Is it possible to read prayers while sitting? Is it possible to read "Mein Kampf" in Russia, which threatens for reading it.

There is not always the strength and ability to stand. The work is hard physical labor, and by the evening a person is so tired that his legs are buzzing. Due to advancing age, age-related diseases are discovered. A pregnant woman whose lower back is pulled and her legs swell. There are many reasons, but a person feels the need for prayer.

What now, do not pray at all? Of course not. Be sure to pray while sitting. And this can be done, despite the indignation of the grandmothers from the church.

What is prayer?

It is direct communication with God. Conversation with Him. This is the conversation of a child with his Father. But we will not explain ourselves in lofty words, but we will talk about it in a simpler way.

When we pray, we meet with God. We meet with the Mother of God and with the saints, to whom we pray prayerfully. We ask them for something, and after a while we understand that our request has been fulfilled. And thanks to this comes the realization of the participation of the saints in our lives, as well as the participation of God. He is always there, always ready to help and patiently waiting for us to turn to him.

There is another kind of prayer. This prayer is a dialogue. When a person is talking, it is important for him not only to speak out, but also to hear the opinion of the interlocutor. At the moment when we offer prayers to God, we need to be prepared for the fact that He opens up to us. Sometimes not the way we imagine Him. Therefore, one cannot invent an image of God for oneself, somehow represent it. We see God on the icons, we see the Mother of God, saints. It's enough.

Is it possible to read prayers while sitting? Imagine that a man comes to his father. He came after work, he really wants to talk to him, but his legs hurt and are so tired that there is simply no strength to stand. Wouldn't a father, seeing this, talk to his child? Or make him stand in deference to the parent? Of course not. Rather, on the contrary: seeing how tired the son is, he will offer him to sit down, drink a cup of tea and talk.

So does God, seeing the zeal of a person, not accept sincere prayer just because the one who prays is sitting?

When do we pray?

Most often, when something happens in life and urgently need help. Then the person begins to pray and ask God for this help. He simply has no other hope. Help comes, a contented person rejoices, forgets to thank and departs from God until the next emergency. Is it correct? Hardly.

Ideally, we should live with prayer. Live with it just like we live with air. People do not forget to breathe, because without oxygen we will simply die in a few minutes. Without prayer, the soul dies, this is its "oxygen".

With our workload and living conditions, it is extremely difficult to constantly be in prayer. The hustle and bustle at work, the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the people around you - it's all too much. And it's too noisy around us. However, we wake up in the morning. And what do we think about first? About what to do today. We get up, wash ourselves, get dressed, have breakfast and forward - towards a new fuss. And you need to adjust your morning a little. Get up and thank God for another day. Ask for His intercession during the day. Of course the most the best option- read the morning prayers. But no one has yet canceled gratitude from the heart.

Prayer during the day

Is this possible with our workload? Why not, everything is possible. Is it possible to pray while sitting, for example, in a car? Of course. You can go to work, and mentally pray to God.

A person sat down to eat - before the meal, you need to pray mentally, read "Our Father". No one will hear this, and what good is it for the one who prays! Ate, thanked the Lord for the meal - and again went to work.

Prayer in the temple

Is it possible for an Orthodox person to pray while sitting? Especially in the temple, where everyone is standing? In weakness - it is possible. There is such a wonderful phrase of the Metropolitan of Moscow Filaret: "It is better to think about God while sitting than standing - about your feet."

With some diseases, it is difficult for a person to stand. And with other infirmities, it is not always easy. Therefore, do not be embarrassed by the fact that they sat down on a bench in the temple. There are certain places in worship, at the proclamation of which you need to get up. This is the Cherubic Hymn, the reading of the Gospel, the prayers "I believe" and "Our Father", the removal of the Chalice. In other cases, if you feel that you cannot stand the service, sit down.

home prayer

Is it possible to sit in front of the icons to pray at home? There is nothing wrong with this if a person does this due to illness or other good reasons. If it’s just out of laziness, it’s better not to be lazy and get up, pray standing up.

In the event that the worshiper is very tired, it is quite permissible to sit on a chair or on a sofa near the icons, pick up a prayer book and pray from the heart.

How to be sick people?

But what if a person is so sick that he cannot get up on his own? Or bedridden? Or is it due to old age? He can't even pick up a prayer book. How then to pray? And in general, is it possible to pray lying or sitting?

In this case, you can ask someone from the household to submit a prayer book. Keep it close to the bed so that the patient can reach it on their own. Or rather, reach out and take it. As for the reading of the Gospel, the family may well set aside a couple of minutes and read, at the request of the patient, an excerpt from it.

To all other, lying man able to pray mentally. To address God in your own words, there is nothing reprehensible in this. In a prayer that comes from the depths of the heart, from the bottom of the soul, can there be anything offensive to God? Even if it is read in an "unspecified" position. The Lord sees the heart of the one who prays, knows his thoughts. And accepts the prayer of the sick or the weak.

Is it possible to pray at home, sitting or lying down? Yes. And not just possible, but necessary. "The healthy do not call a doctor to themselves, but the sick really need a doctor." And not only in the literal sense of these words.

Can prayer be objectionable?

Complex issue. She may not be heard, rather. Why? It all depends on the quality of the prayer. If a person routinely read in 15 minutes, without thinking about the words and their meaning, closed the prayer book - and that's the point, what kind of prayer is this? A person does not understand what and why he read. And God doesn't need a pattern, He needs sincerity.

Who can pray sitting at home? And God, and the Mother of God, and the saints. Let the prayer be performed in a sitting position, but proceeding from the heart. This is better than standing in front of the icons just reading the rule without understanding anything in it and without trying to do it.

Children's prayer

Can a child pray while sitting? Children's prayer is considered the most sincere. Because children are innocent, naive and trust God. No wonder the Lord himself said: be like children.

