Prayers
Every prayer, A to Z
All 400 prayers, each with a short description of what it is for. All 430 prayers, including 30 to the saints, each with a short description of what it is for.
Picture: Mikhail Nesterov, The Vision to the Youth Bartholomew, 1889–90
1 more prayer, spoken to a saint, also matches.
No prayer here matches that. Try another word, or .
A
-
For contentment Prayer of Agur For contentment: neither riches nor poverty, only what is enough. About twenty seconds -
For Lent and fasting Akathist hymn Lent’s hymn of 24 stanzas to the Mother of God, sung standing. To the Mother of God About 20 minutes -
For addiction Prayer for alcoholism and addiction Asks God to free someone from drink or drugs and to hear their family. About a minute -
For the poor and hungry Prayer for all in need Asks God to free captives, feed the hungry and heal the sick. About 30 seconds -
At meals Ancient grace after meals A grace from the 300s that St John Chrysostom urged every home to say. About a minute - At Pascha The angel cried Sung in place of “It is truly right” from Pascha to the Ascension. To the Mother of God Half a minute St John of Damascus
-
For a new home Prayer for an angel to guard the home Asks God to send His angel to guard a home and bless every age in it. About a minute -
Anniversary of a death Prayer for the anniversary of a death An ancient prayer for someone on the anniversary of their death. A few seconds -
Before work Prayer after any task Thanks Christ when work is done, and asks Him for joy and gladness. To Christ About 10 seconds - Before work Prayer before any task Asks Christ’s help before any work, for without Him we can do nothing. To Christ About 20 seconds
-
In Holy Week Arise, O God, judge the earth Psalm 82, sung on Holy Saturday as dark robes give way to bright ones. About two minutes Asaph -
For baptism and godparents As many as have been baptized The baptism hymn from St Paul: the baptized have put on Christ. To Christ A few seconds St Paul
B
-
For the 40-day blessing Prayer for the baby on the 40th day The priest asks Christ to bless and guard a baby on the 40th day. To Christ About a minute -
For laziness Behold the Bridegroom Calls your soul to wake up and be ready when Christ comes. Under a minute -
For stress Beholding the sea of life A one-sentence hymn to Christ when troubles rise like a stormy sea. To Christ A few seconds -
For a birthday Prayer for a birthday An ancient birthday prayer for many years and God’s grace. About half a minute -
For enemies Bless my enemies, O Lord St Nikolai Velimirovich blesses the enemies who drove him to God. About four minutes St Nikolai Velimirovich - In thanksgiving Bless the LORD, O my soul (Psalm 103) Tells your soul to bless the LORD and forget none of His benefits. About a minute David
- At meals Bless, O Lord, Your gifts The old Latin grace behind “Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts”. A few seconds
-
For nightmares Blessing for a bedroom Asks the God Who never sleeps to guard everyone asleep in a room. About 20 seconds -
For safe driving Blessing of a car The priest’s prayer when a car is blessed with holy water. About half a minute -
Before a flight Blessing of a plane The priest’s prayer when a plane is blessed, for all who fly in it. About half a minute -
For the persecuted Prayer for boldness The first Church asks God for courage to speak His word under threat. About a minute - In Holy Week By raising Lazarus from the dead Greets Christ with palms, Who raised Lazarus before His Passion. To Christ About 20 seconds
C
-
For a sick child Prayer of the Canaanite woman A mother’s cry to Jesus for her suffering daughter: “Lord, help me.” To Christ A few seconds -
Before study and exams Prayer for a child who struggles to learn Asks the Holy Spirit’s help for a child who finds learning hard. To Christ About 30 seconds -
When hoping for a child Prayer for a childless couple The Russian Church’s prayer for a husband and wife with no child. To Christ About a minute -
For your children Prayer for my children A parent’s prayer that Christ shelter their children and guide them. To Christ Under a minute - For your children Prayer for children starting school The priest’s blessing over children at the start of the school year. About a minute
-
At Christmas Christ is born, glorify Him The Christmas canon’s first song, and the Orthodox Christmas greeting. About 20 seconds St Cosmas the Hymnographer -
At Pascha Christ is risen The Easter hymn: Christ is risen, trampling down death by death. A few seconds -
For fear of death A Christian ending to our life Asks for a peaceful, Christian end to life and a good defence. A few seconds - At Christmas Christmas canon katavasia The eight model verses of the Christmas canon, sung from 21 November. To Christ About three minutes St Cosmas the Hymnographer
- For the 40-day blessing Churching prayer The priest’s first prayer over a mother and baby on the 40th day. About a minute
-
For peace The collect for peace Asks the God of peace to keep us from fear of any enemy. About 15 seconds -
For loneliness Come, True Light St Symeon asks God to come to him, alone as he is, and to stay. To the Holy Spirit About two minutes St Symeon the New Theologian - For sadness and depression Comfort of the sad Asks that all who cry out in trouble find God’s mercy with them. About 20 seconds
-
For the departed Commemoration of the departed Asks God to forgive your departed loved ones and give them rest. About a minute -
For protection Compline prayer of St Basil Asks God to keep us through the night from danger and fear. About a minute -
Before confession Confession of sins (Alcuin) Looks back on your life since baptism and confesses it to God. About two minutes
D
- Before confession Daily confession of sins Names sins one by one, from idle talk to grudges, asking forgiveness. To the Holy Trinity About two minutes
-
For money and work Prayer for daily needs Two old prayers to seek God’s kingdom and trust Him for the rest. About half a minute -
For our country Daniel’s prayer for his people Confesses a nation’s sins and asks God to hear and forgive. About a minute The prophet Daniel - At Pascha The Day of Resurrection The first song of the Easter canon: from death to life. To Christ About a minute St John of Damascus
-
For widows and widowers A defender of widows God is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. About 20 seconds David -
When a child dies Prayer for a departed child The prayer at a child’s funeral: “Let the children come to Me.” To Christ About half a minute - For the departed Prayer for the departed, Liturgy of St James Asks rest for all the faithful departed, from Abel to this day. About a minute
-
For the Church and priests Didache prayer for the Church From about AD 100: gather Your Church from the ends of the earth. About a minute -
For wisdom and guidance Prayer for discernment Asks to see what pleases God and what is good for you, and do it. Under a minute -
For old age Do not cast me off (Psalm 71) The Bible’s own prayer for growing old and grey. About two minutes David - For safe driving Driver’s prayer Asks God to keep a driver and passengers safe from harm. About half a minute
-
When someone dies Prayer for the dying Asks God to free a dying person and receive their soul in peace. About a minute
E
-
For a marriage in trouble Prayer to end quarrels An old Roman prayer to drive away the causes of our quarrels. A few seconds - For enemies Prayer for enemies Asks God to save and have mercy on those who hate and wrong you. A few seconds
-
For an engagement and a wedding Prayer for an engaged couple Asks God, Who blessed Isaac and Rebecca, to bless an engaged couple. Under a minute -
For loneliness Prayer of Esther Queen Esther, before she risked her life: “Help me, who am alone.” About a minute Queen Esther - For peace of mind Evening collect for peace Asks God for the peace the world cannot give, and for calm days. About 20 seconds
-
Before sleep Evening prayer of St Macarius Asks forgiveness for the day and a peaceful night. About a minute
F
-
For soldiers Prayer for fallen soldiers From the Church’s memorial service for soldiers killed in battle. To Christ About a minute - After a suicide Prayer for the family after a suicide Asks Christ to heal a family’s grief after a suicide. To Christ About a minute
-
For family and friends Prayer for family and friends Asks God to save and bless your family, relatives and friends. A few seconds -
To forgive someone Father, forgive them Jesus’s prayer from the cross for those who crucified Him. A few seconds Jesus Christ -
For pregnancy and birth Fearfully and wonderfully made David thanks God for knitting him together in his mother’s womb. About 20 seconds David - Through the day Filled with the gifts of Your plenty Thanks after a meal, asking that the food not weigh down the mind. A few seconds
-
For finding a spouse Prayer to find a husband A young woman’s prayer for a husband who is honest and devout. About a minute -
For Lent and fasting Prayer to finish the race of the fast Asks strength to finish the fast and reach Pascha uncondemned. About a minute -
For rain and harvest Prayer over the first fruits Thanks God for the first fruits of the harvest and offers them back. About 30 seconds - For Lent and fasting Forgive me, a sinner The words Orthodox Christians say to each other as Lent begins. To one another A few seconds
-
For shame and regret Forgive what our conscience fears Asks God to forgive what our conscience is afraid of. About 20 seconds - Before confession Prayer for forgotten sins (St Barsanuphius) Asks God to forgive the sins you can no longer remember. A few seconds
-
For good friends Prayer for friendship Asks God to bless your friendships and come to you through friends. A few seconds - For old age Fruit in old age (Psalm 92) The righteous still bear fruit when they are old. About 20 seconds
-
For joy Fullness of joy (Psalm 16) David’s song of trust that finds fullness of joy in God. About a minute David - For finding a spouse Prayer for a future spouse Asks God for a good marriage, recalling Rebekah, Tobias and Cana. About a minute and a half
G
-
For focus Gather my scattered mind Asks God to gather a scattered mind and clear a heart gone to waste. About 20 seconds - When hoping for a child Gelasian prayers for a child Three early Roman prayers for a woman who longs to conceive. About a minute
-
For a husband or wife Gelasian prayers for a married couple Asks God to keep a husband and wife in long-lasting peace. About a minute -
For trust and surrender Prayer in Gethsemane Accepts the Father’s will in Christ’s own words. A few seconds Jesus Christ - When hoping for a child Prayer for the gift of children A husband and wife ask God together for the gift of children. About a minute
- For focus Give me an undivided heart (Psalm 86) Asks God for an undivided heart, to walk in His truth. About 30 seconds David
- For the poor and hungry Prayer for giving alms Asks God to teach you to give gladly, and to receive the gift Himself. About 20 seconds St John of Kronstadt
-
Glory to God for all things St John Chrysostom’s thanks to God, his last words as he died. A few seconds St John Chrysostom - At Christmas Glory to God in the highest The angels’ song on the night Christ was born. A few seconds The angels at Bethlehem
-
Glory to the Father Praise of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, said all day. To the Holy Trinity A few seconds -
Glory to You, O Lord Sung as the Gospel is read: praise before it and praise after it. A few seconds - At Christmas God is with us Isaiah’s words with their refrain, sung at Great Compline. About two minutes
- In grief The God of all comfort Paul blesses the God Who comforts us in every trouble. About 15 seconds St Paul
- For baptism and godparents Prayer for a godchild A godparent’s prayer that a godchild’s faith grows like a seed. To Christ Under a minute
- For fear of death Prayer for a good death Asks forgiveness now, and a holy angel at the end of life. About 30 seconds
- For rain and harvest Prayer for a good harvest Said over the seed at sowing: bless the crown of the year, O Lord. About two minutes
- For rain and harvest Prayer for good weather Asks God for sun and fair weather when the rain will not stop. About two minutes
- For Lent and fasting Great Canon of St Andrew The whole of St Andrew’s Lenten hymn of repentance, all nine odes. To Christ About an hour and a half read aloud; longer sung
-
Great Doxology The morning hymn of praise that opens with the angels’ song. To the Holy Trinity About two minutes read; longer sung -
Before sleep Prayer to your guardian angel Asks your guardian angel for protection in the night. Under a minute
H
- After losing a job Prayer of Habakkuk Rejoices in God even when every crop and flock fails. Under a minute The prophet Habakkuk
-
Life’s big moments Prayer of Hannah A mother’s thanks to God for the son she prayed for, from 1 Samuel. About two minutes - When hoping for a child Hannah’s prayer for a child The vow Hannah made in tears when she longed for a child. About 20 seconds
-
For burnout Have mercy on me, for I am weak (Psalm 6) For days when you are worn out in body and soul and need mercy. Under half a minute David -
After sinning Have mercy on me, O God (Psalm 51) David’s prayer for a clean heart and the joy of salvation. About two minutes David - When hoping for a child Have mercy on our barrenness St Ephrem’s words for childless wives holding the infant Christ. To Christ A few seconds St Ephrem the Syrian
- At Pascha Having beheld the Resurrection The Sunday hymn of the resurrection, sung all through Pascha. To Christ About 30 seconds
-
In the morning Having risen from sleep Three short hymns that open the day by praising the Holy Trinity. To the Holy Trinity About a minute -
For a broken heart He heals the brokenhearted Praise to God, Who heals the brokenhearted and feeds the animals. About a minute Haggai and Zechariah -
For healing Heal me, O Lord Jeremiah’s one-line prayer to be healed and saved. A few seconds Jeremiah - For healing Prayer for healing A prayer “for every kind of illness”, known since the 700s. About a minute
- For pregnancy and birth Prayer for a healthy pregnancy Parents ask Christ to keep their unborn baby healthy until birth. To Christ About a minute
- For the poor and hungry Helper of the helpless For all in need: God knows each one, their home and their need. About a minute St Basil the Great
-
For someone with cancer Prayer of Hezekiah A dying king’s prayer, and the song he wrote once he was healed. About two minutes - For the Church and priests The High Priestly Prayer (John 17) Christ’s prayer that all who believe in Him may be one. About 30 seconds Jesus Christ
-
In despair His mercies are new every morning A man whose hope has died remembers God’s mercy and hopes again. About a minute Jeremiah - At Christmas Holy Supper prayers Prayers for the Christmas Eve meal of Rusyn and Ukrainian families. To Christ About four minutes Archbishop Job (Osacky)
- For a new home Prayer for a home Asks God to keep a household in peace, love and harmony. About a minute
-
Prayer of the Hours Asks Christ to receive our prayers and guide our lives. To Christ About a minute -
When God feels far How long, O Lord (Psalm 13) When God feels far: “How long will You hide Your face from me?” Under a minute David -
For humility and patience Prayer for humility An old Latin prayer for the humility Christ showed. A few seconds Alcuin of York - For a husband or wife Prayer for my husband or wife A husband’s or wife’s prayer that Christ guard the one they married. To Christ About a minute
- In Holy Week Hymn of Kassiani A sinful woman weeps at Christ’s feet and begs Him for mercy. To Christ About a minute
I
-
Before Communion I believe, O Lord Said just before Communion: faith in Christ, and a plea for mercy. To Christ About 30 seconds - After sinning I have sinned as a man A desert monk’s one-line plea for mercy after a grave sin. A few seconds Abba Apollo
- In Holy Week I see Your bridal chamber Asks Christ for a wedding garment fit for His feast. To Christ About 20 seconds
- Before Communion I stand before the doors of Your temple Before Communion, for a sinner whose bad thoughts will not leave. To Christ About a minute St John of Damascus
- For good friends I thank my God every time I remember you St Paul’s thanks and prayer for the friends he loved at Philippi. Under a minute St Paul
-
For mental health I will pour out my prayer A Paraklesis hymn to God for a soul full of troubles. A few seconds Theosterictus the Monk - In despair If faith saves the desperate Asks Christ to save you by grace when you feel past saving. To Christ About 2 minutes
-
For when you can’t sleep In peace I will lie down (Psalm 4) The psalm that ends “In peace I will lie down and sleep.” About a minute David - In times of doubt Increase our faith The apostles’ prayer to Jesus: “Increase our faith!” To Christ A few seconds The apostles, in Luke’s Gospel
- Before sleep Into Your hands, O Lord Gives your spirit into Christ’s hands, at night or at life’s end. To Christ A few seconds
J
-
For siblings Prayer of Jacob Jacob’s prayer before he faced the brother he had wronged. Under a minute - To bless your children Jacob’s blessing of Ephraim and Manasseh Old Jacob’s blessing on Joseph’s two sons, his grandsons. Under a minute
-
For worry about the future Prayer of Jehoshaphat A king’s prayer: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” Under a minute -
The Jesus Prayer A few words calling on Jesus, said slowly again and again. To Christ A few seconds each time -
For finding a job Prayer for a job Asks Christ for good work, and for the fruit that the work deserves. To Christ Under a minute
K
- For a broken friendship Prayer before the kiss of peace Asks God to unite us with one another in peace and love. About 30 seconds
- For the non-Orthodox departed Kneeling prayer of Pentecost for the departed The Church’s Pentecost prayer for those who have fallen asleep. To Christ About a minute St Basil the Great
- For shame and regret Kneeling prayer of St Serapion Asks God to lift us up and not let us be ashamed of ourselves. Under a minute
- For Lent and fasting Kontakion of Forgiveness Sunday Asks the Guide to wisdom for understanding and for words. To Christ About 20 seconds
- At Pascha Kontakion of Pascha The Easter hymn of Christ going down to the dead and rising as victor. To Christ About half a minute
-
For rain and harvest Kontakion of St Elijah Asks Elijah to pray for us, remembering how he held back the rain. To a saint A few seconds -
For a new baby Kontakion of St Stylianos The Church’s hymn to St Stylianos, protector of newborns and infants. To a saint About 20 seconds -
Before surgery Kontakion of Sts Cyrus and John The hymn to two martyr doctors who heal by “unseen surgery”. To a saint About 20 seconds - Communion, feasts and fasts Kontakion of the Ascension As He ascends, Christ promises to stay with those who love Him. To Christ About 20 seconds St Romanos the Melodist
- At Christmas Kontakion of the Nativity St Romanos’s Christmas hymn: today the Virgin gives birth. To Christ About 20 seconds St Romanos the Melodist
-
For the persecuted Kontakion of the Three Holy Youths A hymn to three young men who chose the furnace over an idol. To a saint About 20 seconds
L
- In Holy Week Lamentations of Holy Friday The verses sung around Christ’s tomb on the evening of Holy Friday. To Christ About 45 minutes read aloud
- For shame and regret Late have I loved You For regret over lost years: God was with me, but I was not with Him. Under a minute St Augustine of Hippo
- For stress Lead me to The Rock (Psalm 61) When your heart is overwhelmed: a cry from the end of the earth. About half a minute David
-
For our country Prayer for leaders Asks peace for every ruler, and that God make the wicked good. About half a minute St Basil the Great - In Holy Week Let all mortal flesh keep silence Bids all flesh fall silent as the King of kings comes to be slain. To Christ About half a minute
- For protection Let God arise The bedtime prayer that hails Christ’s Cross as His victory. To Christ About 40 seconds
- For Lent and fasting Let my prayer arise Psalm 141, sung kneeling at the Presanctified Liturgy in Lent. About a minute to say David
-
After Communion Let our mouths be filled Sung after Communion: praise, and a plea to stay holy all day. About 15 seconds - At Pascha Let us embrace one another The Easter hymn that calls even those who hate us “brothers”. To Christ About 20 seconds
- For Lent and fasting Let us keep an acceptable fast The Lenten hymn on true fasting, from the first week of Lent. A few seconds
- For peace of mind Like a weaned child (Psalm 131) Three verses for a soul that stops reaching too high and rests in God. About 20 seconds David
- After losing a job The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away Blesses God on the day everything is lost, in Job’s words. A few seconds Job
- For anxiety and fear The Lord is my light (Psalm 27) A psalm for courage when you are afraid: “Whom shall I fear?” About two minutes David
- For fear of death The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23) The shepherd’s psalm: “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” About a minute David
-
For the eyes The Lord opens the eyes of the blind Praise to God, Who opens the eyes of the blind and lifts the bowed. About half a minute Haggai and Zechariah - After betrayal The Lord stood by me (St Paul) Deserted at his trial, St Paul asks that it not be held against them. About 30 seconds
- For worry about the future Lord, as You will and as You know For when you cannot see ahead: leave the outcome to God. A few seconds St Macarius the Great
- For humility and patience Lord, give me patience Patience in a struggle that keeps coming back, from a desert monk. A few seconds St John the Dwarf
- Lord, have mercy The cry of the Gospels, said 3, 12 or 40 times. A breath each time
- In times of doubt Lord, I believe; help my unbelief A father’s cry to Jesus for his sick son: “Help my unbelief.” To Christ A few seconds The father of a sick boy in Mark’s Gospel
- In grief Lord, if You had been here Martha tells Jesus her brother would have lived, and still believes. To Christ About 20 seconds Martha of Bethany
- For the eyes Lord, let me see A blind man begs Jesus for his sight, and receives it. To Christ A few seconds A blind man at Jericho, in Luke’s Gospel
- For the dying Lord, remember me A dying man’s prayer, answered with Paradise that same day. To Christ A few seconds The thief crucified beside Jesus
- For anxiety and fear Lord, save me Peter’s three-word cry as he began to sink in the waves. To Christ A few seconds St Peter
-
For intrusive thoughts Lord, Son of God, help me A few words an old desert monk gave against unwanted thoughts. To Christ A few seconds - For healing Lord, the one You love is sick The message Martha and Mary sent Jesus when their brother fell ill. To Christ A few seconds Martha and Mary of Bethany
- In times of doubt Lord, to whom shall we go? Peter’s answer when many disciples walked away from Jesus. To Christ A few seconds St Peter
- In temptation Prayer after the Lord’s Prayer Asks the God Who knows our weakness to keep us from temptation. About 20 seconds
-
For bitterness Prayer before the Lord’s Prayer Asks God to drive every grudge and all anger out of us. About a minute -
The Lord’s Prayer The prayer Jesus taught, shared by Christians of every tradition. About 30 seconds Jesus Christ -
After a miscarriage Prayer for the loss of a baby Asks God for His peace after losing a baby before birth. Under a minute - For a marriage in trouble Prayer for love grown cold Asks God to water a heart where love has dried up. About a minute
-
To love others Prayer to love one another Asks Christ to renew our love for Him and for each other. To Christ Under a minute - To love others Prayer to love your neighbour Asks to love every neighbour as yourself and never to grow angry. Under a minute St John of Kronstadt
- In grief Prayer when a loved one has died Asks God to receive gently a loved one who has just died. About a minute
M
-
The Magnificat Mary’s song of praise when she visited her cousin Elizabeth. About a minute The Virgin Mary - At Christmas Make ready, O Bethlehem A hymn of the Royal Hours of Christmas Eve, credited to St Sophronius. To Christ About 30 seconds St Sophronius of Jerusalem
- After sinning Prayer of Manasseh A captive king’s prayer: God has appointed repentance for sinners. About three minutes
- For a birthday Many Years The Church’s sung wish of many years, for a birthday or a name day. A few seconds
- For a husband or wife Prayer for marriage The wedding service’s prayer that Christ keep a couple in peace. To Christ About a minute
- At Christmas Mary was enrolled with the elder Joseph The troparion of Christmas Eve, sung at each of the Royal Hours. To Christ About 30 seconds
- For joy May the God of hope fill you St Paul’s blessing for joy, peace and overflowing hope. A few seconds St Paul
- For good friends May the Lord make your love increase St Paul’s prayer to see his friends again, and for their love to grow. Under a minute St Paul
- At meals Prayer after meals Thanks to Christ for the meal, and a plea for His kingdom. To Christ About 30 seconds
- At meals Prayer before meals The Lord’s Prayer, then a blessing on the food and drink. To Christ About a minute
- Before surgery Prayer before medical treatment Before medicine or surgery, asks God to heal both body and soul. About 30 seconds
- At Pascha Melito of Sardis, On Pascha A sermon for Pascha from the 2nd century, lost and found in 1940. To Christ About 45 minutes
- For the departed Memory eternal The Church’s last words for the departed, and what they mean. A few seconds
- In the morning Morning prayer of St Basil Thanks God for sleep, and asks Him to wake the mind to praise. About a minute
-
Through the day Morning prayer of St Jerome A morning prayer for keeping watch over yourself all day long. About two minutes - In the morning Morning prayer of St Macarius A sinner asks to be cleansed, so as to praise God’s name. About 20 seconds
- In the morning Morning prayer to the Holy Trinity Thanks the Holy Trinity for waking you, and asks to do God’s will. About 30 seconds
- For burnout Moses’s prayer when the burden is too heavy For when you look after others and the load has grown too heavy. Under half a minute
- For the 40-day blessing Prayer for the mother on the 40th day The priest asks Christ to bring a new mother back to church. To Christ About 30 seconds
- For your children A mother’s sigh for her children A mother asks God to help her raise her children in His ways. About six minutes St Ambrose of Optina
- After betrayal My close friend (Psalm 55) For when the one who hurt you was a close friend, not an enemy. About a minute and a half David
- When God feels far My soul thirsts for You (Psalm 63) David’s psalm of a soul thirsting for God in a dry land. About a minute David
-
For Lent and fasting My soul, my soul, arise A Lenten wake-up call to your own soul, from the Great Canon. To Christ About 20 seconds St Romanos the Melodist - After betrayal My times are in Your hands (Psalm 31) For when the people around you turn away and you feel forgotten. About a minute and a half David
N
- For a broken heart Near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34) The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. About a minute David
-
For strength and courage Nehemiah’s prayer for strength A short prayer for when people try to scare you into giving up. A few seconds - For finding a job Nehemiah’s prayer for success Asks God for success today and for mercy from the person you face. A few seconds
- Life’s big moments Prayer for a new home Asks Christ, Who stayed with Zacchaeus, to guard a family’s new home. To Christ About 30 seconds
-
For new beginnings Prayer for the New Year Asks God for a faithful, healthy new year, from early Christian Spain. About half a minute - For a new baby Prayer for a newborn The Church’s prayer over a baby on the eighth day, when it is named. About a minute
- For baptism and godparents Prayer for the newly baptized Asks God to keep the newly baptized safe in the grace of baptism. Under a minute
-
The Nicene Creed The faith of the councils of AD 325 and 381, said at every Liturgy. About a minute The Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople - In Holy Week The noble Joseph Joseph of Arimathea takes Christ’s body down and lays it in the tomb. To Christ About 15 seconds
- In chronic illness and pain Not beyond my strength Two short prayers St Nil Sorsky gave for the heaviest days. A few seconds St Barsanuphius and St Symeon the New Theologian
O
- Through the day O gladsome Light An ancient hymn to Christ, the Light, sung as the sun goes down. To Christ About 30 seconds
- For the departed O God of spirits Asks rest for the departed, where sorrow and sighing have fled. To Christ About a minute
-
O God, come to my assistance The psalm verse St John Cassian taught for every temptation. A few seconds St John Cassian - In hard times O God, our refuge in hardship Turns to God as refuge, strength, help and comfort in hard times. About 15 seconds
- For strength and courage O God, the strength of all who trust in You Asks God’s grace to do what is right when you feel weak. About half a minute
- For addiction O God, Whose nature is to have mercy Asks God to set free all who are held by the chain of sins. A few seconds
- For worry about the future O God, Whose providence never fails An old Sunday prayer to take away what harms us and give what helps. A few seconds
- For burnout O God, You know that I have no strength Tells God you have no strength left, as St Macarius did on the road. A few seconds St Macarius the Great
- For anxiety and fear O God, You see my affliction Two lines from the elders of Gaza for when thoughts weigh on you. A few seconds St John the Prophet of Gaza
-
O Heavenly King Asks the Holy Spirit to come and dwell in us. To the Holy Spirit About 20 seconds - For Lent and fasting O Lord of hosts, be with us A short cry from Lent’s evening service: we have no other helper. A few seconds
- Communion, feasts and fasts O Lord, save Your people The short hymn of the Cross: save and guard Your people. To Christ About 15 seconds St Cosmas of Maiuma
- For self-control O wretched man that I am Paul’s cry over the good he cannot do, and his thanks to God. About a minute St Paul
- Before Communion Of Your mystical supper Not Judas’s kiss but the thief’s cry, said just before Communion. To Christ About 15 seconds
- When someone dies Prayer for one who has suffered long Asks God to release a dying person from long, unbearable pain. About two minutes
- Before confession Open to me the doors of repentance Asks God to open the doors of repentance and wash you clean. About 20 seconds
- In the morning Prayer of the Optina elders A Russian monks’ prayer of the early 1900s, to meet the day calmly. About a minute
- In despair Out of the depths (Psalm 130) From the lowest point, a cry to God that ends in hope. About a minute
P
-
For someone you love Prayer of a parent whose child has fallen into sin A parent asks Christ to lift a son or daughter out of their fall. To Christ About a minute - For your parents Prayer for my parents Asks Christ to keep your mother and father in love and health. To Christ Under a minute
- After a miscarriage Prayer for parents after a miscarriage Parents who lost a baby before birth ask God to receive the child. About a minute and a half
- For your parents Prayer for parents and relatives Asks God to keep your parents and whole family, living and departed. About a minute Alcuin of York
- At Pascha Paschal canon The chain of hymns at the heart of Easter night, ode by ode. To Christ About 10 minutes to read St John of Damascus
- At Pascha Paschal homily of St John Chrysostom The Easter sermon that calls everyone, first and last, to the feast. To Christ About five minutes
- At Pascha Paschal Hours The short Easter service said at home all through Bright Week. To Christ About five minutes
- At Pascha Paschal stichera The Easter hymns sung between the verses of “Let God arise”. To Christ About three minutes
-
In the morning Prayer to your patron saint One line asking the saint whose name you bear to pray for you. To a saint A few seconds - For when you can’t sleep Prayer for peaceful sleep Asks Christ to lull our worldly thoughts to sleep. To Christ About a minute Antiochus the Monk
- For finding a job Peter’s prayer at the nets Peter’s answer when Jesus told him to fish again after an empty night. To Christ A few seconds
- Through the day Petitions for a journey by air Asks for angels to guard you and a calm flight, as on a light cloud. To Christ About two minutes
- Before work Prevent us, O Lord Asks God to go before every task and to see it through with His help. About 15 seconds
- Communion, feasts and fasts Priest’s prayer at confession Read by the priest before you confess, recalling God’s mercy to David. About a minute
- To bless your children Priestly blessing The blessing God gave Aaron and his sons to speak over Israel. A few seconds
- For the Church and priests Prayer for priests Asks God to save the bishops, the priests and your own priest. Under a minute
- For the persecuted Prayer for prisoners For all in prison or in exile, to “the hope of the hopeless”. About 30 seconds
- For shame and regret Prayer of the prodigal son The words a son rehearsed on his way home, in Jesus’s parable. A few seconds Jesus Christ
- For family and friends Psalm 20 A blessing from the Psalms to pray over a friend in trouble. About 30 seconds David
- For a new home Psalm 30 Thanks God for joy after sorrow, sung at the dedication of a house. About a minute David
-
In epidemic and disaster Psalm 46 Holds on to God when the earth shakes and the waters roar. About a minute the sons of Korah - For protection Psalm 91 The psalm of God’s shelter, for anyone in danger. About two minutes David
- For burnout Psalm 102 The Bible’s prayer for someone worn out and overwhelmed. About three minutes
-
Against gossip and slander Psalm 120 Asks God to save you from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. Under a minute -
Before a journey Psalm 121 God’s promise to guard you as you set out and as you come home. Under a minute -
For a difficult boss Psalm 123 For when you have had more than enough of contempt. Under a minute - For money and work Psalm 127 Long hours and anxious toil are in vain unless God builds the house. Under a minute Solomon
- For siblings Psalm 133 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together as one. Under a minute David
-
For anger Psalm 141 The Church’s evening psalm, asking for a guard over your mouth. About a minute David - For wisdom and guidance Psalm 143 Asks God to show you the way to go and teach you to do His will. Under a minute David
R
- For rain and harvest Prayer for rain Asks God for rain in a drought, as He heard Elijah’s prayer. About a minute Kallistos, Patriarch of Constantinople
- For rain and harvest Prayer for rain and the harvest An old liturgy asks for rain, full rivers and a good harvest. About a minute
- For someone with cancer Raise up Your servant Asks God to raise up someone who is ill, as He did for Hezekiah. A few seconds
-
Before reading Scripture Prayer before reading Scripture Asks Christ to shine His light in our hearts as we hear the Gospel. To Christ About 30 seconds - For a broken friendship Prayer for reconciliation Thanks God for peace made, and asks Him to make it last. About 30 seconds
-
For pregnancy and birth Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos The Orthodox form of the Hail Mary: the angel’s greeting to Mary. To the Mother of God A few seconds - For a difficult boss Remember, O Lord, David The prayer book’s psalm for when those over you are angry. About two minutes
- To forgive someone Prayers to repay good for evil Asks God for the love to repay good for evil and to forgive. Under a minute
- For old age Rerum Deus tenax vigor An old hymn asking God for light at the evening of life. About 30 seconds
- For a sick child Prayer of the royal official A father begs Jesus to come and heal his dying son. To Christ A few seconds
S
- For pregnancy and birth Prayer for a safe delivery Parents ask Christ to free them from fear and help them in the birth. To Christ Under a minute
- Before a flight Prayer for a safe flight Asks Christ to calm the winds and bring the traveller home safe. To Christ About a minute
- Through the day Prayer for a safe journey Asks God to bring every traveller to a calm harbour and home again. Under a minute
- For joy Satisfy us in the morning (Psalm 90) For joy: a prayer of Moses, to be made glad after the hard years. About half a minute Moses
- To bless your children Short prayer for blessing children Said as a parent makes the sign of the cross over a child. To Christ A few seconds
- For a sick child Prayer for a sick child Asks Christ to heal sick children and to comfort their parents. To Christ About a minute
- Before surgery Prayer for the sick in danger Asks that our fear for the sick may turn to joy at their recovery. About 20 seconds
- For mental health Prayer for the sick in mind and body An old Roman prayer to God, Who drives away illness of mind and body. A few seconds
- For healing Prayer for a sick person Said at home for someone who is ill, with their name. About a minute
- For self-control The prayer of Sirach for self-control A guard on the tongue and a rein on the appetite, from the Bible. About a minute Jesus son of Sirach
-
When it is hard Sirach’s thanksgiving Thanks to God for rescue from a slandering tongue. About two minutes Jesus son of Sirach - Against gossip and slander Prayer against slander Not to fear what people say, nor be taken in by flattery. Under a minute
- For wisdom and guidance Solomon’s prayer for wisdom Asks God for a heart that listens, to tell good from evil. Under a minute
- Before study and exams Solomon’s prayer, Wisdom 9 Solomon asks God to send wisdom to work beside him. About two minutes
- Before surgery Prayer for someone having surgery Asks God to steady the surgeon’s hand and raise the patient up whole. About two minutes
- Before a journey Prayer for someone traveling Asks God to travel with someone you love, as He travelled with Joseph. Under a minute
- After Communion Song of Simeon Old Simeon’s words with the infant Jesus in his arms. About 20 seconds
- For a new baby Song of Zechariah A father’s song of thanks on the day his newborn son was named. About a minute
- Before reading Scripture Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening The boy Samuel’s answer when God called him in the night. A few seconds Samuel
- For when you can’t sleep St Ambrose’s evening hymn The hymn of sleep St Augustine remembered after his mother died. About a minute
- For intrusive thoughts Prayer of St Anthony the Great A few words St Anthony prayed when dark thoughts would not leave him. A few seconds
-
To find something lost Prayer of St Aretas For something lost or stolen: “All is Yours; I do not grieve over it.” A few seconds - For new beginnings Prayer of St Arsenius Three lines asking God for the grace to begin again. A few seconds
- For intrusive thoughts St Augustine for a mind that will not stop Asks God for freedom from the many words that run on inside you. About a minute
- Before reading Scripture St Augustine’s prayer before reading Scripture Asks to delight in Scripture and never be misled or mislead by it. About two minutes
- For peace of mind St Augustine’s prayer for a restless heart When your heart will not settle: God made us to rest in Him. Under a minute
- For wisdom and guidance St Augustine’s prayer for guidance A seeker’s prayer: teach me the way to You, and give me faith. About two minutes
- For your parents St Augustine’s prayer for his mother A son asks God to forgive his mother and give her rest. About two minutes
- For self-control St Augustine’s prayer for self-control Augustine asks God to give the self-control He commands. Under a minute
- For strength and courage St Augustine’s prayer for strength When your own strength runs out: God carries us, even to grey hair. Under a minute
- For someone far from God St Augustine’s prayer for those far from God For anyone who has run from God: He has not left them. Under a minute
- Before surgery St Barsanuphius on going to the doctors Entrusts you to the doctors in the Lord’s name, so God may heal. A few seconds
- After Communion St Basil’s prayer after Communion A short thanks for every gift, and a plea to be kept close. To Christ About a minute
- In despair St Basil’s prayer against despair From Pentecost: throw your despair into the sea of God’s mercy. To Christ About a minute
- Before Communion St Basil’s prayer before Communion Owns up to receiving unworthily, then leans on Christ’s mercy. To Christ About a minute
- For our country Prayer of St Clement of Rome From Rome, about AD 96: a prayer for the needy, the lost and the sick. About four minutes
- For laziness Prayer of St Columbanus Asks God to wake you from the sleep of idleness and set you alight. About a minute
- For sadness and depression Prayer of St Dimitri in despondency Asks the God of all comfort to turn sorrow into gladness. About a minute
- For trust and surrender Prayer of St Dimitri of Rostov Puts your whole life in God’s hands, in light or in darkness. To Christ About a minute
- For bitterness Prayer of St Dorotheos When an old hurt will not heal: pray for the one who caused it. A few seconds
- For anger St Dorotheos’s prayer against anger Calm the storm in two angry hearts, as Christ once calmed the sea. About a minute
- For Lent and fasting Prayer of St Ephrem The Lenten prayer to see our own sins and not judge others. About a minute each time
- For widows and widowers St Ephrem’s hymn on the death of a woman Asks God to comfort those who mourn a woman, and to raise her up. About a minute
- When a child dies St Ephrem’s hymn on the death of children Asks God to comfort a mother and father whose child has died. About a minute
- For nightmares St Ephrem’s prayer before sleep Asks Christ for a night of sleep free of bad dreams and evil. To Christ About two minutes
- For your children St Ephrem’s prayer for children A plea to Christ to see His own childhood in your children. To Christ A few seconds
- For enemies St Ephrem’s prayer for enemies Asks God to spare your enemies and grant that they do His will. About 20 seconds
- For peace St Ephrem’s prayer for peace A city waiting for war asks God to still its cries with His peace. About 20 seconds
