Morning Prayers
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.
O heavenly King, the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art in all places, and fillest all things, Treasury of good things, and Giver of life, come, and abide in us, and cleanse us from every stain; and save our souls, O good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both 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; both 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 the evil one.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Troparia to the Holy Trinity
Having arisen from sleep, we fall down before thee, O Good One, and sing to thee, O Mighty One, the angelic hymn: Holy, holy, holy art thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
From bed and sleep thou hast raised me, O Lord; enlighten my mind and my heart, and open my lips that I may praise thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy art thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Suddenly the Judge shall come and the deeds of each shall be revealed; but with fear let us cry out in the middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy art thou, O God; through the Theotokos have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy. (12 times)
A Prayer to the Holy Trinity
Arising from sleep I thank thee, O Holy Trinity, because, of thy great goodness and long suffering, thou wast not wroth with me, slothful and sinful as I am, neither hast thou destroyed me in my transgressions, but in thy compassion thou hast raised me up as I lay in despair, that at dawn I might sing the glories of thy majesty. Do thou now enlighten the eyes of mine understanding and open my mouth to meditate on thy words, to understand thy commandments, to do thy will, to hymn thee in heartfelt confession, and to praise thine all-holy name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Come, let us worship and fall down before God our King. (metania)
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God. (metania)
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, our King and our God. (metania)
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against thee only have I sinned and done this evil before thee, that thou mightest be justified in thy words and prevail when thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of thy wisdom hast thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and with thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in thy righteousness. O Lord, thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare thy praise. For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
The Symbol of Faith (The Creed)
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible,
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all worlds,
Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made,
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man
And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate and suffered and was buried, and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of the Father;
And he shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father,
Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spake by the prophets;
And I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
A Prayer of St. Basil the Great
We bless thee, O God most high and Lord of mercies, who ever workest great and mysterious deeds for us, glorious, wonderful, and numberless, who providest us with sleep as a rest from our infirmities and as a repose for our bodies tired by labor. We thank thee that thou hast not destroyed us in our transgressions, but in thy love toward mankind thou hast raised us up, as we lay in despair, that we may glorify thy majesty. We entreat thine infinite goodness, enlighten the eyes of our understanding and raise up our minds from the heavy sleep of indolence; open our mouths and fill them with thy praise, that we may unceasingly sing and confess thee, who art God glorified in all and by all, the eternal Father, with thine only-begotten Son and thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, who art ever blessed and all-blameless and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim, thou who without corruption didst bear God the Word and art truly Theotokos: we magnify thee.
(Private devotions may be added here.)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
ADDITIONAL MORNING PRAYERS
A Prayer for the Beginning of the Day by St. Philaret of Moscow
O Lord, grant me thy peace to greet all this day is to bring. Grant me the grace to surrender myself completely to thy holy will. In every hour of this day instruct and guide me in all things. Whatever tidings I may receive in this day, teach me to accept tranquilly, in the firm belief that thy holy will governs all. Govern thou my thoughts and feelings in all that I do and say. When unforeseen things occur, let me not forget that all is sent by thee. Teach me to behave sincerely and reasonably towards everyone, that I may bring confusion and sorrow to no one. Bestow on me, O Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day, and to bear my part in its events. Guide thou my will. Teach me how to pray. Pray thou thyself within me. Amen.
The Prayers of St. Macarius the Great
First Prayer
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have never done anything good in thy sight. Deliver me from the evil one, and may thy will be in me, that I may open my unworthy mouth without condemnation and praise thy holy name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Second Prayer
Having risen from sleep, I offer thee, O Saviour, the midnight song and fall down and cry unto thee: grant me not to fall asleep in the death of sin, but have compassion on me, O thou who wast voluntarily crucified, and hasten to raise me who am prostrate in idleness, and save me in prayer and intercession, and after the night’s sleep, bless me with a sinless day, O Christ our God, and save me.
Third Prayer
Having risen from sleep, I hasten to thee, O Lord, Lover of men, and by thy loving-kindness I strive to do thy works, and I pray to thee: help me at all times, in everything, and deliver me from every evil thing of the world and every attack of the devil, and lead me into thine eternal kingdom. For thou art my Creator, the Giver and Protector of everything good, and all my hope is in thee. And to thee I send up glory, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Fourth Prayer
O Lord, who in thine abundant goodness and thy great compassion hast granted me, thy servant, to pass the time of this night without the temptation of any opposing evil, Lord and Creator of all, by thy true light and with an enlightened heart grant me to do thy will, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Fifth Prayer
Almighty Lord God, who dost receive from thy heavenly powers the thrice-holy hymn, receive also from me, thine unworthy servant, this song of the night, and grant me every year of my life and at every hour to send up glory to thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A General Intercession
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, who in thy mercy and loving-kindness dost regard the prayers of all who call upon thee with their whole heart, incline thine ear and hear my prayer, now humbly offered unto thee:
Remember, O Lord, thy Holy, Orthodox-Catholic and Apostolic Church; confirm, strengthen, increase and keep her in peace and preserve her unconquerable forever;
Remember, O Lord, our father and Metropolitan Saba and every Orthodox bishop, the Priests and Deacons, and all the clergy of thy Church, which thou hast ordained to feed thy flock with thy Word; and by their prayers, have mercy on me and save me, a sinner.
