow.
You shall make me hear joy and gladness;
My bones that were broken will greatly rejoice.
Turn Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your holy spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and with a governing spirit establish me.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation,
And my tongue will rejoice in Your righteousness.
You shall open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise.
For if You had desired sacrifice, I would give it.
You will not be please with whole-burnt offerings.
A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.
Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built.
Then You will be please with a sacrifice of righteousness, of oblations and whole-burnt offerings.
Then they shall offer bullocks on Your altar.
The Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, (cross) maker of heaven and earth and all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God (cross), the Only-begotten, begotten by the Father before all ages;
Light of Light, True God of True God, begotten and 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 heavens and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit (cross) and the Virgin Mary and became man; and was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried, and arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures, and ascended into the heavens and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end; and in the Holy Spirit (cross), the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets; and 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 age to come. Amen.
Optina
Click to reveal Optina Rule Segments
Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner. (100 times, first 10 with prostration, next 20 with reverences, prostration on the last one, cross on all)
Prayer to the Theotokos
My holy Lady Theotokos, through Your holy and all powerful prayers, banish from me, Your humble and unworthy servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, carelessness, and all filthy, evil, and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind. And quench the flames of my passions, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from many cruel memories and deeds and free me from all their evil effects. For blessed are you by all generations, and glorified is Your most honorable name unto the ages of ages, amen. (Prostration)
Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner. (100 times, first 10 with prostration, next 20 with reverences, prostration on the last one, cross on all)
Prayer to the Theotokos
My holy Lady Theotokos, through Your holy and all powerful prayers, banish from me, Your humble and unworthy servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, carelessness, and all filthy, evil, and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind. And quench the flames of my passions, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from many cruel memories and deeds and free me from all their evil effects. For blessed are you by all generations, and glorified is Your most honorable name unto the ages of ages, amen. (Prostration)
Jesus Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner. (100 times, first 10 with prostration, next 20 with reverences, prostration on the last one, cross on all)
Prayer to the Theotokos
My holy Lady Theotokos, through Your holy and all powerful prayers, banish from me, Your humble and unworthy servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, carelessness, and all filthy, evil, and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind. And quench the flames of my passions, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from many cruel memories and deeds and free me from all their evil effects. For blessed are you by all generations, and glorified is Your most honorable name unto the ages of ages, amen. (Prostration)
to the Most Holy Theotokos
O Most Holy Theotokos, save me, the sinner. (100 times, first 10 with prostration, next 20 with reverences, prostration on the last one, cross on all)
Prayer to the Theotokos
My holy Lady Theotokos, through Your holy and all powerful prayers, banish from me, Your humble and unworthy servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, carelessness, and all filthy, evil, and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind. And quench the flames of my passions, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from many cruel memories and deeds and free me from all their evil effects. For blessed are you by all generations, and glorified is Your most honorable name unto the ages of ages, amen. (Prostration)
to the Holy Guardian Angel
O holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me the sinner (50 times, first five with prostrations, next ten with reverences, prostration on the last one, cross on all)
Prayer to the Theotokos
My holy Lady Theotokos, through Your holy and all powerful prayers, banish from me, Your humble and unworthy servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, carelessness, and all filthy, evil, and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind. And quench the flames of my passions, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from many cruel memories and deeds and free me from all their evil effects. For blessed are you by all generations, and glorified is Your most honorable name unto the ages of ages, amen. (Prostration)
to all Saints
All holy saints pray to God for me, the sinner (50 times, first five with prostrations, next ten with reverences, prostration on the last one, cross on all)
Prayer to the Theotokos
My holy Lady Theotokos, through Your holy and all powerful prayers, banish from me, Your humble and unworthy servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, carelessness, and all filthy, evil, and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind. And quench the flames of my passions, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from many cruel memories and deeds and free me from all their evil effects. For blessed are you by all generations, and glorified is Your most honorable name unto the ages of ages, amen. (Prostration)
Prayer 1, of St. Macarius the Great
O God, cleanse me a sinner, for I have never done anything good in Your sight; but deliver me from the evil one and let Your will be done in me that I may open my unworthy mouth without condemnation and praise Your holy name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (cross), now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Prayer 2, of the same saint
Having risen from sleep, I offer to You, O Saviour, the midnight hymn, and falling down I cry unto You: Grant me not to fall asleep in the death of sin, but have compassion on me, O Thou Who was voluntarily crucified, and hasten to raise me who is reclining in idleness and save me in prayer and intercession, and after the night’s sleep shine upon me a sinless day, O Christ God, and save me.