- Against gossip and slander St Ephrem’s prayer for those who slander me Asks God’s mercy on the people who hate, envy and slander you. Under a minute
- For fear of death Prayer of St Eustratius A martyr’s prayer for the hour when the soul leaves the body. About two minutes
- In chronic illness and pain Prayer of St Gabriel of the Seven Lakes A sick person’s prayer to Christ by a Russian saint. To Christ About two minutes
- Before sleep Prayer of St Ioannikios One line of trust in the Father, the Son and the Spirit. To the Holy Trinity A few seconds
-
Through the day St Isaac the Syrian before prayer Asks God to still the turmoil of your thoughts before you pray. About a minute - Before reading Scripture St Isaac the Syrian’s prayer before reading Scripture Asks to perceive the power in the words of Scripture before you read. A few seconds
- Through the day St John Chrysostom’s 24 prayers Twenty-four one-line pleas, for humility, patience and a good end. About two minutes
- Before reading Scripture St John Chrysostom’s prayer before reading Scripture Asks Christ to open the heart to His word, and to do what it says. To Christ About a minute
- For focus St John of Gaza against distraction For the moment you notice your mind has been carried off. About 15 seconds
- In chronic illness and pain St John of Gaza’s prayer for healing Asks God for healing soon, if that is good for you, and trusts Him. A few seconds
- For strength and courage Prayer of St John of Kronstadt Calls on God by five names, Strength among them. About 20 seconds
- After sinning Prayer of St John of Kronstadt after a sin Asks the Lord to nail the sin you just committed to His Cross. To Christ A few seconds
-
For jealousy and envy Prayer of St John of Kronstadt for the envious Asks God to open an envious person’s eyes to their own gifts. About a minute - After losing a job Prayer of St John of Kronstadt in failure Praises God in a setback and asks that trials grow your love. Under half a minute
- For self-control St John of Kronstadt’s prayer against gluttony A prayer against overeating that calls Christ our sweetest Food. To Christ Under a minute
- After a suicide Prayer of St Leo of Optina Asks mercy for one who died by suicide or outside the Church. A few seconds
- For fear of death Prayer of St Macrina Her dying prayer: “You have freed us from the fear of death.” To Christ About three minutes
-
For animals and pets Prayer of St Modestos Asks Christ to heal sick animals, in the voice of St Modestos. To Christ About four minutes - For protection St Patrick’s Breastplate An Old Irish prayer that asks for Christ on every side. To the Holy Trinity About three minutes
- For trust and surrender Prayer of St Philaret For when you do not know what to ask: it leaves all to God. About a minute
- For the persecuted Prayer of St Polycarp A martyr’s thanks to God, prayed at the stake about AD 155. About a minute
- For the Church and priests St Serapion’s prayer for bishops and priests Asks wisdom for the bishop and pure hearts for the deacons. About a minute
- For peace St Silouan’s prayer for peace A monk of Mount Athos asks that wars and enemies come to an end. Under a minute
- For the persecuted Prayer of St Stephen The first martyr’s dying prayer, even for the men who stoned him. To Christ A few seconds
- For the Church and priests St Symeon’s prayer to find a spiritual father St Symeon asks Christ to send him “someone who knows You.” To Christ About 30 seconds
- For shame and regret Prayer of St Thais The one line St Thais prayed for three years as she repented. A few seconds
- For intrusive thoughts St Theophan against unwanted thoughts Tells God plainly that you do not want these thoughts. About 10 seconds
- To forgive someone Prayer of St Tikhon for those who wrong us Three words to say for someone who has just hurt you. A few seconds
- For anger St Tikhon’s prayer against anger When anger rages in you, the Canaanite mother’s cry made your own. To Christ About a minute
- In times of doubt St Tikhon’s prayer in doubt Asks Christ for light in the heart when doubts about the faith come. To Christ Under a minute
- For stress St Tikhon’s prayer in the storm Lord, save me: a prayer for when troubles are about to pull you under. To Christ About 20 seconds
- For anger Prayer to St Titus of the Kiev Caves A priest who begged his enemy’s forgiveness, asked to pray for us. To a saint Under a minute
- For laziness Stir up, we beseech Thee Asks God to stir up the wills of His people. A few seconds
-
For a marriage in trouble Prayer to Sts Gurias, Samonas and Habibus Asks three martyrs of Edessa to keep marriages firm in love. To a saint About two minutes - Before study and exams Prayer after study Thanks God for the lesson and asks Him to bless parents and teachers. About 15 seconds
- Before study and exams Prayer before study Asks God for the Spirit’s grace to understand what we are taught. About 20 seconds
- Before surgery Prayer for the surgeon Asks Christ to strengthen the surgeon’s hand for the operation. To Christ About 15 seconds
- Against gossip and slander Prayer of Susanna For when you are accused of something you did not do. Under a minute
- When God feels far Swift and steady comfort Asks Jesus to come near and stay, as He stayed with His apostles. To Christ About 30 seconds St Romanos the Melodist
T
- After sinning Prayer of the tax collector The plea Jesus praised: “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” A few seconds Jesus Christ
- For addiction Ten thousand times I promised You For anyone who has promised to change many times and fallen again. To Christ About half a minute St Theoleptos of Philadelphia
- In thanksgiving Prayer of thanksgiving Thanks to Christ when He has answered a prayer. To Christ About two minutes
- After Communion Thanksgiving after Communion Thanks to Christ for Communion, and a plea to live for Him. To Christ About two minutes
- Health and healing Thanksgiving after surgery Thanks Christ for healing given through a successful operation. To Christ About a minute
- For jealousy and envy Thanksgiving of the Liturgy of St Mark Thanks God for every day so far and asks Him to drive away all envy. About a minute
- For enemies Prayer for those who hate and wrong us Asks Christ not to repay our enemies, but to turn them from evil. To Christ About half a minute
- For someone far from God Prayer for those who have left the faith Asks God to give light to those who have left the faith. A few seconds
- For someone far from God Prayer for those who have strayed God shows the light of truth to those who stray, so they can return. About 20 seconds
- In grief Prayer for those who mourn Asks Christ to comfort the grieving and give the departed rest. To Christ About a minute
- In epidemic and disaster Prayer in time of epidemic Asks God to end an epidemic, heal the sick and bless their carers. About a minute Patriarch Daniel of Romania
- In epidemic and disaster Prayer in time of plague Asks God to stop a plague, and to be patient with us still. About four minutes Patriarch Philotheos
- In hard times Prayer in time of trouble Asks Christ to comfort, heal, feed and free all who are in trouble. To Christ About two minutes
