Great is the temptation to fall into despondency: “How can I live without delicious food! Now no fun! What a long service! — while there is no reason to be discouraged. Long services are both high examples of medieval spiritual poetry, and philosophical reflections on the place of man in eternity, and a sense of unity with other worshipers, and communion with God Himself.
No less often, if not more often, is the reverse side of Lenten despondency: “I cannot fast according to the Rule. I skip services. I am distracted by worldly vanity.
Trite, but no less true: remember that God does not need a stomach and legs, but a heart, He sees in the human soul a sincere desire to serve Him, and sees infirmities.
This constant remembrance of God will be our unceasing joy in Him.
No, of course, we all do not need to become hesychasts for fasting, but we can try to become half a step closer to the ideal.
Prayer should be given a little more time than usual. More attention to the services - sometimes it is worth taking a book with the texts of the service with you. Perform more carefully prayer rule- get out of the computer half an hour earlier and read the evening prayers. Add . On the way, listen or read the Psalter.
It is useful to fight against numerous Lenten temptations with prayer: to respond to irritation, anger, and despondency in oneself with a brief Jesus Prayer.
Household chores, rush-hour travel, noise at work - even if we were able to organize our lives so that we only eat permitted food, read the entire prayer rule and even pray during the day, we are terribly tired of all this fuss. And this is where the temple comes to the rescue.
In monasteries and in many parish churches in large cities, Lenten services are celebrated every day in the morning and evening. It is worth visiting at least part of the service before or after work - this sets you in a completely different way from the surrounding reality.
There are divine services for which it is not a sin to take time off from work early. These are - on the first four days of Great Lent, on Wednesday evening of the fifth week, the Akathist to the Mother of God on Friday evening, services ...
It is good to visit at least once during the fast - by the way, in some churches it is sometimes performed in the evenings (for example, in the Sretensky Monastery several times during the fast, the Presanctified begins at 18.00).
It is common knowledge that fasting is needed not by God, but by us. Great Lent consists of two parts: Lent and Holy Week. The first is the time of repentance, the second is the time of purification, preparation for Easter.
It is not for nothing that the Church offers us the reading of the canon of St. Andrew of Crete twice for Lent. It is not in vain that every Lenten Saturday during the All-Night Vigil we hear the chant “Open the doors of repentance, Giver of Life.” It is not for nothing that three weeks before Lent the Church calls for repentance: the parable of the publican and the Pharisee, the parable of the prodigal son, a reminder of the Last Judgment and the expulsion of Adam from paradise.
It is precisely for repentance that we need the time of Fortecost. If you are not going to repent, you should not start and fast - a waste of health.
By the way, health. If during the fast there are problems with well-being, the degree of abstinence should be immediately discussed with the confessor.
According to the charter, or even close to the charter, there can be no talk of any unauthorized fasting if there are diseases associated with the stomach or metabolism. In modern conditions, even monasteries in rare cases fast with dry eating - the Lord will not condemn a working person who does not shine with health.
(It is worth remembering that during Great Lent a sacrament is performed in churches - anointing with specially consecrated oil with a prayer for the healing of the sick.)
In no way will a stomach ulcer bring you closer to God, and it can even significantly distance you - an extremely thin line between sincere striving for obedience to the church charter, not sparing your stomach, and pride in your diligence.
“I fast - I am conceited, and I do not fast - I am conceited,” he mourns in his Ladder.
“Vanity by fasting” is dangerous in its obviousness and goes hand in hand with condemnation. A brother eats fish during the first week of Great Lent, while you sit on bread and water? None of your business. He drinks milk, and you don't even put sugar in your tea? You don't know how his body works (by the way, seminaries often give dairy products to students). I ate a sausage and the next day went to take communion, while you started the Eucharistic fast even before the All-Night Vigil? This is the business of him and the priest who admitted him to the sacrament.
“Vanity by impunity” is a more subtle passion. In our time, there is such a character as the publican, who is proud that he is not a Pharisee. And here another trend already arises: he does not eat vegetable oil- but at home I put a hundred prostrations before going to bed! He does not drink any alcohol - but I repent every weekend!
Therefore, I would like to repeat the call of educators in kindergarten: "Look at your plate!"
And in general, talk less about food. No matter how tired this simple truth is, Great Lent is only to the least extent a change in diet.
Vegetarians never eat animal food - it neither brings them closer to God nor removes them, exactly in accordance with the words of the apostle.
Continuation famous quote: “but with every word of God,” is ideal for the Lenten period, when reading the Bible - the word of God - is given special attention.
During Great Lent, it is customary to read the entire Gospel. Also during this period, the Old Testament is read daily in temples.
It would be good to combine a decrease in interest in the contents of other people's plates with an increase in attention to others in general.
Focusing on one's own spiritual state should not turn into indifference to others. Fasting should benefit the cultivation of both virtues in oneself: love for God and love for neighbors.
He called for spending the money saved on the Lenten meal to help the poor. Having dined for several days in the dining room with a side dish without a cutlet, you can buy gloves for a freezing beggar or an educational game in an orphanage.
It is not at all necessary during fasting to interrupt communication with people who may need it - a pregnant friend, a sick neighbor, a lonely relative. Chatting with them over a cup of tea is not entertainment, but helping one's neighbor.
A kind attitude towards our neighbors sometimes turns into the most unpleasant side for us: human pleasing. In fact, as a rule, there is no good attitude here - there is one's own weakness of character and dependence on someone else's opinion. It is during Great Lent that this passion intensifies.
"Let's meet on Friday after work at the cafe!" - offers a friend, and now you are already ordering a cake with her - you can’t offend!
"Come visit on Saturday night!" the neighbors call, and you miss the service instead of apologizing and rescheduling the meeting to a later time or Sunday.
"Eat a piece of chicken, otherwise I'll be offended!" - the relative is frankly capricious, and here you can even hide behind respect for the elders, only it will be cunning: unwillingness to go into conflict is far from always connected with love for one's neighbor.
To free ourselves from the sin of pleasing people, we can recall the advice given: we must hide our personal fasts so as not to fast for show, but a general church fast is standing in the faith. We must not only respect our neighbors ourselves, but also strive to be respected for us and our faith.
Most often, people understand polite explanations and get into position. And even more often it turns out that our tricky interpretations are far-fetched. A friend in a coffee shop is not at all embarrassed by our empty cup of espresso, the neighbors will be happy to meet after the service, and a relative will gladly treat the fasting guest with potatoes and mushrooms.
Finally, the most important rule of Great Lent is to remember why this period exists.
Lent is a time of concentrated expectation of the Bright Resurrection of Christ. Active expectations: together with the Lord we will try to go through forty days of fasting, together with the Lord we will approach the tomb of Lazarus, together with the Lord we will enter Jerusalem, we will listen to Him in the Temple, we will take communion together with the Apostles at His Last Supper, we will follow Him Way of the Cross, with the Mother of God and the beloved Apostle John of Christ, we will grieve on Golgotha ...
Finally, together with the myrrh-bearing women, we will come to the open Tomb and again and again experience the joy: He is not here. Christ is Risen!
Lent is a period of repentance and purification of the soul. In 2020, Lent will last from March 2 to April 18.
On these days, believers read the usual morning and evening prayers. The prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian is added to home prayers during Great Lent. These short lines capture the message of the path of spiritual perfection of man.
We ask God for help in the fight against our vices: despondency, laziness, idle talk, condemnation of our neighbors. And we ask you to crown us with the crown of all virtues: humility, patience and love.
Lord and Master of my life,
do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, arrogance and idle talk. (Earth bow).
Grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to me, Thy servant. (Earth bow).
Yes, Lord the King, grant me to see my sins and not condemn my brother,
for blessed art thou unto the ages of ages, amen. (Earth bow).
God, cleanse me, a sinner (sinner)!
(Read 12 times with waist bows. And once again the entire prayer in full with one earthly bow at the end).
How to pray at home during Lent?
These days, believers also read the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, an allegorical work that includes 250 troparia.
All home prayers in Great Lent should be read, observing the following rule: “If it’s Great Lent (except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), then all bows to the earth; after the prayer "to the King of Heaven" a great earthly bow is due.
What prayers are read at home during Great Lent? Constantly read the Scriptures these days, for example, one chapter of the Gospel every day, and then meditate on what you have read.
How to read the Psalter and the Gospel in Lent at home?
If you haven't read the entire Old and New Testaments yet, catch up in the next seven weeks.
The Psalter is the sacred book of psalms or divine hymns. Reading the Psalter attracts the help of Angels, nourishes the soul with the breath of the Holy Spirit.
To read the Psalter, you must have a burning lamp (or candle) at home. The Psalter, on the advice of St. Seraphim of Sarov, should be read aloud - in an undertone or quieter, paying attention to the correct placement of stresses.
In Great Lent, the laity must not only purify their bodies through abstinence, but also purify their minds. These days, believers refuse to take heavy food, bad habits and wrong thoughts. Daily prayers will help to resist temptation and not commit sins during fasting.
True believers are trying to rise spiritually on the eve of the brightest Sunday. To do this, they read the Holy Scriptures and turn to the Lord. Prayers can be read at home in the morning and evening hours. You can read prayers before meals or before going to bed. During Great Lent, it is very important to maintain purity of thoughts, not to get angry and not to swear. Special prayers help prepare for the Easter day and meet it brightly and joyfully.
morning prayers
The morning of the first day of Great Lent should begin with an appeal to Jesus Christ and the Holy Trinity. They are addressed with special words, such prayers are called initial. With these prayers, the believer wants to show his readiness to test himself with fasting, to understand its meaning, to be imbued with the words and deeds of Jesus. This is a test of your spiritual strength.
The morning begins with a prayer to Christ, a psalm of David, the third prayer of St. Macarius the Great, praises and songs to the Theotokos. This is a list of basic prayers, how to pray on the First Day Fast and before Easter.
Evening prayers
During the day, you need to turn to God, with prayers and gratitude for the gift of daily bread. Prayers are read before eating and after the meal.
Before going to bed, the believer should turn heartfelt words to the Guardian Angel, thank him for his help and intercession. This is the most wonderful time to open your heart and turn your prayers to God the Father. Lenten prayer to Jesus Christ should be permeated with a sense of gratitude and enlightenment. The Son of God ascended Golgotha for the sins of men. It is important to remember and understand this.
An example of an evening prayer:
Lord Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Then you can read church prayers, or you can talk with God the way your heart tells you. It is important to understand that the Lord will hear any words spoken sincerely and with soul. You must not be distracted while praying. Think about problems, worldly vanity or indulge in unrighteous thoughts. If you pray, then prayer must come from the heart. Otherwise, you simply shouldn't do it.
Prayer of Ephrem the Syrian
There are a lot of prayers that can be read to a layman on the 1st day of Great Lent, but Special attention should be devoted to the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian. This amazing prayer is read daily (except Saturday and Sunday), it is believed that it was first said by the great righteous man, Saint Ephraim the Syrian. The prayer is considered one of the most famous prayers and Fasting.
The text of the prayer must be read verbatim. At first, you can read by peeping into the text, but it is best to immediately memorize this prayer by heart. This prayer has a very great power, it must be treated sincerely and with reverence.
This prayer is read twice after Lenten service from Monday to Friday. It is not read on the last two days of the week, because on these days services are not held as usual.
In the first reading of the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian, it is necessary to bow to the ground after each separately uttered petition. After that, they mentally read the prayer “God, cleanse me, a sinner” twelve times and bow at the waist. Then they read the whole prayer again and make one prostration.
Many lay people wonder why this prayer is given such great importance during Lenten services. The thing is that it enumerates all the negative and positive elements of repentance in a special amazing way. This, so to speak, will determine the list of exploits of each believer.
During the first week of Great Lent, special prayers are lifted up and strict abstinence takes place. Almost in all temples and churches from Monday to Thursday they read the Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete. Read more here:
Prayers for Great Lent
The second week of Great Lent is distinguished by a relaxation for the food taken, but does not affect the spiritual state of the believer in any way. All his thoughts should be directed to inner purification and striving for the perfection of his thoughts.
Initially, prayers were created so that every believer could talk with God. They included a special rhythm and a special syllable. Old Slavonic words plunge into a certain state, when the one who prays renounces everything earthly and ascends in thoughts, triumphing spiritually.
Lent is a special time for all true believers. These days it is necessary to observe the prescribed rules of abstinence, strive for good deeds and lead a pious lifestyle. It is forbidden to spend time in noisy companies, have excessive fun, drink alcohol, engage in carnal pleasures. The restrictions placed on the body free the soul from the influence of its desires.
Every day a person experiences many different emotions:
- anger;
- envy;
- anger;
- joy;
- resentment;
- disappointment;
- pride;
- hatred.
All this builds up gradually, adding fatigue and irritation. In Great Lent, a great chance is given to cleanse your soul from the burden of earthly sins, routine, everyday and petty interests. Prayer is a precious helper that helps to remove all the accumulated negative burden from a person.
Prayers for First Time Fasters
In fasting, a person completely changes the way of his life and this significantly affects his well-being, work, and everyday affairs. However, habits do not want to let go and it becomes more and more difficult to fight them every day. It is especially difficult to subordinate one's desires to those people who have decided to fast for the first time.
During fasting, relief is allowed for those who are sick, for children, pregnant women and travelers. It is important to understand that adherence to the strictest fasting diet is not an indicator of spiritual purity and righteousness. Refusal of protein and fatty foods should cleanse not so much the body as thoughts and feelings. Some people confuse fasting with diet. The purpose of fasting is to get rid of envy, hatred, sinful thoughts, and not to cleanse the body of extra pounds and toxins.
What about those who understand the true value of Great Lent but find it difficult to withstand the restrictions? In this case, you need to rely on the Holy Word. It is prayer that helps to overcome the feeling of discomfort that a person begins to experience, limiting himself in food and his usual way of life. During prayer, an understanding comes of how small, fleeting and insignificant are the fussy desires of a person who is thirsty for wealth, fame or honors. Life is very fleeting, what will those people who did not do good, did not leave a bright memory take with them to heaven? Understanding the higher truths of being comes during prayer and turning to God.
It's never too late to walk the path of righteousness
Those who fast for the first time do not know what prayers to read and how to talk with God. If there is a desire to follow the path of improving one's spirituality, all obstacles will be overcome.
For those who are not familiar with church prayers, difficulties may arise. This and a large number of unfamiliar text, and complex language, and sometimes a lack of understanding of the meaning. Sometimes such a prayer can turn into an attempt to pronounce the words correctly and not become a sincere appeal to God. In this case, you can seek help from church ministers. There are many prayers translated into understandable and modern language, but the meaning is completely preserved in them.
In Lent, it is advisable to go to church services. Prayer in a holy place acquires unthinkable power. A person feels sublimity and real faith, which is saturated with the surrounding space. The church has a special atmosphere that purifies the heart, making it overflow with kindness, joy and happiness.
It is believed that the prayers performed at this time have great power. Of course, if they are read sincerely, with faith in the soul. François Mauriac famously remarked on how this should happen: “You don't have to have faith to pray; you have to pray to gain faith.”
Lent, coming in 2017 on February 27, is not only the rejection of animal food and alcoholic beverages. This is a time devoted to the study of the life of Jesus Christ, turning to God in prayers. In Great Lent, a person becomes deeper, renounces many earthly blessings, rethinks his life and his destiny in this world. Lent, lasting six weeks and Holy Week, ends with the bright Pascha of Christ - the resurrection of Jesus as a miraculous proof of the existence of the Lord. Every Christian must come to Christ's resurrection cleansed not only physically but also spiritually. Not all believers know how and what kind of prayer to read in fasting. Temple ministers often say that God can be addressed in any prayers. However, the prayer in the post to Ephrem the Syrian should be read every day except for Saturday and Sunday. It is also read before Easter, on a cheese week. The purpose of reading it is to free the "belly" (life) from bodily and, what is considered the main, spiritual ailments. Prayers in fasting before meals are also considered important in Orthodoxy. They help the Christian to avoid gluttony, set him up for modest food and a long absence of entertainment.
Prayer in Lent for every day - How and when to pray in Lent
In Orthodoxy, there are prayers for every day of Great Lent. Believers who visit the temple know that the first day of the first week begins with hymns. The priests tell the parishioners about John the Baptist and Herod. On Tuesday of the first week, the main, first prayer is dedicated to the life of Andrew of Crete, a saint who dedicated his life to God as a result of a miracle that happened to him (gaining the gift of speech after becoming dumb). On Wednesday, on the third day of Lent, church-going people who visit temples will learn the interpretation of the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian, and so on. If you cannot, for any good reason, go to church to pray, set aside at least ten to fifteen minutes a day to study the Scriptures - the Old and New Testaments.
Examples of prayers for every day of Lent
Any believer will tell you that there is no fasting without prayers. Of course, this statement does not mean that you should completely renounce everyday worries and immerse yourself in the reading of prayers. In the absence of praying often and attending the temple, read the Scriptures. Finding free time, take it to read one of the prayers of Great Lent. Now you can download them all on the Internet. We propose to pay attention to the most famous prayers related to the time of abstinence before Easter.