Prayer 3, of the same saint
Having risen from sleep, I hasten to You, O Master, Lover of mankind, and by Your loving-kindness I strive to do Your work, and I pray to You: Help me at all times, in everything, and deliver me from every worldly, evil, thing and every impulse of the devil, and save me, and lead me into Your eternal kingdom. For You are my Creator and the Giver and Provider of everything good, and in You is all my hope, and unto You do I send up glory, now and ever and unto ages of ages, amen.
Prayer 4, of the same saint
O Lord, Who in Your abundant goodness and Your great compassion has granted me, Your servant, to go through the time of the night that is past without attack from any opposing evil: Do Thou Thyself, O Master, Creator of all things, vouchsafe me by Thy true light and with an enlightened heart to do Your will, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 5, of St. Basil the Great
O Lord Almighty, God of hosts and of all flesh, Who dwells on high and looks down on things that are lowly, Who searches the heart and innermost being and clearly foreknows the secrets of men; O unoriginate and everlasting Light, with Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning: Do Thou, O Immortal King, receive our supplications which we, daring because of the multitude of Your compassions, offer You at the present time from defiled lips, and forgive us our sins, in deed, word, and thought, whether committed by us knowingly or in ignorance, and cleanse us from every defilement of flesh and spirit. And grant us to pass through the night of the whole present life with watchful heart and sober thought, ever expecting the coming of the bright and appointed day of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, whereon the Judge of all shall come with glory to reward each according to his deeds. May we not be found fallen and idle, but watching and upright in activity, ready to accompany Him into the joy and divine palace of His glory, where there is the ceaseless sound of those who keep festival, and the unspeakable delight of those who behold the ineffable beauty of Thy countenance. For You are the true Light Who enlightens and sanctifies all, and all creation hymns You unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 6, of St. Basil the Great
We bless You, O Most High God and Lord of mercy, Who ever does with us things both great and inscrutable, both glorious and awesome, of which there is no measure; Who grants to us sleep for rest from our infirmities and relaxation from the labors of our much-toiling flesh. We thank You that You have not destroyed us with our iniquities, but have shown Your loving-kindness to man as usual, and while we were lying in despair upon our beds, You have raised us up that we might glorify Your dominion. Wherefore, we implore Your boundless 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 be able steadily to hymn and confess You, Who is God glorified in all and by all, the unoriginate Father, with Your Only-begotten Son and Your All-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 7, to the Most Holy Theotokos
I sing of Your grace, O Sovereign Lady, and I pray You to grace my mind. Teach me to step aright in the way of Christ’s commandments. Strengthen me to keep awake in song, and drive away the sleep of despondency. O Bride of God, by Your prayers release me, bound with the bonds of sin. Guard me by night and by day, and deliver me from foes that defeat me. O bearer of God the Life-giver, enliven me who am deadened by passions. O bearer of the Unwaning Light, enlighten my blinded soul. O marvelous palace of the Master, make me to be a house of the Divine Spirit. O bearer of the Healer, heal the perennial passions of my soul. Guide me to the path of repentance, for I am tossed in the storm of life. Deliver me from eternal fire and from evil worms and from Tartarus. Let me not be exposed to the rejoicing of demons, guilty as I am of many sins. Renew me, grown old from senseless sins, O Most Immaculate One. Present me untouched by all torments, and pray for me to the Master of all. Vouchsafe me to find the joys of heaven with all the saints. O Most Holy Virgin, hearken unto the voice of Your unprofitable servant. Grant me torrents of tears, O Most Pure One, to cleanse my soul from impurity. I offer the groans of my heart to You unceasingly; strive for me, O Sovereign Lady. Accept my service of supplication and offer it to compassionate God. O Thou Who are above the angels, raise me above this world’s confusion. O Light-bearing heavenly tabernacle, direct the grace of the Spirit in me. I raise my hands and lips in Your praise, defiled as they are by impurity, O All-immaculate One. Deliver me from soul-corrupting evils, and fervently intercede with Christ, to Whom is due honor and worship, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 8, to our Lord Jesus Christ
O my plenteously-merciful and all-merciful God, Lord Jesus Christ, through Your great love You did come down and become incarnate so that You might save all. And again, O Saviour, save me by Your grace I pray. For if You should save me for my works this would not be grace nor gift, but rather a duty; yea Thou who are great in compassion and ineffable in mercy. For he that believes in Me, You have said, O my Christ, shall live and never see death. If, then, faith in You saves the desperate, behold, I believe, save me, for You are my God and Creator. Let faith instead of works be imputed to me, O my God, for You will find no works which could justify me. But may my faith suffice instead of all works, may it answer for, may it acquit me, may it make me a partaker of Your eternal glory. And let Satan not seize me and boast, O Word, that he has torn me from Your hand and fold. But whether I desire it or not, save me, O Christ my Saviour, forestall me quickly, quickly, for I perish. You are my God from my mother’s womb. Vouchsafe me, O Lord, to love You now as fervently as I once loved sin itself, and also to work for You without idleness, diligently, 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 the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 9, to the Holy Guardian Angel
O holy angel who stands by my wretched soul and my passionate life, forsake me not a sinner, nor shrink from me because of my intemperance. Give no place for the cunning demon to master me through the violence of my mortal body, strengthen my poor and feeble hand, and guide me in the way of salvation. Yea, O holy angel of God, guardian and protector of my wretched soul and body, forgive me all wherein I have offended you all the days of my life; and if I have sinned during the past night, protect me during the present day, and guard me from every temptation of the enemy, that I may not anger God by any sin. And pray to the Lord for me, that He may establish me in His fear, and show me, His servant, to be worthy of His goodness. Amen.
