What is the Orthodox Rule of Prayer?

The Orthodox Church has given us what is known as the Orfthodox Rule of Prayer.   This means that you have to set aside a regular period of time each day and devote it exclusively to prayer, to uniting yourself to God.   The Orthodox tradition also provides a basic outline of content for the Rule of Prayer which begins with a simple invocation of the name of God.   Of course, this is only the beginning of the Rule of Prayer.   It may go on and include the reading of a psalm, a Scripture reading, the Nicene Creed, some of the petitions from the liturgy, a period of silence, special petitions of praise and thanksgiving, intercessions for other people, etc.   It can be as long or as short as you please.   It depends on you.   Remember the prayer of the thief on the Cross was very short, “Lord, remember me in your kingdom,” and the prayer of the Publican was very short, “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.”

The Trisagion Prayers:   We make the sign of the cross and say, “In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” This is followed by the prayer to the Holy Spirit, “O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth who art everywhere and fillest all things. Treasury of Blessings, and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.”  Then we say:  “Holy God, Holy Mighty, O Immortal Have Mercy on us. (Thrice)   Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.    All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us, Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name’s sake. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)   Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.    Our Father, who art in heaven, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.”

Summer is upon us and it is important that we attend services at the Orthodox church near our vacation location. Keep our Lord in your family and pray always.

Father’s Day is on June 15. It is a terrifying responsibility to bring up children in this modern age of such various evil distractions. Being a good Father and Mother is hard but bringing your children to church and helping them to realize that the world is much more calming and satisfying when Our Lord and Savior is at the center of their being. There is peace, understanding and love in a reality that is comfortably supported by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bring your children to church and keep them or lose them to an unforgiving world that surrounds them.

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating their birthday in June: Katariyna Petelski on June 1; Sofia Kseniuk on June 12; Kerri Czech on June 13; Xenia Kary on June 19; and Carlos Majia on June 29.  May God grant them all Many Years!

Remember our needy neighbors. The Food Pantry is always in need of food items. Please keep those less fortunate in mind and help us to feed those in need. A basket is in the vestibule of the church for your convenience. May God bless you abundantly for your generosity.