Remember, O Lord, our father, Fr. Kosmas, and our entire parish community in Christ, and grant us to serve and glorify thee in oneness of heart and mind.
Remember, O Lord, our civil authorities and our armed forces, this city in which we dwell, and every city and countryside. Grant us peaceful times that we may lead a calm and tranquil life in all godliness and sanctity.
Remember, O Lord, my parents, my brothers and sisters and all my relatives and all who are near and dear to me, NN., and grant them mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and remission of sins, that they may evermore praise and glorify thy holy name.
Remember, O Lord, those who travel by land, sea and air, the young and the old, orphans and widows, the sick and the suffering, the sorrowing and the afflicted, those in captivity, and the needy poor; upon them all send forth thy mercies, for thou art the Giver of all good things.
Remember, O Lord, me, thy humble servant; grant me thy grace, that I may be diligent and faithful, that I may avoid evil company and influence and resist all temptation, that I may lead a godly and righteous life, blameless and peaceful, ever serving thee, that I may be accounted worthy at the last to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Remember, O Lord, those who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection unto life eternal, especially NN.; pardon all their transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, committed in word or deed or thought. Shelter them in a place of brightness, a place of verdure, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing have fled away, and where the sight of thy face rejoiceth all thy saints from all the ages. Grant them thy heavenly kingdom and a portion in thine ineffable and eternal blessings and the enjoyment of thine unending life.
Hear my prayer, O Lord, for thou art merciful and compassionate and the Lover of mankind, and unto thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Evening Prayers
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.
O heavenly King, the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art in all places, and fillest all things, Treasury of good things, and Giver of life, come, and abide in us, and cleanse us from every stain; and save our souls, O good One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both 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; both 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 the evil one.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Troparia of Thanksgiving
Now that the day hath come to a close, I thank thee, O Lord, and I ask that the evening with the night may be sinless; grant this to me, O Saviour, and save me.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Now that the day hath passed, I glorify thee, O Master, and I ask that the evening with the night may be without offence; grant this to me, O Saviour, and save me.
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Now that the day hath run its course, I praise thee, O Holy One, and I ask that the evening with the night may be undisturbed; grant this to me, O Saviour, and save me.
Lord, have mercy. (twelve times)
An Evening Prayer of Repentance
O Lord our God, if during this day I have sinned, whether in word or deed or thought, forgive me all, for thou art good and lovest mankind. Grant me peaceful and undisturbed sleep, and deliver me from all influence and temptation of the evil one. Raise me up again in proper time that I may glorify thee; for thou art blessed, with thine only-begotten Son and thine all-holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O most glorious, ever-virgin, blessed Theotokos, present our prayer to thy Son, our God, and intercede with him that through thee he may save our souls.
My hope is the Father; my refuge is the Son; my shelter is the Holy Spirit. O Holy Trinity, glory to thee.
In thee, O Mother of God, I place all my hope; keep me under thy protection.
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos; Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
A Prayer to One’s Patron Saint
Pray unto God for me, O Saint N., well-pleasing to God, for I flee unto thee, who art the speedy helper and intercessor for my soul.
(Private devotions may be added here.)
As you lie down to sleep, say:
Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my soul and my body. Do thou thyself bless me, have mercy upon me and grant me life eternal. Amen.