There are concessions for children. Including in prayer rule. The most important thing is not to force the child to read long and incomprehensible prayers for him. Let the baby read before going to bed, for example, "Our Father" and talk to God in his own words. This is much more useful than reading the rule with a cold heart, because my mother said so, that is, according to the principle "it is necessary for adults." And it is necessary not for adults, it must be for the child himself.

Thanksgiving Prayers

We often ask without thanking. The latter must not be forgotten. It would be unpleasant for us to fulfill someone's request, and not to hear a thank you in response. Why should God give us something, knowing our ingratitude?

Is it possible to pray while sitting, read an akathist of gratitude, or are you tired of offering up? You feel sick? Sore feet? Then sit back and don't worry about it. You sat down, picked up an akathist or a prayer book, and read calmly, slowly, thoughtfully. Huge benefit for the one who prays. And God is glad to see such sincere gratitude.

When there is no strength to pray

There are times when you don't have the strength to pray. No way. Not standing, not sitting, not lying down. Prayer does not go, the person does not want to do this.

How to be then? Force yourself to rise, stand in front of the icons, pick up a prayer book and read at least one prayer. Through strength. Because we do not always want to pray, no matter how surprising it may sound. Is it possible not to want to communicate with God? It's wild, strange, incomprehensible, but such states do happen. And when they appear, you must force yourself to pray.

But she same will not from souls perhaps? And here it all depends on the one who prays. You can read every word with utmost attention, even if it is just one prayer. Such a prayerful attitude will be much more useful than if you do not pray at all or read the rule with your lips alone, when thoughts hover somewhere far, far away.

How long does it take 20 minutes, no more. This is because a person quickly reads it, and that's it. So it’s better to spend these 20 minutes reading two prayers, but with sense and concentration, than to scold somehow, because it’s supposed to be so.

Important addition

What do you need to know before starting to pray? Just an answer to the question, is it possible to pray sitting or lying down? No. The main thing to remember is that you need to pray thoughtfully. Try to understand every word of the prayer. And the latter must come from the heart. That's why you need not only to read the rules, but also to pray in your own words.

Conclusion

From the article we learned whether it is possible to pray while sitting. In the case of a serious illness, senile infirmity, pregnancy or very severe fatigue, this is not forbidden. Children are allowed to pray while sitting.

As for the bedridden patients, in their case it is quite appropriate to offer up prayers to God in the usual position.

Position is not important, although it plays an important role. The most important thing is the heart and soul of a person, sincere, burning and striving for God.

Rules of prayer and words of prayer.

Today there are no people in the world who would not know the meaning of the word "prayer". For some, these are just words, but for someone much more, it is a conversation with God, an opportunity to thank Him, ask for help or protection in righteous deeds. But do you know how to properly pray to God and saints in different places? Today we will talk about just that.

How to pray at home, in church, in front of an icon, relics, so that God hears us and helps us: Orthodox church rules

Each of us at least once in our lives prayed to God - maybe it was in church, or maybe the prayer was a request for help in a difficult situation and was expressed in our own words. Even the most persistent and strong personalities sometimes turn to God. And in order for this appeal to be heard, one should adhere to the Orthodox church rules, which will be discussed later.

So, the first question that worries everyone is: “How to pray at home?”. It is possible and even necessary to pray at home, but there are prescribed church rules to be followed:

1. Preparation for prayer:

• Before prayer, you should wash, comb and dress in clean clothes.
• Approach the icon with reverence, without loosening and waving your arms
• Stand straight, lean on both legs at the same time, do not shift, do not stretch your arms and legs (stand almost still), prayer on your knees is allowed
• It is necessary to mentally and morally tune in to prayer, drive away all distracting thoughts, focus only on what you are going to do and why

• If you do not know the prayer by heart, you can read it from the prayer book
• If you have never prayed at home before, just read the “Our Father” and you can then ask/thank God for something in your own words
• It is better to read the prayer aloud and slowly, with reverence, passing each word “through” yourself
• If during the reading of the prayer you are distracted by some suddenly appeared thoughts, ideas or desires to do something right at that moment, you should not interrupt the prayer, try to drive away thoughts and focus on prayer
• And, of course, before saying a prayer, after its completion, if necessary, then during its reading, you should definitely make the sign of the cross

1. Completion of prayer at home:

• After you pray, you can do absolutely any business - be it cooking, cleaning, or receiving guests.
• Usually at home they read morning and evening prayers, as well as prayers before and after meals. Prayers are allowed at home and in “emergency situations”, when one overcomes fear for relatives and friends or has serious illnesses.
• If you don’t have icons at home, you can pray in front of a window facing the east side or in any place convenient for you, presenting the image of the one to whom the prayer is addressed.

The next important question is: “How to pray in church?”:

• There are two types of prayers in the church - collective (general) and individual (independent)
• Church (general) prayers are performed simultaneously by groups of acquaintances and strangers under the guidance of a father or priest. He reads a prayer, and all those present listen attentively to it and repeat it mentally. It is believed that such prayers are stronger than single ones - when one is distracted, the rest will continue the prayer and the distracted one can easily join it, again becoming part of the stream.
• Individual (single) prayers are performed by parishioners during the absence of services. In such cases, the worshiper chooses an icon and places a candle in front of it. Then you should read "Our Father" and a prayer to the one whose image is on the icon. Prayer out loud in full voice is not allowed in the church. You can only pray in a quiet whisper or mentally.

The church is not allowed:

• Individual prayer out loud
• Prayer with your back to the iconostasis
• Seated Prayer (except in cases of extreme fatigue, disability, or a serious illness that makes it impossible for a person to stand)

It is worth noting that in prayer in church, as in prayer at home, it is customary to make the sign of the cross before and after prayer. In addition, when visiting a church, the sign of the cross is made before entering the church and after leaving it.

