Prayer on awakening
- Thread starter Sean Fitz
- Start date
IMO the exact words do not matter. I simply cross myself upon waking up and thank the Lord for the opportunity of being to live another day in peace, health, prosperity, and happiness. All of that can be taken from us any day.
Here is the morning prayer of the Optina Elders (attributed to Metropolitan Philaret of Moscow +1867):
O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy Will.
At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy holy Will.
Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from Thee.
Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and wisely with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.
O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love.
Amen.
O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy Will.
At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy holy Will.
Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from Thee.
Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and wisely with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.
O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love.
Amen.
I usually say a short prayer upon awakening. I always acknowledge God's holiness first, then I pray for help with whatever I feel I need help with during that time. Lately, I always try to remember to ask God to protect me from the evil in the world--not just the violence--but to keep the evil from affecting me and causing me to behave in a manner which would damage my relationship with God.
For me, praying is my way to stay connected to God--having a relationship with God--being known by God as one of his children.
For me, praying is my way to stay connected to God--having a relationship with God--being known by God as one of his children.
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Thanks for sharing these links! I was just sent a copy of this prayer along with a leather cross I'd ordered.
I had no idea what Optina meant... But I see now that its a Monastery in Russia that was shut down by communists in 1926 (reopened in 1988).
And yeah fwiw I put that prayer by my bed and recently started trying to be consistent with reciting it when I wake up in the mornings too.
St. Herman Press has published the Lives of the Optina Elders in English, and it is highly recommended reading. I have read all of them except the newly released volume on Elder Nikon.
I think you will get a lot of different answers. The best answer is the one that comes from your priest.
In my opinion it matters more that you pray first thing in the morning, not precisely what you pray. You have to establish a rule of prayer that works with your lifestyle, this best done with your priest.
In my opinion it matters more that you pray first thing in the morning, not precisely what you pray. You have to establish a rule of prayer that works with your lifestyle, this best done with your priest.
This prayer was posted elsewhere on another thread, you may enjoy this one:
Short version:
Yea, O Lord, by thy Holy Spirit, teach me good judgment and knowledge. Grant me to know Thy truth before I go down into the grave. Maintain my life in this world until I may offer unto Thee worthy repentance. Take me not away in the midst of my days, nor while my mind is still blind. When Thou shalt be pleased to bring my life to an end, forewarn me that I may prepare my soul to come before Thee. Be with me, O Lord, at that dread hour and grant me the joy of salvation. Cleanse Thou me from secret faults, from all iniquity that is hid in me; and give me a right answer before Thy judgment-seat.
Long version: https://www.orthodoxchurchsheffield.com/post/prayer-at-daybreak-by-elder-sophrony
Short version:
Yea, O Lord, by thy Holy Spirit, teach me good judgment and knowledge. Grant me to know Thy truth before I go down into the grave. Maintain my life in this world until I may offer unto Thee worthy repentance. Take me not away in the midst of my days, nor while my mind is still blind. When Thou shalt be pleased to bring my life to an end, forewarn me that I may prepare my soul to come before Thee. Be with me, O Lord, at that dread hour and grant me the joy of salvation. Cleanse Thou me from secret faults, from all iniquity that is hid in me; and give me a right answer before Thy judgment-seat.
Long version: https://www.orthodoxchurchsheffield.com/post/prayer-at-daybreak-by-elder-sophrony
The following is a beautiful morning prayer that I came across recently:
orthodoxcityhermit.com
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Morning Prayers | Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
The Trisagion Prayers In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.Glory to thee, our God, glory to thee.
ww1.antiochian.org
I've been using this page for reference. Hope you find it useful
If you have the Orthodox Study Bible, the morning prayers in the back are excellent. I've been using them myself since I started inquiring about Orthodoxy around two years ago.