Orthodox Prayers for the Fast

Deepening Spiritual Connection

Praying during fasting helps us focus on God’s word and seek His guidance. It allows us to reflect on our spiritual journey, seek forgiveness, and draw nearer to Christ Jesus. The benefits of fasting are not just physical but deeply spiritual, providing renewal and a deeper understanding of our faith.

During this significant time, prayer time becomes a spiritual practice that strengthens our resolve and helps us resist our evil ways. By turning to prayer, we rely on God’s help and focus on the best ways to overcome our weaknesses. Prayers filled with bible verses and reflections on God's mercy remind us of our humanity and our need for God's help.

Battling Passions and Finding Strength

Prayers during fasting seasons hold special significance in the Orthodox Christian faith. They bring us closer to God and serve as a powerful tool to battle our passions and repent for our weaknesses. 

Here is an example of how praying during the fasting season has helped me make a permanent change in my life which I tried to make but never succeeded in making. Before fasting, my wife and I were accustomed to having a cocktail after work and a glass of wine during dinner. We knew this was not a healthy habit but we could not break it. This routine signaled our brains to switch to 'rest' mode and to relax, similar to a daily Xanax at the end of a long day. When we began fasting, it felt like a cold shower, and resisting these passions was incredibly challenging. We managed to skip our Wednesday and Friday 'happy hour' times, but our first 40-day fast during Great Lent put our willpower to the test. 

That being said, a combination of prayer and willpower became our salvation. Engaging in prayer during my morning, lunch break, and evening gave us the strength we never thought we had. And to our surprise, prayer became the new switch our brain awaited at the end of the day.

Spiritual Renewal and Growth

By the end of the fasting period, I realized that prayers had helped me overcome what I thought would be my biggest struggle. I fought my passions and I was now able to make a permanent change in my life. Praying during fasting strengthened my resolve, brought me closer to God, and allowed me and my wife to grow in our faith and improve our existence.

Engaging in prayer during fasting seasons provides spiritual renewal. It helps us internalize God’s mercy, and offers a deeper connection with the divine. It’s a significant time for reflection and growth, enabling us to seek God’s help and maintain a strong connection with the divine. This period of fasting and prayer helps transform us, bringing us closer to the transcendent glory of God’s presence and guiding us in our spiritual journey.

My Morning Prayer Routine

After waking up, and before taking any other action, stand reverently in front of the cross and imagine yourself to be in the presence of God. And, after making the sign of the Cross, say:​

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Then pause a moment, until all thy senses are calmed and thy thoughts forsake all things earthly, and then make three prostrations after saying:

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

And then say:

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of blessing and Giver of life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (say it 3 times)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (say it 3 times)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

And these troparia:

Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and with the angels' song we cry to thee, All-powerful: 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.

O Lord, who hast raised me from bed and from sleep, enlighten my mind and heart, and open my lips that I may sing of thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Judge shall come suddenly, and the deeds of each shall be exposed; but at midnight we cry out with fear: Holy, Holy, Holy art thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. (say it 12 times)

Rising from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity. For, in the abundance of thy goodlness and patience, thou hast not been angry with me, idler and sinner though I be, nor hast thou destroyed me together with my iniquities, but thou hast shown thy usual love for mankind, and hast raised me up as I lay helpless, that I might rise early and glorify thy dominion. Enlighten now the eyes of my mind, and open my lips that I may study thy words, and come to understand thy commandments, and accomplish thy will, and hymn in heartfelt confession, and 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 God our King.

Come let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.

Come let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

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 my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquities, and my sin is continually 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 unknown and hidden things of thy wisdom hast thou made known unto me. 

Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than show. Thou shalt cause me to hear joy and gladness, the bones that have been humbled shall rejoice. Turn thy face away from my sins, and blot out all my 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 establish me with a ruling spirit. I will teach transgressors thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn to Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation, and 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 would have given it; thou will not be pleased with whole-burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. 

Do good, O Lord, in thy good pleasure into Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. 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 Nicene 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 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 God 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, the 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 he resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer I, of St. Macarius the Great:

O God, cleanse me a sinner, for I have never done anything good in thy sight; but deliver me from the evil one, and let Thy will be done 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 the ages of ages.   Amen.

Prayers at the Table

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (say it 3 times)

Lord Jesus Christ our God, trough the prayers of our holy fathers, bless the food and drink of thy servants, for thou art Holy always; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

After Meals

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (say it 3 times)

We thank thee, O God, the Giver of all good things, for these gifts and all thy mercies, and we bless thy Holy Name, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

My Evening Prayer Routine

Say: 

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, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of blessing and Giver of life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (say it 3 times)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (say it 3 times)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

And these penitential troparia:

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for laying aside all excuse, we sinners offer to Thee, as to our Master,this supplication: Have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Lord, have mercy on us, for in Thee have we put our trust. Do not be angry with us, nor remember our iniquities,but look down on us even now, since Thou art compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies. For Thou art our God, and we are Thy people; we are all the work of Thy hands, and we call on Thy name.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O blessed Theotokos, open the doors of compassion to us whose hope is in thee, that we may not perish but be delivered from adversity through thee, who are the salvation of the Christian people.

Lord, have mercy.  (say it 12 times)

First prayer, to God the Father:

O Eternal God and King of all Creation, Who hast granted me to reach this hour: forgive the sins I have committed this day in deed, word and thought. Cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul from every defilement of flesh and spirit.Grant, Lord, that I may pass through this night in peace. When I rise from my humble bed may I please Thy most Holy Name all the days of my life and trample under foot the physical and bodiless enemies both that wage war against me. Deliver me, Lord, from vain thoughts that defile me and from evil lusts. 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.

Second prayer, to our Lord Jesus Christ:

Almighty Word of the Father, Jesus Christ, Who art perfect: never abandon me, Thy servant, for Thy great mercy's sake, but ever abide in me. O Jesus, Good Shepherd of Thy sheep, do not deliver me to the serpent's rebellion! Do not abandon me to Satan's will, for the seed of corruption is within me! Instead, O Lord God the Adored, Holy King Jesus Christ, keep me while I sleep by Thy unwavering Light, Thy Holy Spirit by Whom Thou didst sanctify Thy disciples. O Lord, grant to me, Thine unworthy servant, salvation on my bed. Enlighten my mind with the light of understanding Thy Holy Gospel; my soul with the love of Thy Cross; my heart with the purity of Thy Word; my body with Thy passionless Passion. Keep my thoughts with Thy humility and raise me at the right time to glorify Thee. For Thou art most glorified, with Thy Father who is without beginning, and Thy most Holy Spirit, forever. Amen.

Third prayer, to the most Holy Spirit:

O Lord, the Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth: have compassion and mercy on me, Thy sinful servant! Absolve me, who am unworthy. Forgive all the sins I have committed this day both in my humanity and my inhumanity, behaving worse than beasts in sins voluntary and involuntary, known and unknown, from my youth, from evil suggestions, haste and despondency. If I have sworn by Thy name or blasphemed it in thought; if I have reproached anyone or become angered by something; or slandered or saddened anyone in my anger; or have lied, or slept unnecessarily; or a beggar has come to me and I have despised him; or have saddened my brother or quarreled with him; or have judged someone; or have allowed myself to become haughty, proud or angry; or, when standing in prayer, my mind has been shaken by the wickedness of this world; or have entertained depraved thoughts; or have overeaten, over-drunk or laughed mindlessly; or have had evil thoughts or seen the beauty of someone and been wounded by it in my heart; or have spoken inappropriately; or have laughed at my brother's sins when my own transgressions are countless; or have been indifferent to prayer; or have done any other evil that I can not remember – for I have done all this and more: have mercy, O Master, my Creator, on me, Thy despondent and unworthy servant! Absolve, remit and forgive me, in Thy goodness and love for mankind that I, who am prodigal, sinful and wretched, may lie down in peace and find sleep and rest. May I worship, hymn and praise Thy most honorable name, with the Father and His only-begotten Son, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

How to pray with the prayer rope

To pray the Jesus Prayer, I use a 33-knot prayer rope, which represents each year of Jesus Christ's life. Here's how to use the prayer rope:

1. Hold the Prayer Rope: Hold the prayer rope in your left hand, letting the knots pass through your fingers one by one.
2. Recite the Prayer: At each knot, recite the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
3. Focus on the Words: Concentrate on the meaning of the words and the presence of Jesus. Let the prayer resonate in your heart and mind.
4. Move to the Next Knot: After completing the prayer at one knot, move your fingers to the next knot and repeat the process.
5. End Each Section: After completing each section of the rope (typically groups of 10 knots), say "In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."
6. Maintain a Rhythm: Develop a steady rhythm to keep your mind focused and avoid distractions.

Benefits of the Jesus Prayer

The Jesus Prayer holds numerous benefits, especially for those new to prayer:

1. Simplicity and Depth: The prayer is easy to remember and recite, making it accessible for beginners. Despite its simplicity, it carries profound spiritual depth, invoking the name of Jesus and His mercy.
2. Focus and Concentration: Using the prayer rope helps maintain focus and concentration, preventing the mind from wandering. This tactile method keeps you engaged and present in the moment.
3. Spiritual Peace: Repeating the Jesus Prayer brings a sense of spiritual peace and calm. It centers your thoughts on God and His grace, providing comfort and solace.
4. Continuous Connection: The Jesus Prayer can be prayed anytime and anywhere, allowing for a continuous connection with God throughout the day. It integrates prayer into your daily routine seamlessly.
5. Combatting Distractions: For those new to prayer, maintaining focus can be challenging. The repetition of the Jesus Prayer helps combat distractions and cultivates a habit of consistent prayer.

Wednesday And Fridays Fasts

In the rhythm of Orthodox Christian life, Wednesdays and Fridays hold a special place as days dedicated to fasting, reflection, and prayer. These days are not just about abstaining from certain foods but are deeply rooted in remembering the pivotal moments of our faith: the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. They offer us a structured opportunity to turn our hearts towards God, seeking His guidance and forgiveness as we strive to live lives that reflect His love and teachings.

Feast Of The Beheading Of John The Baptist

The Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist is a solemn commemoration within the Orthodox Christian tradition, marking the martyrdom of a pivotal figure in our faith. John the Baptist, known as the forerunner of Christ, showed unwavering courage and commitment to the truth, even in the face of great adversity. This day invites us to reflect on his sacrifice and the strength of faith he exhibited. These prayers, drawn from the depths of our tradition, can help us to embody the same steadfastness in our spiritual journeys.

Feast Of The Exaltation Of The Honorable Cross

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Honorable Cross is a pivotal celebration within the Orthodox Christian faith, marking the momentous discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena. This feast not only commemorates a historical event but also invites us to reflect on the profound victory of Christ over death and the power of the Cross as the emblem of our salvation and the ultimate expression of Jesus' sacrificial love.

The Great Fast (Great Lent)

The Great Fast, or Great Lent, is a cornerstone of the Orthodox Christian liturgical year, culminating in the profound celebration of Easter. This period is characterized by introspection, spiritual discipline, and preparation, serving as a sacred time for believers to engage in deep repentance and to renew their commitment to living a life in Christ. These prayers, drawn from the rich tapestry of Orthodox tradition, can offer solace, guidance, and inspiration as we navigate this holy period.

The Theotokos Fast

The Theotokos Fast is a sacred period in the Orthodox Christian calendar, leading up to the Dormition of the Mother of God. This fast is dedicated to honoring the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos, seeking her intercession, and drawing inspiration from her life of obedience and devotion to God's will.

During this fast, we turn to prayer as a means to venerate the Theotokos and to ask for her guidance and intercession. These prayers, rooted in the tradition of the Church, help us to reflect on the virtues of Mary and to seek her help in drawing closer to Christ.

The Nativity Fast (Advent)

The Nativity Fast, also known as Advent, is a sacred period of anticipation and preparation that leads up to the joyous celebration of the Nativity of Christ. This time invites us to reflect on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where the divine becomes manifest in the human, offering hope and salvation to the world.