Prayer for Loved Ones

O God, our heavenly Father, Who loves mankind and is most merciful and compassionate, have mercy on (name), for whom I humbly pray, and whom I commend to Your gracious care and protection. Be their guide and guardian, O God, in all their endeavors; lead them in the path of Your truth, and draw them nearer to You, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Your love and fear, doing Your will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, diligent, devout, and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptations and corruption of this life; and direct them in the way of salvation, for the sake of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer of Married Persons

O merciful God, we ask You always to remind us that the married state is holy, and that we must keep it so. Grant us Your grace, that we may continue in faithfulness and love; increase in us the spirit of mutual understanding and trust, that no quarrel or strife may come between us. Grant us Your blessings, that we may stand before our friends and in Your sight as a loving family; and finally, by your mercy, count us worthy of everlasting life. For You are our sanctification and unto You we ascribe glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer Before Beginning Any New Task

O Lord Jesus Christ, only-begotten Son of Your eternal Father, You have said with Your most pure lips, “Without Me, you can do nothing.” My Lord, with faith I hold in my heart and soul these words spoken by You; help me to complete this undertaking for the glory of Your Holy Name. Amen.

The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian

O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of laziness, despair, lust for power, and vain talking. + But give to me, Your servant, the spirit of purity, humility, patience, and love. + Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not judge my brother. + For You are blessed, unto ages of ages. Amen.

A Prayer on Entering a Church

To You, I lift up my eyes, You Who are enthroned in the heavens. Behold as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till He have mercy on us. (Psalm 123:1-2)

A Prayer In Front of An Icon of Christ

We bow in worship to Your most pure icon, O Good One, and ask You to forgive our sins, O Christ our God: for of Your own good will, You were pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, that You might free from slavery to the enemy those whom You had created. Therefore, we cry out to You: You have filled all things with joy, O our Savior, for You came to save the world.

A Prayer in Front of an Icon of the Birthgiver of God

Make us worthy of mercy, O Birthgiver of God, fountain of tenderness. Look upon us sinners and reveal your power as you always do, for we have put our hope in you. We cry out to you, “Rejoice,” as Gabriel, the leader of the angels, once did.

A Prayer When Leaving the Church

Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all people; a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)

The Prayer Before Holy Communion

I believe, O Lord, and confess, that You are truly the Christ, Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first.

O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant of Your mystical Supper, for I will not speak of this Mystery to Your enemies, nor like Judas will I give You a kiss, but like the penitent thief I confess to You:

O Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. + O Master, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. + O Holy One, remember me when You come into Your kingdom. +

Let the partaking of Your Holy Mysteries, O Lord, be not for my judgment or condemnation, but for the healing of my soul and my body.

O Lord, I also believe and confess that this, which I am about to receive, is truly Your most precious Body and truly and Your life-giving Blood which, I pray, I may worthily receive for the remission of all my sins and for life everlasting.

O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. + O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me. + O Lord, forgive me, for my sins are many.

A Prayer Before Reading the Scriptures

O Master Who loves mankind, illuminate our hearts with the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our mind to understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, that we overcome all carnal desires, entering upon a spiritual life and understanding and acting in all things according to Your holy will. For You are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and to You we give glory together with Your eternal Father and Your all-holy, gracious and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.