Prayer 10,to the Most Holy Theotokos
My holy Lady Theotokos, through Your holy and all powerful prayers, banish from me, Your humble and unworthy servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, carelessness, and all filthy, evil, and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind. And quench the flames of my passions, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from many cruel memories and deeds and free me from all their evil effects. For blessed are you by all generations, and glorified is Your most honorable name unto the ages of ages, amen. (Cross)
Prayer for the Salvation of the Nation
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, forgive our iniquities. Through the intercessions of Your most pure Mother, grant our rulers peaceful governance so that in their calm we may also live a peaceable life in all godliness and modesty, Amen.
Prayerful Invocation of the Saint Whose Name we bear
Pray unto God for me, O holy God-pleaser ____, for I fervently flee unto you, the speedy helper and intercessor for my soul.
Song to the Most Holy Theotokos
O Theotokos and Virgin, rejoice, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with You; blessed are You among women, and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb, for You have borne the Saviour of our souls.
Troparion to the Cross
Save, O Lord, Your people, and bless Your inheritance; please grant victory to Orthodox Christians over enemies, and by the power of Your Cross please preserve Your commonwealth.
Prayers for the living
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God(cross), have mercy on the leaders of the Church, state, spiritual fathers and mothers, parents and relatives, old and young, needy, orphans, and widows, those in sickness and sorrow, those in captivity and confinement. Remember, strengthen and comfort them, and bring them speedy relief, freedom, and deliverance. (name names)
Prayers for the reposed
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit (cross): Father, remember Your servants who have fallen asleep, our grandparents, parents, family members and friends. Forgive them their sins committed knowingly or unknowingly, and grant them Your kingdom, a portion of Your eternal blessing, and the enjoyment of Your unending life. (name names)
Lesser Doxology
Glory to God, who has shown us the Light!
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men!
We praise You! We bless You! We worship You!
We glorify You and give thanks to You for Your great glory!
O Lord God, 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 take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us!
You, Who take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer!
You, Who sit on the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us!
For You alone are holy, and You alone are Lord. You alone, O Lord Jesus Christ, are most high in the glory of God the Father! Amen!
I will give thanks to You every day and praise Your Name for ever and ever.
Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation! I said, “Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You!”
Lord, I flee to You, Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. For with You is the fountain of Life, and in Your light shall we see light. Continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name for ever. Amen.
Let Your mercy be upon us, O Lord, even as we have set our hope on You.
Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes.
Blessed are You, O Master; make me to understand Your commandments.
Blessed are You, O Holy One; enlighten me with Your precepts.
Your mercy endures forever, O Lord! Do not despise the works of Your hands!
To You belongs worship, to You belongs praise, to You belongs glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Morning Prayer of Metropolitan Philaret
Lord, give me the strength to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely on Your holy will. Reveal Your will to me every hour of the day. Bless my dealings with all people. Teach me to treat all people who come 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 unexpected events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me the physical strength to bear the labors of this day. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray in me. Amen.
Personal Prayer to Lord Jesus Christ
Gratitude for the morning, forgiveness for sins thus far, guidance on our sojourning to the Church, gratitude for gifts, gratitude for challenges,
Bless the animals
Final Prayer
It is truly meet to bless you, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, Who without corruption gave birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, Thee do we magnify. (reverence)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit (cross), both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord have mercy (3x)
O Lord, bless
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen