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Individual Daily Prayer for Orthodox Christians
Why do we pray?
Daily prayer is essential
to a healthy Orthodox Christian life. It is not an option.
The way to enter the
Kingdom of heaven is by the acquisition of the Holy Spirit, and
the only way to acquire the Holy Spirit is through prayer, fasting,
and almsgiving.
When do we pray?
Orthodox Christians are
encouraged to pray:
Morning, upon rising,
Before and after meals, whether at home or in public,
Throughout the day, by reciting the Jesus Prayer,
Evening, before going to bed.
How do we pray?
Orthodox Christians are
encouraged to read the following traditional, customary daily prayers:
Morning Prayer,
click here,
Mealtime Prayers,
click here,
Jesus Prayer,
click here.
Evening Prayer,
click here,
Prayers in Preparation for Holy Communion,
click here,
Prayers After Receiving Holy Communion,
click here,
Where do we pray?
Orthodox Christians are
encouraged to have a personal or family “Prayer Corner,”
click here.
What is a “Prayer Rule”?
Orthodox Christians are
encouraged to meet with their spiritual father, typically their parish
priest, and discuss the structure and order for daily prayer,
Scripture reading, and reciting the Jesus Prayer. A typical, personal
“prayer rule” may look something like this:
Upon rising from sleep:
• Morning Prayer
click here.
The daily Epistle and Gospel readings.
The Jesus Prayer
click here:
• 300 “Stavrotá” (saying “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me”), and
• 100 “Stavrotá” (saying “Most holy Theotokos, save me”).
“Stavrotá"
indicates making the Sign of the Cross followed by a short
bow while saying “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” or
“Most holy Theotokos, save me.” The Greek word for “Cross”
is «Σταυρός» (“Stavrós”), thus a “Stavrotá” means the
“making of the (sign of) the Cross.”
Before going to sleep:
• Evening Prayer with the Akathist,
click here.
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