Prayer before the icon. You can pray before the icon both at home and in church. The main rule is the conversion rule - a prayer is said to the saint in front of whose icon you are standing. This rule cannot be broken. If you do not know where the icon you need is located in the church, you can check with the ministers and nuns.

Prayers to the relics. In some churches there are the relics of saints, they can be venerated on any day through special glass sarcophagi, and on major holidays it is allowed to venerate the relics themselves. In addition, it is believed that the relics of saints have a very great power Therefore, it is customary to turn to them for help and in prayers.

It is no secret that few people managed to venerate the relics and read the prayer in full, because, as usual, the queue creates a huge onslaught on the one who is in front of the relics. Therefore, it is customary to do this:

• First, a candle is lit in the church and they pray in front of the icon of the saint whose relics they want to venerate
• They go to venerate the relics, and at the very moment of the veneration they express their request or gratitude in a few words. This is done in a whisper or mentally.

The application to the relics is considered one of the most ancient rituals in Christianity and is of great importance for true believers.

What basic prayers should an Orthodox Christian know and read?

As we mentioned earlier, in prayers a person can ask for help, give thanks for help, ask for forgiveness or praise the Lord. It is on this principle (by appointment) that prayers are classified:

• Prayers of praise are prayers in which people praise God, while not asking for anything for themselves. These prayers include praises
• Thanksgiving prayers are prayers in which people thank God for help in business, for protection in important matters who got along
• Prayers of petition are prayers in which people ask for help in worldly affairs, ask for protection for themselves and loved ones, ask for a speedy recovery, etc.
• Prayers of repentance are prayers in which people repent of their deeds, spoken words

It is believed that every Orthodox Christian should always remember the words of 5 prayers:

• Our Father - The Lord's Prayer
• "King of heaven" - a prayer to the Holy Spirit
• “Virgin Mary, rejoice” - a prayer of the Mother of God
• “It is worthy to eat” - the prayer of the Mother of God

Prayer "Our Father": words

It is believed that Jesus Christ himself read this prayer, and then passed it on to his disciples. "Our Father" is a "universal" prayer - it can be read in all cases. Usually, home prayers, appeals to God begin with it, and they ask for help and protection with it.

This is the first prayer that children should learn. Usually, "Our Father" is familiar from childhood, and almost everyone can reproduce it by heart. Such a prayer can be read mentally for your protection in dangerous situations, it is also read over sick and small children so that they sleep well.

Prayer "Alive in help": words

One of the strongest prayers is considered to be "Alive in help." According to legend, it was written by King David, it is very old, and therefore strong. This is a prayer-amulet and a prayer-helper. It protects against attacks, injuries, disasters, evil spirits and her influence. In addition, they recommend reading “Alive in Help” to those who go on an important matter - on a long journey, for an exam, before moving to a new place.

It is believed that if you sew a piece of paper with the words of this prayer into the belt of your clothes (or better, embroider them on your belt at all), then the person who wears such an outfit will be lucky.

Prayer "Symbol of Faith": words

Surprisingly, the Creed prayer is not actually a prayer. This fact is recognized by the church, but nevertheless the “Symbol of Faith” is always included in the prayer book. Why?

At its core, this prayer is a collection of dogmas of the Christian faith. They are necessarily read at evening and morning prayers, and are also sung as part of the Liturgy of the Faithful. In addition, while reading the “Creed”, Christians repeat the truth of their faith over and over again.

Prayer for neighbors: words

It often happens that our relatives, relatives or friends need help. In this case, you can read the Jesus Prayer for your neighbors.

• In addition, if a person is baptized, you can pray for him in a home prayer, pray in church and light candles for health, order health notes about him, in special cases (when a person really needs help) you can order a magpie for health.
• It is customary to pray for baptized relatives, relatives and friends in the morning prayer rule, at the very end of it.
• Please note: for unbaptized people, you can’t put candles in the church, you can’t order notes and magpies about health. If an unbaptized person needs help, you can pray for him in your home prayer in your own words, without lighting a candle.

Prayer for the Dead: Words

There are events that are beyond anyone's control. One such event is death. It brings grief, sadness and tears to the family, where a person passes away. All those around mourn and sincerely wish the deceased to go to Paradise. It is in such cases that prayers for the dead are used. Such prayers can be read:

1. At home
2. In the church:

• Order a memorial service
• Submit a note for commemoration at the liturgy
• Order magpie for the repose of the soul of the deceased

It is believed that after the death of a person, the Last Judgment awaits, at which they will ask about all his sins. The deceased himself will no longer be able to alleviate his suffering and his fate on the Last Judgment. But his relatives and friends can pray for him, distribute alms, order magpies. All this helps the soul to go to Paradise.

IMPORTANT: In no case should you pray, light candles for the repose of the soul and order magpies for a person who has committed suicide. In addition, this should not be done for the unbaptized.

Prayer for enemies: words

Each of us has enemies. Whether we like it or not, there are people who envy us, who do not like us because of their faith, personal qualities or actions. What to do in such a situation and how to protect yourself from negative impact?

• That's right, pick up a prayer for the enemy and read it. Usually this is enough for a person to cool off towards you and stop taking any negative actions, speaking out, etc.
• There are sections in prayer books devoted to this very issue. But there are times when one home prayer is not enough.

If you know that a person treats you negatively and constantly creates problems for you on this basis, then you should go to church.

The church needs to do the following:

• Pray for the health of your enemy
• Light a candle for his health
• AT difficult cases you can order this person a magpie for health (but only on condition that you know for sure that the enemy is baptized)

In addition, each time you pray for your enemy, ask the Lord for patience for yourself to endure this.

Family prayer: words

Believing Christians believe that the family is an extension of the church. That is why in many families it is customary to pray together.