Praise to the Lord God
(small doxology)
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
In this prayer we praise God without asking for anything in return. It is usually pronounced at the end of the case as a token of gratitude to God for His mercy to us. This prayer is pronounced in short: Praise God. In this abbreviated form, we say a prayer when we finish some good deed, for example, teaching, work; when we receive any good news, etc.
Publican's Prayer
God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Prayer for forgiveness of our sins. It must be said as often as we often sin. As soon as we sin, we must immediately repent of our sin before God and say this prayer.
Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, through the prayers of Your Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us (have mercy on us). Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
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 soul.
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, Who is everywhere and fills everything, Container of all goodness and life Giver, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all impurity, and save, Merciful, our souls.
Orthodox prayer in Great Lent before Easter - What is prayer
Any Orthodox prayer is an appeal to God, a conversation with the Mother of God, saints. You can pray to yourself anywhere and anytime. They turn to God aloud at home, alone or in temples, standing in front of the icons. Before fasting, at the end of Cheesefare Week, they say the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian, pray to the Lord God Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the most holy. Each prayer can be ended with an appeal to the Almighty, praise to God, a request and giving you strength during fasting.
Examples of Orthodox prayers before Easter in fasting
Churched people have a custom to read all the Gospels during the time allotted for Great Lent. Of course, not all believers are able to overcome the Scriptures. Fasting before Easter, read prayers as much as possible. We propose to memorize the texts of some of them.
The creed reads like this:
|
1. I believe in one God the Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. |
I believe in one God, Father, Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of everything visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages: Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not created, one being with the Father, by Him all things were created. For the sake of us people and for the sake of our salvation, he descended from Heaven, and took flesh from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became a man. 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 on the right side of the Father. And coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, who gives life, who proceeds from the Father, who is worshiped and glorified with the Father and the Son, who spoke through the prophets. Into one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look forward to the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the next century. Amen (that's right). |
What is said in the prayer to Ephraim the Syrian for Great Lent - What does the prayer call to Ephraim the Syrian
History says that the prayer to Ephraim the Syrian was loved not only by the holy fathers, but also by A.S. Pushkin, the great Russian poet, who put the words of the prayer in a poetic way. Saint Ephraim the Syrian, living in the Middle Ages, was filled with spiritual wisdom. He also owns "divine thoughts" from the Psalter Mother of God. As for the well-known prayer, which aims to purify the hearts of believers before Easter, it is known for its simplicity and depth. This prayer helps to cleanse the soul from idle talk, lack of chastity, from proud self-affirmation. It teaches meekness, humility, gratitude.
When the prayer to Ephraim the Syrian is read in Great Lent
As the church recommends, the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian should be read daily, from late Sunday evening to Friday. Do not worry about the repetition of a prayer - each time you say its words, you perceive them in a new way. Prayer purifies the soul and heart, setting the believer in a blessed mood during Great Lent.
“Lord and Master of my life, the spirit of idleness, despondency, arrogance and idle talk, do not give me.
Grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to me, Thy servant.
Yes, Lord, King, grant me to see my sins and not condemn my brother, for you are blessed forever and ever. Amen".
What prayer should be read in fasting - Helping prayers to fast
Each prayer is an appeal to God, concealing our thoughts, a request to free us from "filth" - dishonest, impure thoughts and actions. By asking the Lord God in prayer to protect us from temptation, we really do get better. In principle, any pious prayer addressed to God at the right time helps us to fast, abstaining from passions and temptations.
How Prayers Help Fasting
Any prayers uttered during Great Lent are aimed at cleansing the soul from unfavorable, ungodly thoughts. By praying and reading the Gospel, we get to know God more deeply and understand the meaning of fasting.
I believe, Lord, but You confirm my faith.
I trust, Lord
but You strengthen my hope.
I loved You, Lord
but you cleanse my love
and ignite it.
I lament, Lord, but You do
May I increase my repentance.
I revere, O Lord, Thee, my Creator,
I sigh for You, I call on You.
Guide me with your wisdom,
protect and strengthen.
I commit to You, my God, my thoughts,
let them come from you.
Let my deeds be in your name,
and my desires be in Your will.
Illuminate my mind, strengthen my will,
cleanse the body, sanctify the soul.
Let me see my sins
don't be fooled by pride
help me overcome temptation.
May I praise You all the days of my life,
which you have given me.
Amen.