Prayers before Communion
A Prayer of St. Basil the Great
O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, our God, Fountain of life and immortality, Creator of all things visible and invisible, co-everlasting and coeternal Son of the unoriginate Father, who in thine exceeding great love didst become incarnate in the latter days and wast crucified and slain for us ungrateful and ignorant men and by thine own Blood didst refashion our nature corrupted by sin: Do thou thyself, O immortal King, receive the repentance of me, the sinner; incline thine ear unto me and hear my words, for I have sinned, O Lord; I have sinned against heaven and before thee, and I am not worthy to lift up my eyes to the height of thy glory, for I have affronted thy goodness, and transgressed thy commandments and disobeyed thine ordinances. But thou, O Lord who rememberest not evil but art long-suffering and of great mercy, hast not given me over to perish in my lawlessness but dost ever await my return. For, O thou who lovest mankind, thou hast said by thy prophet, “I desire not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should return and live,” because thou dost not wish, O Master, to destroy the work of thy hands; neither dost thou take pleasure in the destruction of men but desirest that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Wherefore I, although unworthy both of heaven and of earth and of this transitory life, even I, the wretched one, having wholly yielded myself to sin, become a slave to pleasures and defiled thine image within me, who am thy creation and thy work, despair not of salvation; but trusting in thine infinite compassion, I draw nigh unto thee. Receive me, O Christ, thou that lovest mankind, as thou didst receive the harlot, the thief, the publican and the prodigal son. Take away the heavy burden of my sins, O thou that takest away the sin of the world and healest the infirmities of men and callest all that are weary and heavy-laden to thyself and givest them rest; thou that camest not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance, cleanse thou me from every stain of flesh and spirit, and teach me to perfect holiness in fear of thee, that with the witness of my conscience pure, I may receive a portion of thy holy things and be united to thy holy Body and Blood and may have thee, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, dwelling and abiding in me. Yea, O Lord Jesus Christ my God, grant that the partaking of thine immaculate and life-giving mysteries may not be to my condemnation, nor may I become infirm in soul and body by receiving unworthily thereof, but grant that, even unto my last breath, I may partake of a portion of thy holy things without condemnation, unto the communion of thy Holy Spirit, as a provision for eternal life and for a good defense at thy fearful judgment seat, so that I, as a partaker with all thine elect, may also receive those incorruptible good things which thou hast prepared for them that love thee, O Lord, in whom thou art glorified forever. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. Basil the Great
O Lord, I know that I receive unworthily thine immaculate Body and precious Blood; I know that I am guilty and that I eat and drink condemnation to myself, not discerning the Body and Blood of Christ my God. But taking courage in thy compassion I come unto thee who hast said, “Whosoever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me and I in him.” Therefore, O Lord, have compassion on me and make not an example of me, the sinner. But do unto me according to thy mercy, and grant that these holy things may be for me unto the healing, purification, enlightenment, protection, salvation and sanctification of soul and body, and to the expulsion of every evil imagination, wicked deed or work of the devil, which operateth within my mind and members. May they move me to boldness and love toward thee, to amend and keep firm my life, and may they ever be in me unto the increase of virtue, unto the keeping of thy commandments, unto the communion of the Holy Spirit, as a provision for eternal life and for a good defense at thy fearful judgment seat, and not unto judgment nor unto condemnation.
A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
O Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy nor sufficient that thou shouldest enter under the roof of the house of my soul, for it is all deserted and in ruins, and thou hast not a worthy place in me to lay thy head. But as from the heights of thy glory thou didst humble thyself, so now conform thyself to my humility; as thou didst deign to lie in the cave in a manger of dumb animals, so deign now also to come into the manger of my dumb soul and soiled body. As thou didst not refrain from entering and eating with sinners in the house of Simon the leper, so also vouchsafe to enter the house of my humble, leprous and sinful soul. As thou didst not reject the harlot and sinner, like unto me, who approached and touched thee, so also have pity on me, the sinner, as I approach and touch thee; and as thou didst not loathe the filthy mouth of her who drew near to kiss thee, neither loathe my mouth which is more filthy nor my unclean lips nor my yet more unclean tongue. But grant that the fiery coal of thine all-holy Body and precious Blood be for the sanctification, enlighten ment and strengthening of my wretched soul and body, for the relief from the burden of my many transgressions, for my preservation against every demonic activity, for trampling down and averting of my careless and evil habits, for the mortification of passions, for obedience to thy commandments, for growth in thy divine grace and for the inheritance of thy kingdom. For it is not with presumption that I approach thee, O Christ God, but as one taking courage in thine ineffable goodness, lest that through long absence from communion with thee I may become the prey of the noetic wolf. Wherefore, I pray thee, O Master, who alone art holy, sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my reins and bowels, and renew me entirely. Implant in my members the fear of thee, and make thy sanctification to be inalienable from me. Be thou my Helper and Guide, directing my life in peace, vouchsafing me to stand at thy right hand with thy saints, through the prayers and intercessions of thine all-immaculate Mother, of thy bodiless servitors and immaculate powers and of all the saints who from all ages have been well-pleasing unto thee. Amen.