• In houses where families pray, there is a so-called "red corner" where icons are placed. Usually a room is chosen for him in which everyone can fit in for prayer in such a way as to see the icons. Icons, in turn, are placed in the eastern corner of the room. As usual, the father of the family reads the prayer, the rest mentally repeat it.
• If there is no such corner in the house, it's okay. Family prayer can be said together before meals or after meals.

• All family members participate in family prayer, except for the smallest children. Older children are allowed to repeat the words of the prayer after their father
• Family prayers are a very strong amulet for the family. In such prayers, you can ask for the whole family at once or for one person. In families where it is customary to pray together, real Christians grow up who are able to pass on their faith to children.
• In addition, there are cases when such prayers helped the sick to recover, and couples, which long time it is not possible to have children, to find the happiness of parenthood.

Is it possible and how to pray in your own words?

As we said earlier, you can pray in your own words. But this does not mean that you just went to church, light a candle and asked or thanked God for something. No.

There are also rules for praying in your own words:

• You can pray in your own words in the morning and evening rules between prayers
• Before praying in your own words, you should read "Our Father"
• Prayer in your own words still provides for the sign of the cross
• Only in their own words they pray for the unbaptized and people of a different faith (only in cases of emergency)
• In your own words, you can pray in home prayers and in church, while you should adhere to the rules
• You can’t pray in your own words, just like saying an ordinary prayer, and at the same time asking for punishment for someone

Is it possible to read prayers in modern Russian?

Opinions differ on this point. Some clergymen say that prayers should be read only in the church language, others - that there is no difference. Usually a person turns to God in a language he understands, asks for something that is understandable to him. Therefore, if you have not learned “Our Father” in the church language or are addressing the saints in your own language that you understand, there is nothing to worry about. No wonder they say - "God understands every language."

Is it possible to read prayers during menstruation?

In the Middle Ages, girls and women during menstruation were forbidden to attend church. But the origins of this question have their own history, which confirms the opinion of many - during menstruation, you can pray and go to church.

Today, attending church and praying at home in front of icons during menstruation is allowed. But when visiting a church, there are still some restrictions:

• Communion is not allowed during this period.
• You can not venerate relics, icons and the altar cross, which is given by the priest
• It is forbidden to use prosphora and holy water

In addition, if a girl feels unwell during this special period, it is still better to refuse to attend church.

Is it possible to read prayers from a computer, phone in electronic form?

Modern technology breaks into all spheres of life, and religion is no exception. Reading prayers from the screens of electronic media is possible, but not desirable. If you have no other choice, you can read it once from the screen of your tablet/phone/monitor. After all, the main thing in prayer is not the source of texts, but the spiritual mood. But be aware that it is not accepted to read prayers in churches from the phone. You may be reprimanded by ministers or nuns.

Is it possible to read a prayer on a piece of paper?

• If you pray at home or in church and still do not know the text of the prayer very well
• If you are in the church, then the "cheat sheet" should be on clean slate, you should not rustle or crush it. According to generally accepted rules, in the church it is allowed to read a prayer from a prayer book

Is it possible to read prayers in transport?

You can pray in public transport. It is advisable to do this while standing, but if it is not possible to get up (for example, the transport is full), reading prayers while sitting is allowed.

Is it possible to read a prayer to yourself, in a whisper?

Prayers are read aloud on rare occasions, therefore it is quite normal to perform a prayer in a whisper or mentally. In addition, it is not customary to even whisper at a common (church) prayer. You listen to the prayer that the priest reads, you can mentally repeat the words, but in no case out loud. Family prayers or independent home prayers are read aloud when you are praying alone.

Is it possible to read prayers after eating?

Orthodox Christians have a good family tradition - prayers before and after meals.

• It is permissible to say a prayer after eating only if you said a prayer before eating
• In the prayer books there are special prayers before and after meals. Their reading is allowed both sitting and standing.
• Parents baptize small children during prayers. Before the end of the prayer, it is forbidden to start eating

The ritual itself can take place in several ways:

• Someone reads a prayer, the rest mentally repeat it
• All together read aloud a prayer
• Everyone mentally reads a prayer and is baptized

Is it possible to read prayers while sitting at home?

There are several ways to pray at home, we discussed them above. According to the rules, you can only pray standing on your feet or on your knees. In a sitting position, it is allowed to pray at home in several cases:

• A disability or illness that prevents a person from praying standing up. Bedridden patients are allowed to pray in any position that is convenient for them.
• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
• Sitting, you can pray at the table before and after meals

Is it possible to read a prayer at home only in the morning or only in the evening?

Reading prayers in the morning and evening is called the morning and evening rules. Of course, you can pray only in the evening or only in the morning, but if possible, it is better to do this both in the morning and in the evening. Also, if you feel the need to pray but don't have a prayer book, read the Lord's Prayer 3 times.

Is it permissible for a Muslim to read the Lord's Prayer?

The Orthodox Church does not encourage such experiments in faith. Most often, priests answer this question with a resounding “no.” But there are also such priests who are trying to get to the bottom of the problem - and if the need to read the Our Father prayer comes from the depths of the soul of a Muslim or Muslim woman, then in rare cases they give permission to read this particular prayer.

Is it possible to read the prayer of detention for pregnant women?

Prayer for detention is considered a very powerful amulet, but at the same time, not all clergy recognize it as a prayer. Usually it is read at home in front of a lit candle.

According to most priests, pregnant women should not read this prayer. If pregnant women have a need or they are worried about the health of their baby, they are recommended to read special prayers for bearing a child, about healthy child and about the preservation of the child to Mother Matrona.

Is it possible to read several prayers in a row?

Several prayers in a row are allowed to be read in the morning and evening rule, as well as for those people who feel the need for it. If you are just taking the first steps towards God, it is better to turn to him with one prayer in full concentration than with a dozen prayers with porridge in your head. It is also permissible, after reading the Our Father, to pray in your own words, ask or thank God for protection and help.

