Saturday, May 08, 2021

Morning Prayer Of The Optina Elders

O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy Will.

At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy holy Will.

Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from Thee.

Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and wisely with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.

O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love.

Amen.




Optina Monastary

8 comments:

  1. Whoever these guys are... they sure seem to have their poop in a group.

    It’s so easy to say stuff like that but putting it into practice can be a real kicker sometimes.

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    1. Glen, it is quite a history if you read up - up to and including having the monastery confiscated by the Soviet Union and then returned in the 1990's Some martyrs as well.

      But yes, it is easy to say things like this without meaning them. Implementing them is a lifelong challenge.

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  2. Anonymous6:32 AM

    Thank you very much. Keith

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    1. You are welcome Keith. Very happy to share it.

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  3. What a lovely prayer! I might have to post it, too... credited to the Optina Monastery, of course.

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    1. It is a lovely prayer Kelly. I very much like the fact that is says such things as how we deal with our family. That is very practical, and something that we sometimes forget.

      I find there is something about such written and organized prayers that is missing from the "prayer what you feel" sort of prayer.

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    2. I'm all for talking to God as a type of prayer (I do a lot of that when I'm out in nature), but I'm also drawn to liturgical worship. I'm sure for some it seems rote, but I find it to be meaningful and comforting. So yes, I like a balance between stream of consciousness and specific prayers that are written out.

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    3. I prefer liturgical worship as well, Kelly. This has been one of the bigger adjustments to make - not just from the actual process side but from the side that somehow thinks that being spontaneous is somehow more holy than following a pattern. Kind of like arguing that just putting foods together instead of following a recipe will turn out well.

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Comments are welcome (and necessary, for good conversation). If you could take the time to be kind and not practice profanity, it would be appreciated. Thanks for posting!