A Prayer of St. John of Damascus
O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, our God, who alone hath authority to forgive men their sins, for thou art good and lovest mankind: Overlook all transgressions that I have committed in knowledge or in ignorance, and make me worthy to receive without condemnation thy divine, glorious, immaculate and life-giving mysteries, not unto punishments or unto increase of sins, but unto purification and sanctification and a pledge of the life and kingdom to come, as a protection and a help and an averting of the adversaries, and unto the blotting out of my many trespasses. For thou art a God of mercy and compassions and love toward mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John of Damascus
I stand before the doors of thy temple, and yet I refrain not from my terrible thoughts. But do thou, O Christ God, who didst justify the publican and hadst mercy on the Canaanite woman and didst open the gates of paradise to the thief: open unto me the compassion of thy love toward mankind, and receive me as I approach and touch thee, like the harlot and the woman with the issue of blood; for the one, by but touching the hem of thy garment, received healing, and the other, by embracing thine immaculate feet, received the forgiveness of her sins. And I, who am pitiful, dare to partake of thy whole Body. Let me not be consumed, but receive me as thou didst receive them, and enlighten the senses of my soul, burning up the accusations of my sins, through the intercessions of her that without seed gave thee birth and of the heavenly powers; for thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. And I believe that this is truly thine own immaculate Body and that this is truly thine own precious Blood. Wherefore I pray thee, have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, of knowledge and of ignorance; and make me worthy to partake without condemnation of thine immaculate Mysteries, unto remission of my sins and unto life everlasting. Amen. Of thy Mystic Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant: for I will not speak of thy Mystery to thine enemies, neither will I give thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the thief will I confess thee: Remember me, O Lord, in thy Kingdom. Not unto judgment nor unto condemnation be my partaking of thy Holy Mysteries, O Lord, but unto the healing of soul and body.
Occasional Prayers
Prayer for the Acceptance of God’s Will by Saint Philaret of Moscow
O Lord, I know not what to ask of thee. Thou alone knowest what my true needs are. Thou lovest me more than I myself know how to love. Help me to see my real needs which are concealed from me. I dare not ask for either a cross or a consolation. I can only wait on thee. My heart is open to thee. Visit and help me for thy great mercy’s sake. Strike me and heal me, cast me down and raise me up. I worship in silence thy holy will and thine inscrutable ways. I offer myself as a sacrifice to thee. I put all my trust in thee. I have no other desire than to fulfill thy will. Teach me how to pray. Pray thou thyself within me. Amen.
At the Commencement of Any Task
Almighty God, our Help and Refuge, Fountain of wisdom and Tower of strength, who knowest that I can do nothing without thy guidance and help; assist me, I pray thee, and grant me divine wisdom and power, that I may accomplish this task, and whatever I may undertake to do, faithfully and diligently, according to thy will, so that it may be profitable to myself and others and may be to the glory of thy holy name. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer Before a Journey
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, the true and living way, be thou, O Master, my companion, guide and guardian during my journey; deliver and protect me from all danger, misfortune and temptation, that, being so defended by thy divine power, I may have a peaceful and successful journey and arrive safely at my destination. For in thee I put my trust and hope, and to thee, together with thine eternal Father and thine all-holy Spirit, I ascribe all praise, honor and glory, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Prayer of Husband and Wife
O merciful God, we beseech thee ever to remind us that the married state is holy and that we must keep it so. Grant us thy grace, that we may continue in faithfulness and love. Increase in us the spirit of mutual understanding, forgiveness, patience and trust, that no quarrel or strife may come between us. Grant us thy blessings, that we may serve thee in holiness and gladness of heart all the days of our lives. And finally, by thy mercy, account us worthy of everlasting life. For thine it is to save us, O our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Prayer of Parents for Children (Also for relatives and friends)
O God, our heavenly Father, who lovest mankind, and art most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon thy servants, NN. [children, relatives], for whom I humbly pray, and whom I commend to thy gracious care and protection. Be thou, O God, their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of thy truth, and draw them near to thee, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in thy love and fear, ever doing thy will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all the temptations and corruption of this life, and direct them in the way of salvation, through the grace and love toward mankind of thine only-begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and by the intercessions of the most holy Theotokos, and all thy saints. Amen.
A Prayer of Single Persons
O Lord, who hast set forth for us an example of perfect purity, strengthen me, I beseech thee, when temptation doth beset me, and when strong passions seek to overwhelm me, that I may remain constant in virtue and innocent in thought, word, and deed, doing only such things as are well-pleasing to thee. Grant me growth in wisdom and understanding, that I may serve thee in holiness all the days of my life, through the intercessions of thine all-immaculate Mother and of all thy saints, especially my patron saint N. Amen.
A Prayer of Repentance
O Lord our God, good and merciful, I acknowledge all the sins which I have committed every day of my life, in thought, word and deed, in body and soul alike. I am heartily sorry that I have ever offended thee and I sincerely repent. With tears I humbly pray thee, O Lord: Of thy mercy forgive me all my past transgressions and absolve me from them. I firmly resolve, with the help of thy grace, to amend my way of life and to sin no more, that I may walk in the way of the righteous and offer praise and glory to thy name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A Prayer for the Departed
Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend the souls of thy servants, NN., and beseech thee to grant them rest with thy saints, where the light of thy countenance shineth forever. I beseech thee also to grant that our present lives may be godly, sober and blameless, that we also may be made worthy to enter into thy heavenly kingdom with those we love who have gone to their rest before us. For thou art the Resurrection and the Life and the Repose of thy departed servants, O Christ our God, and unto thee do we ascribe glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.