Can lay people read the Jesus Prayer?

There is an opinion that the Jesus Prayer cannot be said to the laity. The ban on the words “Lord Jesus Christ, the Blue of God, have mercy on me, a sinner” for the laity existed for a long time for one reason only - monks turned to God with such a prayer, and lay people often heard this appeal in church language, they did not understand it and could not repeat it . So there was an imaginary ban on this prayer. In fact, every Christian can say this prayer, it heals and clears the mind. You can repeat it 3 times in a row or using the rosary method.

Is it possible to read prayers not in front of the icon?

It is not possible to pray in front of an icon. The Church does not forbid saying prayers at the table (prayers before and after meals), prayers for protection and intercession in critical situations, prayers for recovery and healing can also be read over the sick. Indeed, in prayer, the main thing is not the presence of an icon in front of the person praying, the main thing is the mental attitude and readiness for prayer.

Is it possible for pregnant women to read a prayer for the dead?

Today it is not considered a sin for a pregnant woman to attend church. It is also not forbidden to order a magpie about the health of yourself, your relatives and loved ones. You can submit notes about the repose of the souls of deceased relatives.

But in most cases, priests still do not recommend pregnant women to read prayers for the dead. This is especially true for the first 40 days after the death of close relatives. In addition, pregnant women are prohibited from ordering a magpie for the repose of acquaintances or friends.

Is it possible to read a prayer to an unbaptized person?

If an unbaptized person is drawn to Orthodoxy, he can read Orthodox prayers. In addition, the church will recommend him to read the Gospel and think about further baptism.

Is it possible to read prayers without a candle?

The presence of a candle when reading a prayer is desirable and pious, but its presence is not prerequisite prayers. Since there are moments of urgent need for prayer, and there is no candle at hand, prayer without it is allowed.

As you can see, there are rules for reading prayers, but for the most part they are optional. Remember, when saying a prayer, the most important thing is not the place, and not the way, but your mental attitude and sincerity.

Video: How to read morning and evening prayers?

Words have a very strong influence on the human mind. Especially when it comes to turning to God. It is often said that prayer can change Fate and life, and this is true. A believer strives to pray, which means that sooner or later he begins to think about how to do it. The main questions are as follows:

• what to prefer: the canonical text of the prayer or to state the request in your own words?
• Should you pray alone or with your family?
• Is it better to read the prayer aloud or silently?

In fact, these are not so difficult questions. Much depends on the situation and the meaning of your prayer. It must be understood that for certain cases there are canonical prayers that must be read as they are written in the original. These include, for example, morning prayers and evening rules, as well as prayers before meals. They must be read together and aloud. Of course, one person can say the text of the prayer, but all family members will be present, pronouncing the text to themselves and together pronounce the word “amen” at the end.

Christianity has a very strong prayers, with which they turn to the patron saints, the Virgin Mary and God. They have been passed down for centuries and are important in that they have chosen the most accurate words. The prayer "Our Father" is very special. Its text must be known to every believer. This prayer is used in so many life situations, because it turns out to be the most powerful of all prayers. By reading it, you always put yourself under the protection of the Lord.

How to read the canonical prayer

Prayers are written in church language, which means that sometimes there may be difficulties in understanding the text. If you do not understand exactly what you are reading, then do not bother reading it: is there any point in this? Prayer is a conscious appeal to God. Therefore, before reading the canonical prayer, look either at its translation on modern language or ask the priest to explain the text of the prayer.

Since they pray in front of the icons, get a red corner in the house. Standing in front of them, you will kind of recreate the feeling close to visiting a church. You can pray in front of the icons both during a personal conversion, and when you are praying with the whole family. Prayers can be said from a book, but you will soon realize that it is much more convenient to read by heart. They do not have to be memorized on purpose: with the constant reading of prayers, the text itself will be remembered.

Solitary prayer: what to ask for?

In addition to prayers that can and should be read by the whole family, often a believer wants to talk with the Lord in private, ask for something secret. And that's completely normal. After all, such an appeal can be the most sincere, especially when it comes to repentance for something. Therefore, it is even necessary to pray alone.

Often, requests for earthly goods are called into question. Indeed, for a believer, it should be much more important to inner world, how material well-being. In general, everything is correct, and spiritual development placed above earthly and passing comforts. But on the other hand, a person has needs that must be satisfied: healthy food, strong healthy sleep, warm and cozy home.

Praying for prosperity and well-being is normal. But still, requests for the salvation of the soul should be a priority. Moreover, it is quite possible to achieve earthly blessings on your own, and ask the Lord to help in difficult undertakings. Also, do not forget to pray for loved ones, asking them for health and happiness.

Reading prayers is a very personal matter. Sometimes it is very difficult to accustom children to it. If the child resists this, then show him an example. Don't make him pray, but let him see how you do it. As a result, he will repeat after you.

You need to read prayers not in a hurry, not out of habit, but with an appeal to God, as if feeling each time relief and some purification in the soul. So if there is an atheist in your family, don't force it. Respect each other and remember that even a child has a choice to believe in God or not. Judgment is not acceptable here.

The fact that your prayers help you you will always understand and recognize, because your guardian angel always helps you. With our free test, you can even find out how he does it. Go to church more often and don't forget to press the buttons and

20.10.2016 06:52

On Orthodox Epiphany Christmas Eve, Christians traditionally observe fasting and do not eat until the first star, they offer ...

Number of entries: 775

Oleg

Oleg, the very word "akathist" means a hymn that is performed while standing. If it’s hard to stand, then at least kneeling. Sitting down to read an akathist is somehow completely indecent. Although, when we are a hundred years old, the Lord, I think, looking at our decrepit weakness, will forgive this too - if only we would pray.

hegumen Nikon (Golovko)

Thank God for everything! Sinful and accursed, I rush about in life from my actions and thoughts. I'm trying to fulfill the Theotokos Rule. Is it possible to read five-number prayers after it without the blessing of a confessor or priest, or how to get it? Save you Lord!