What prayer is said in fasting before eating - Orthodox prayer "Our Father"
Believing Christians pray before eating, regardless of whether food is eaten on a fast day or not. The most common prayer before meals is at the same time the most famous prayer, known by heart even by children - “Our Father”. Very often in fasting before eating, praises are said to the Lord, who gave food and drink. At the end of the meal, believers thank God, who gave them food, with prayers.
Lord's Prayer. Our Father
In Church Slavonic:
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 also forgive our debtors;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
In Russian:
Our Father who art in heaven!
May your name be hallowed;
Let your kingdom come;
may Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven;
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.
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Examples of Orthodox prayers before eating in Lent
Saying an Orthodox prayer before eating in fasting, the believer sets himself up to accept modest food, where there is no animal food. Thus, prayer before meals helps Christians endure some of the restrictions of Lent.
Prayer before meals
The eyes of all in Thee, O Lord, trust, and You give them food in good time, You open Your generous hand and fulfill every animal good will.
Prayer for the blessing of food and drink for the laity
Lord Jesus Christ, our God, bless our food and drink with the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints, for you are blessed forever. Amen. (And cross food and drink).
Prayer after eating
We thank Thee, Christ our God, for Thou hast satisfied us with Thy earthly blessings; do not deprive us of Your Heavenly Kingdom, but as if in the midst of Your disciples, Thou hast come, Savior, give them peace, come to us and save us.
Every prayer in the fast helps to exterminate from human soul all dishonesty, deceit, sinful thoughts and deeds. The main Christian prayer in Great Lent always remains the Our Father. It is read both before meals and at other times of turning to God. Great importance during fasting, the penitential prayer of Ephraim the Syrian is given, asking the Lord to “grant” us the spirit of chastity and patience, so necessary for us during fasting abstinences.
Great Lent, which comes immediately after the end of the Maslenitsa week, is accompanied not only by strict abstinence from meat and even dairy foods, but also by prayer. Prayer in fasting - this is a personal appeal to God, asking him for forgiveness for committed unseemly acts and humility. Of course, there is no prayer without faith - those who kneel before the icons in front of people, sinning outside the temple after the end of the service - pseudo-believers, hypocrites. Prayer lives in the soul, in the heart - next to God, and not in public, next to window dressing. In the longest of Orthodox fasts - Great Lent - believers read prayers every day, reread the Old and New Testaments, and attend services. For those who abstain from abundant food for forty days before Easter, there is a prayer of Ephraim the Syrian, which is pronounced not only before meals, but also at other times of the day, from Sunday evening until Friday.
Orthodox prayer for every day in fasting
Saying a prayer, believers turn to God, the saints, the Most Holy Theotokos. On holidays, the Orthodox read joyful prayers, on fasting they ask the Almighty to grant them strength to refrain from sins, glorify the Lord God. The duration of prayers for each day varies depending on the beliefs of the person. For some, it is considered the norm to pray for a long time in the morning, afternoon and evening, for others a few minutes daily are enough for this, still others pray only on significant days before Easter and during Great Lent.
Examples of prayers for each day of fasting
The most important prayer of a Christian - Our Father - is familiar to many by heart. It can be read on the days of fasting, every day. It is also correct to say laudatory prayers to the Lord, to pray to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit. The Tresvyate prayer, also called the angelic song, is read three times. In it, believers turn to the Holy Trinity. dedication to the Most Holy Trinity and a separate prayer glorifying the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Our Father, Thou 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.
Or: The eyes of all trust in You, Lord, and You give them food in good time; You open Your generous hand and fulfill every animal of good will (lines from Ps. 144).
For the blessing of food and drink for the laity
Lord, Jesus Christ, our God, bless our food and drink with the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints, as blessed forever and ever. Amen. (And cross food and drink)
Prayers after meals
We thank Thee, O Christ our God, for Thou hast satisfied us with Thy earthly blessings; Do not deprive us of Your Heavenly Kingdom, but as if in the midst of Your disciples, Thou hast come, Savior, give them peace, come to us and save us.
Orthodox prayer in fasting before Easter
Many believers admit that the sensations they experience in Lent before Easter are incomparable with anything. At this time, the Orthodox have a bright hope that life was not given to them in vain; they begin to understand the true meaning of the days given to them on earth. Many people kneel, praising the Almighty in prayers and asking him for forgiveness for sins. Fasting gives hope, determines the goal: ahead is Easter and the resurrection of Christ. Fasting also gives a taste for life. A person who limits himself in food and joys begins to feel real joy from the most modest food. If fasting people refrain from marital relations, later this holds the family together, strengthens the love of husband and wife, and gives healthy offspring.