Boris

Boris, without the blessing of the confessor, one cannot impose on oneself the fulfillment of the prayer rule, except for the performance of morning and evening prayers. You can ask for blessings at confession in the temple, and it is better from a priest who already knows you. In the same place, one must seek God's help, so as not to "rush about from deeds and thoughts." Help the Lord.

Priest Sergiy Osipov

Good afternoon! We have a difficult situation took shape - my husband's business collapsed, partners turned away, contracts fell through. He is constantly trying to establish contacts, to improve his business, but how cut off. There are no sources of income. It hurts my heart to look at him! I have a problem getting a job, even though I have 2 higher education, appearance is good. I sent a lot of resumes, some refusals, I don’t understand why. We are in despair. Tell me, please, what should we do? To whom to pray? What to read? Thanks in advance for your reply!

Daria

Daria, why did you turn to prayer when it became bad? After all, we must pray constantly. And besides, very believing people also have temptations, people who pray constantly - such is life, such is our world. But through temptations we come to know the will of God, and praying for God so that He would quickly give us back what we have lost is wrong. Real Christians understand that life with God does not have to be such that you will have everything, on the contrary! See what the Savior was like during His earthly life? In fact, a poor person who has nothing, up to complete poverty. What about His disciples? The same. Poor fishermen, very simple and humble people. And those Christians who later followed Christ in all ages—didn't they consciously give away all their possessions? Did they not deliberately live in poverty, clearly understanding that real life waiting for them ahead, beyond the limits of this earthly life?! Yes, that's how they lived. Living with God, Daria, is not easy, it is a lot of work and patience. Therefore, you also try to pray to God not only when He visits you with grief, so that you think again and again about the frailty of this life, but also for every day and hour. Don't forget Him in prayer, don't forget Holy Mother of God, St. Nicholas and all those saints whom you especially love and revere, who have helped you more than once. And may God give you everything you need for life: will it be wealth - so be it, will it be poverty - and we will bear it with gratitude, since it is given to us for the good. The Lord does not want the sinner to die, but wants him to turn and die a righteous man. And therefore it often happens that He delivers us from everything harmful to our souls, everything that we acquired and clung to in that life when we lived without Him, as if saying to us: “If you ask me in your prayers so that I save you, then be patient, I will save you!" Humble yourself with the Providence of God and seek the salvation of your soul, and you will have everything you need for life.

hegumen Nikon (Golovko)

Hello. Moved to another city and decided to start new life but the circumstances are stronger? and nothing works. I go to church constantly, thank you and ask for help, but everything goes wrong. Is it worth it to fight, or do you need to accept and calm down? It's just that when I started all this, it seemed to me that the Lord was on my side, but now it seems to me that everyone has turned their backs on me. I often have breakdowns and bouts of anger, and I ask for one thing: give me the strength to accept everything that happens, but I can’t. I didn’t do anything bad to anyone, at least on purpose, I learned to forgive envious people, and those who hurt me, but life doesn’t add up. I will soon be 23 years old, and I have not even met anyone, and I have already completely despaired of finding my own. woman's happiness. What if I can’t come to terms with it and still hope for the best?

Catherine

Ekaterina, you need to strive for good. You can't give up, you can't despair. God is testing you, testing your patience, your determination. The Holy Fathers say: you need to wait a bit until God arranges everything, do not rush Him. It happens that we fight, fight, - and nothing, but as soon as we humble ourselves, it itself comes to us, and even better than we expected. You demand from God - but this is not possible. We pray, we ask, and we wait, and we hope. God gives us in life what is useful to us, if it is to our detriment, He does not give us. Read the prayer of the Optina elders - it is very good. You humble yourself, calm down, but do not leave the prayer. As the Gospel says, "Ask and you will receive; knock and it will be opened to you." Ekaterina, I think God will hear you - will give you female happiness. He will send you a groom, give you the opportunity to find a family. The main thing is to believe that in due time everything will be, and I think it will definitely be!

Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)

Hello. Tell me, please, is it possible to read the morning and evening prayers, sitting at the table or on your knees, leaning on the bed? Is it necessary to stand?

Nataliya

Natalia: You can, of course. If you are tired, feel bad, but do not leave your prayers, the Lord will especially reward you. Strengthen you Lord.

Priest Sergiy Osipov

Hello! I recently downloaded a prayer book with morning and evening rules to my smartphone - a very convenient interface, automatic switching of rules depending on the time of day. Is there something reprehensible in reading prayers from the phone screen?

Dmitry

Dmitry, there is no difference whether you read from a sheet or from a screen. Help the Lord.

Priest Sergiy Osipov

Good evening. I have Small child(2 years old), for Last year with a little we were in the hospital at the hospital 10 times, currently the baby is in intensive care. I cannot say that my child is sick, but every month we get so sick that we cannot do without a hospital. Reaction to vaccination, surgery, unexplained seizures - these are our diagnoses. I feel that the whole thing is not in the state of his health. The child is baptized. I have the impression that he was either jinxed, or cursed, or something like that ... I ordered a magpie for health in three churches, went to the icon of Panteleimon the Healer in our church, now I again ordered a magpie for health. I want to ask - what can be done to protect my baby from any intrigues of human beings from the outside? From envy, from hatred? And further. The fact is that the child was born out of wedlock, his father is married to another woman, and he initially did not want the birth of my baby. There were many curses against me and against the child. I ask for help and advice from you.

Oksana

Dear Oksana, I cannot determine the cause of your child’s illness in absentia, but I can advise, in addition to mandatory medical treatment, regular communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, joint daily prayer with the child, daily fasting use of holy water and prosphora. Ordering magpies is, of course, good, but your personal prayer and teaching your child to pray is much more important. As for the evil eye and other things, just get it out of your head, demons cannot harm a believer, and one person cannot do such harm to another at all. All this is superstition!

Archpriest Andrey Efanov

Please tell me how to read prayers correctly if I want to add a prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Feodorovskaya Mother of God, the Mother of God "Seven-shot", Matrona, Peter and Fevronia and canons and akathists to the morning and evening prayers. In what sequence should prayers take place, and before morning and evening or after?

Daria

Daria, in the morning morning prayers are always read first, then according to the hierarchy: prayers, canons, akathists, etc. to the Savior, then Mother of God, then to the saints in this order: great martyrs, martyrs, reverend, blessed, righteous). In your case, first to Peter and Fevronia, then to Matrona. But it seems to me that you have imposed a lot of obligations on yourself, perhaps to alternate: one day the canons, the other day the akathist, the third day of prayer to the Savior, the Mother of God and the Saints? I think it will be easier for you. In the evening, evening prayers are always read last at the end.

Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)

Hello, father! I'm going to change jobs soon. Tell me, please, which saint should I pray for everything to turn out well in a new place? Thanks in advance for your reply.

Elena

Elena, pray to the one whom you love and respect the most, who has already helped you many times. But do not forget in your prayers both the Most Holy Theotokos and the Savior Himself. Be sure to pray to them.

hegumen Nikon (Golovko)

Hello, father! Help me please! A month ago, I found a Russian site where you could leave notes and requests to all the saints: Nicholas the Wonderworker, Seraphim of Sarafsky, Matrona of Moscow. Unfortunately, I have lost this site. Maybe you know a similar official site, please write to me on my email. Thank you in advance! God bless you!

Ludmila

Dear Lyudmila, of those sites where you can submit notes, I can definitely name "Commemoration": http://pominovenie-iv.narod.ru/ and "Church of the Holy Great Martyr George the Victorious in Vladimir": http://stgeorgy.ru / , since they were created with my participation and I personally know priests who pray according to notes, and project administrators. Maybe the site administration will tell you other projects.

Archpriest Andrey Efanov

Good evening! I have such a problem: I meet a guy, everything is fine, but I constantly have a feeling of resentment towards him. The fact is that he told me six months ago that he did not know if he had feelings for me, that he needed to think. And then he even offered to leave. Then, after some time, he met a girl, began to communicate with her, walk, and even visit places that are known only to him and me (nature). But then he somehow stopped communicating with her and again came to put up with me, saying that he felt bad without me, that he needed me. I decided to forgive him, it was in September. But forgiveness didn't work. I constantly remember this, I am unpleasantly terribly, it seems that this can happen again. How can you get rid of this resentment? What kind of prayers?

Irina

Irina, sometimes, in order to understand that someone is dear to you, you must first lose touch with this person. Read the gospel parable of the prodigal son (the Gospel of Luke, ch. 15, art. 11-32), it is shown there - the son left the family and only in a foreign land did he realize how much he loves his father. Try to forgive and give to your young man second chance.

Deacon Elijah Kokin

Hello, father! When I was still in primary school, my vocal supervisor invited me to Sunday school. I went, I really liked it. My parents were happy about this. Under communism, they did not go to church, but now they try to adhere to all the rules. I am taught the same. But in the last six months, a terrible despondency has come over me. I don't want to go to church. Reading prayers does not give me the former pleasure. I was disappointed in many ways. I've lost my sense. I just live. Previously, only the thought of God inspired me. I was truly happy. I don't understand what is happening to me. Thanks for the advice.

Natalia, 17 years old

Dear Natasha, believe me, this is normal and natural - from time to time we experience crises. There are two ways out of these states - to break into a steep peak or come to a new, deeper awareness of your life. Such crises help us shed the outdated skin of illusions and take one more step closer to the Truth. I would advise you to communicate more with wise and experienced people who inspire confidence in you and talk about what worries you. It would also be great if you tried to take part in the volunteer movement, if you would help people as much as possible (sick children, the elderly, the disabled, etc.). When you see the grateful eyes of people to whom your work has brought relief, you begin to feel that everything that happens has a meaning. God bless you, Natasha. Do not despair! And write to us again.

Deacon Elijah Kokin

Hello. I am worried about a dream that I had in the morning. In my sleep, I spit out my teeth. The dream books say that this is a serious illness of relatives or the one who had a dream. I am a very religious person and I know that dreams are from the evil one. Tell me, please, how to cope with psychologically not thinking about the bad? What are the prayers that need to be read? I go to the Temple regularly on Sundays for services. Thanks in advance.

Julia

Julia, for starters, throw away your dream book. You can’t believe dreams, you say that you are a believer, but you believe this nonsense - you, apparently, are used to considering dreams and interpreting them. There are no special prayers, read "Our Father". Confess. Are you afraid of something? Accept everything in life as from the hand of God, as it is written in the prayer of the Optina Elders - by the way, it is good to read it too, it calms inner unrest.

Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)

Can a father baptize a child without godparents? And what words to say during confession? I know that fasting, praying is necessary. I'm sorry, but I feel embarrassed, as if I said the wrong thing.

Alyona

The godfather is the recipient (from the holy font) of the baby. He is responsible before God for the spiritual growth of the baby, prays for him. You can baptize with one godfather, for boys it must be Godfather, and for girls - the godmother. We confess not according to a formula, but according to the inclination of the heart. Confession is repentance for one's sins in order to be cleansed of them and be reconciled with God. Name your sins in confession - what your soul hurts about, what you have done wrong in life, what may be tormenting you.

Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)

Hello! Tell me how to pray for God to answer me?