Examples of prayers before Easter during fasting
Great Lent, which begins the day after the end of the Great Maslenitsa, lasts forty days. At this time, daily services are held in the churches, and the Orthodox pray for salvation and forgiveness. During the first week of Lent, the Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete is read. The indestructible Psalter is read both for the repose and for the health of loved ones; such prayers can be ordered in temples or read in person. The most famous of all the pre-Easter prayers - Ephraim the Syrian - is read daily, except for Saturday and Sunday. Our Father and prayers to the saints in the fast before Easter are read more often, spoken both to oneself and out loud.
Publican's Prayer
God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, through the prayers of Your Pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us (have mercy on us). Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
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 soul.
Trisagion
(angelic song)
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Almighty, Holy Immortal, be merciful to us.
Christian prayer of Ephrem the Syrian in Great Lent
Among other prayers of Great Lent, the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian is more famous than others and is said daily, with the exception of Sunday and Saturday. This penitential prayer is read both at divine services and at home. In a few short lines of appeal to God, the believer is asked to eradicate the spirit of idleness and idle talk in them and grant them patience, chastity and love.
When and how is the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian read in fasting
You should start reading the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian on the evening of Forgiveness Sunday before Great Lent. After asking prayers, the churched people bow and read the prayer “God, cleanse me, a sinner” twelve times. In churches, the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian is read on Cheese Week on Wednesday and Friday, on Holy Fortecost and on Passion Week, on the first three days. The last time in Great Lent this prayer is said on Great Wednesday, four days before Easter.
Prayer of Ephrem the Syrian
Lord and Master of my life,
Do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, arrogance and idle talk.
Grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to me, Thy servant.
Hey, Lord, King!
Grant me to see my sins,
And don't judge my brother
For blessed are you forever and ever.
What prayer to read in fasting
Fasting and prayer give the believer change, give hope of change. A person is given the opportunity to become better if he wants it. Common Orthodox prayer and the realization that the whole Orthodox world is fasting gives the feeling that you are not alone. By fasting and praying, a person purifies not only his body, but also his soul and thoughts. In Great Lent, you need to read the Psalter and Akathist, sowing forgiveness from God and praising him. At home, believers can read any Christian prayers that are close to the soul.
Examples of Orthodox prayers during fasting
Unlike temples, where certain prayers are read for each day of fasting, in ordinary life, believers can turn to God in their own words. There is no need to assume that by saying the words of the prayer incompletely, you exclude the possibility of conveying your thoughts to the Lord. The main thing in prayer is faith, humility and diligence
Praise to the Lord God
(small doxology)
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Doxology to the Holy Trinity
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
Praise be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Lord, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your name's sake.
Prayer in fasting before eating - Appeal to God
Lent is a time of abstinence from meat and dairy foods, renunciation of earthly pleasures, prayers and purification of the soul. During the forty fast days, prayers are said both before and after meals. The Lord is thanked for the sent food in famous Orthodox prayers ah or in your own words.
Examples of fasting prayers before meals
Before eating, in many Christian families during fasting and on other days, it is customary to pray before eating, saying "Our Father" before eating food and thanking the Lord for the sent food. In fasting, prayers are also asked to strengthen faith in God, giving strength for abstinence and renunciation of animal food.
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, Who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy will be done, as in heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread today, and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer before eating
The eyes of all in Thee, O Lord, hope, and You give them food in good time, You open Your generous hand and fulfill every animal good will.
Prayer after eating
We thank Thee, Christ our God, for Thou hast satisfied us with Thy earthly blessings; do not deprive us of Your heavenly Kingdom, but as if in the midst of Your disciples, Thou hast come, Savior, give them peace, come to us and save us.
(We thank You, Christ our God, that You nourished us with Your earthly blessings; do not deprive us of Your Heavenly Kingdom).
Prayer in the post helps believers understand the strength of the spirit bestowed upon bodily abstinence and cleansing from sinful deeds. Praying during Great Lent, the Orthodox also thank Jesus Christ, the saints and the Mother of God for the gift of life and the opportunity to turn to the Almighty. Since prayer is always a sincere appeal to God, you can pray before Easter and during fasting before eating both in your own words and memorized Christian prayers. One of the most famous prayers - Ephraim the Syrian - is read both during fasting and on the last day of the Maslenitsa week. During the reading of prayers in fasting, faith is strengthened in a person by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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