Sergey

They don't say that in the church: "God answered me." The correct word is "heard". If you want God to hear you, you must also hear God, understand what He wants from us. We must obey the commandments of God. "Whoever does the will of God and fulfills His commandments, God hears him" and fulfills our petitions, and if we do not fulfill, then God may not hear us when we ask him for something. We must be firm in prayer, have patience, because our petition may not be fulfilled for a long time, or it may be immediately fulfilled - depending on what we ask, how we ask, and whether it is the will of God.

Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)

Hello! I started to go to church recently - a year ago. I try to read, watch programs on the "Union", I read the Bible, evening prayers (morning prayers are not working yet, because there are three small children). We rarely go to church, I read the Children's Bible, I taught the children to pray "Our Father". But I feel that somehow everything is dry, without feelings. Children, like a verse, will rattle prayers. And I myself read, because "it is necessary." I am at Communion. Married with her husband. They went to the relics, kissed - but for what, I don’t understand, I ask the Lord to give both faith and love. Maybe I'm doing it wrong? Or no feelings to wait? Tell me please.

Catherine

Ekaterina, the fact that you go to church, take communion is already good. Not all at once, gradually. When you pray or go to church, pay close attention to the words of the prayer and take your time. And so - everything is fine, you are doing the right thing, everything will come with time.

Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)

Hello, thank you for your answer to my question. Today I want to ask you this: the Holy Fathers say that everything in life happens according to God's permission, including sorrow (either for our past sins, or for our spiritual growth). I am church-bound, I regularly participate in the Sacraments, but I am completely lost when some kind of sorrow happens in my life. I fall into despondency and cannot understand in any way what in a particular case God wants to tell me through this grief. For example, close native person betrayed, turned away - why, for what - without explanation. Naturally, I have resentment, bewilderment, in a word - SORRY. I begin to reproach him, to blame, to feel sorry for myself, to cry about the life ruined with him. At such moments I am blinded by my passions. I am at a loss: the Lord wants peace and love for his children, how can He allow us to offend and be offended? I asked the Lord to teach me humility, patience. Prayed for this virtue and St. Seraphim of Sarovsky, knowing that I don’t have her. Does this mean that my neighbor's hardened heart, his betrayal, alienation IS ALLOWED BY GOD FOR MY BENEFITS? How should I treat my neighbor, whose pride is like a wall between us, how should I treat my neighbor who avoids me - do not pay attention? How to preserve peace of mind in such a situation, especially during the days of fasting before Communion? Help me understand how to see what God's will is for me in a particular situation? I will also add: I constantly pray to the Lord, the Mother of God for peace in the family, I read the Psalter, the Gospel for loved ones, I ordered a prayer service for the multiplication of love, Sorokousty, but nothing changes, but rather the opposite. How can I understand this? What else can I do so that the Lord hears me??? Save me, God!

Valentine

You misunderstand; something is done by the will of God, something by permission. Read Orthodox literature more and more carefully. God does not want bodily happiness for us in our life, although we do not reject it and we all desire it. We so often seek happiness and do not find it, because true happiness is not here, but in the kingdom of God. There is no real happiness here: "In the world you will have sorrow, but take heart, I have conquered the world." Psalmist David says: "The life of a man is 70, if he is able to 80 years, and multiplying their pain and disease." God wants to save us, but how can we be saved when we are all sinners and subject to death? Not wanting our death, He does not allow, but sends us sorrows and illnesses: "Whom I love, I will punish." Saints say: to be happy, you have to work hard, pray a lot and do good deeds. When the Holy Spirit instills in a person, he has peace in his soul, bliss. You ask God for humility and patience, so He sends you every reproach. Believe that God doesn't want bad things for a person. Acquire peace in your soul, look deeper into yourself more. When we pray, ask God for something, He may not fulfill our petition, or he may hesitate, testing us in firmness. Do not rush God, pray with a humble heart, what you pray is already an achievement. Don't leave your prayer. God will see your zeal, firmness, humility and, I think, will not leave your prayer without attention.

Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)

Asked by: Lydia

Answers:

Good day! Tell me, please, is it possible to read the Bible while sitting, as well as akathists and some prayers? I have Old Testament and New Testament and another in one book, so it is very thick and heavy. If you put it on the table and stand, then I can’t see from the table, although I wear glasses. Maybe this is to some extent not a very serious question, but for me it is important.Thank you!

Dear Lydia!

For everyone Orthodox Christian daily reading of the Bible will be very helpful. You can read more than one chapter, but the most important thing is to read the Holy Scriptures as often and attentively as possible. Before reading, pray, asking the Lord to bless you for reading His Word and instruct you in the correct understanding of the Word and help you apply the Word in life. It is good to read with interpretations in order to correctly understand what is read. Read standing or sitting - as you prefer, but in no case lying down. The most important thing is that the Word is sown into your soul.

By all means, reading should be reverent and concentrated: you cannot combine reading Holy Scripture with music, TV, food, conversation. The book must be kept clean and tidy. Before reading and after it, at least briefly, but pray (you can also silently).

1. Since it is a dear gift of God, one should read or listen to it with reverence, willingness and zeal.

3. Hide it in the heart as a treasure, keep and learn from it day and night (Ps. 1, 2) and so nourish the soul with it, as the body with bread.

For like a lamp without oil, so faith without the word of God is extinguished.

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).

5. Do not look at others what they do, but hold fast to the one word of God; for day by day faith and love are diminished in people, and temptations are multiplied that shake our hearts.

6. And it is fitting to start reading and finish reading with prayer. A beginner to read or listen can pray like this: "Open my eyes and I will understand miracles from Your law" (Ps. 118, 18) or "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God! Open my mind to understand Your holy word, as if You opened Your apostles."

7. Having finished reading or listening, we should give thanks to the merciful God that it has pleased us to kindle this lamp of truth.

Home reading of the Gospel can be preceded by the following prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, with the words of Your Divine Gospel, pour out Your grace into my heart for the destruction of my passions and sins and grant me strength for correction in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.