- For an engagement and a wedding Prayer of Tobias and Sarah A newlyweds’ prayer from the Book of Tobit: to grow old together. About 30 seconds
- For the eyes Tobit’s thanks for his sight A blind father’s first words when he sees his son again. A few seconds
- In Holy Week Today He Who hung the earth Sets Christ the Creator beside what He suffered on the cross. To Christ About two minutes
- At Christmas Today the Virgin comes to the cave The Christmas Eve hymn of the Virgin on her way to the cave. To Christ About half a minute
-
The Trisagion Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: a cry for mercy. To the Holy Trinity A few seconds - Before work Troparion before any good work A short hymn asking God to guide the work you begin for His glory. About 15 seconds
- For finding a spouse Troparion for a future spouse A short hymn asking God for a husband or wife after your own heart. A few seconds
- To love others Troparion for love A short hymn: bind us to Christ, and to one another, in love. To Christ A few seconds
- Anniversary of a death Troparion for the departed The memorial service’s hymn for one who hoped in God. A few seconds
- For healing Troparion for the sick A short hymn asking Christ to come quickly to the sick. To Christ About 20 seconds
- Before a journey Troparion for travelers A short hymn asking Christ to send His angel with a traveller. To Christ About 20 seconds
- In hard times Troparion in time of trouble A short hymn: help the weary, comfort the sad, keep us from trouble. A few seconds
-
For safe driving Troparion of St Christopher The hymn of St Christopher, a martyr of about the year 250. To a saint About 20 seconds -
For soldiers Troparion of St George The hymn of St George, freer of captives and defender of the poor. To a saint About 15 seconds -
For the poor and hungry Troparion of St John the Merciful To St John the Merciful, who loved the poor and provided for them. To a saint About 20 seconds -
For soldiers Troparion of St John the Warrior The hymn of St John the Warrior, a Roman soldier who saved Christians. To a saint About 40 seconds -
Before surgery Troparion of St Luke the Surgeon The hymns to St Luke of Crimea, a surgeon who became an archbishop. To a saint About a minute - For someone with cancer Troparion of St Nektarios The hymn to St Nektarios, often asked to pray for people with cancer. To a saint About 30 seconds
-
For the poor and hungry Troparion of St Nicholas The hymn to St Nicholas, who gained riches by poverty. To a saint About 20 seconds -
For healing Troparion of St Panteleimon The hymn to St Panteleimon, the doctor who healed without charge. To a saint About 15 seconds - For the eyes Troparion of St Paraskevi Hymns to St Paraskevi, whose prayers people ask for their eyes. To a saint About half a minute
-
To find something lost Troparion of St Phanourios Hymns of St Phanourios, whom people ask to help find lost things. To a saint About a minute -
Before study and exams Troparion of St Sergius Asks St Sergius to remember the flock he gathered. To a saint About 30 seconds -
For money and work Troparion of St Spyridon The hymn to St Spyridon, the shepherd bishop who lent freely. To a saint About 30 seconds -
For finding a job Troparion of St Xenia The hymns of St Xenia, who gave everything away to wander for Christ. To a saint About a minute -
For healing Troparion of Sts Cosmas and Damian The hymn to the brothers who were doctors and took no payment. To a saint About 10 seconds - In thanksgiving Troparion of thanksgiving A short hymn thanking God for every good thing He has given. About 20 seconds
-
For protection Troparion of the Archangels Asks the archangels to shelter us under their wings. To a saint About 20 seconds - For new beginnings Troparion of the Church New Year The Church’s new year hymn: bless the crown of the year, O Lord. About 20 seconds
-
When hoping for a child Troparion of the Conception of the Theotokos The hymn that begins “Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed.” To the Mother of God About 30 seconds -
For strength and courage Troparion of the Forty Martyrs Asks the prayers of 40 soldiers who stood firm in a frozen lake. To a saint About 20 seconds - For the 40-day blessing Troparion of the Meeting of the Lord The feast hymn for Jesus brought to the Temple at 40 days old. To the Mother of God About 20 seconds
- At Christmas Troparion of the Nativity The main hymn of Orthodox Christmas: the star that led the wise men. To Christ About 20 seconds
- In epidemic and disaster Troparion of the Nine Martyrs of Cyzicus Asks nine martyrs of the 200s to pray for healing from fever. To a saint Under a minute St Dimitri of Rostov
-
Communion, feasts and fasts Troparion of Theophany The hymn of Jesus’s baptism, sung as water and homes are blessed. To Christ About 20 seconds - For addiction Turn me, and I shall be turned Asks God to turn you back to Him when you cannot turn yourself. About half a minute Ephraim, in the Book of Jeremiah
- For Lent and fasting Turn not away Your face The psalm verses sung as Lent begins, on Forgiveness Sunday evening. About a minute David
W
- For a prodigal child Prayer for wayward children The Russian Church’s prayer for children who have strayed from God. To Christ About a minute and a half
- After Communion We have seen the true Light A hymn of Pentecost, sung after Communion at the Liturgy. To the Holy Trinity About 10 seconds
- For an engagement and a wedding Wedding blessing The last blessing of an Orthodox wedding: long life, children, faith. To the Holy Trinity About half a minute
- At Christmas What shall we offer You, O Christ Every creature brings Christ a gift, and we bring a Virgin Mother. About 30 seconds
- For worry about the future When anxious thoughts are many (Psalm 94) Psalm 94’s verses for a mind crowded with anxious thoughts. Under a minute David
- For anxiety and fear When I am afraid (Psalm 56) “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You”: David’s psalm of fear. About a minute David
- Before a flight Where can I go from Your Spirit? Wherever you go, even on the wings of the dawn, God’s hand leads you. About half a minute David
- For Lent and fasting Where shall I begin to weep? The opening of St Andrew’s Great Canon, read as Lent begins. To Christ Under a minute St Andrew of Crete
- For contentment Where true joys are found Asks God to fix our hearts where true joys are found, amid all change. Half a minute
- When God feels far Where were You? (St Anthony) St Anthony asks God where He was, and hears, “Anthony, I was here.” Under a minute
- For the poor and hungry Who considers the poor (Psalm 41) A blessing on all who care for the poor, and a plea for mercy. About 30 seconds David
- For jealousy and envy Whom have I in heaven (Psalm 73) For envy: Asaph envied the proud, until God was all he wanted. About half a minute Asaph
- Before confession Whose sin is forgiven (Psalm 32) David kept quiet about his sin, then confessed it and was forgiven. About a minute David
- For sadness and depression Why are you cast down, O my soul? A low soul, told three times in Psalms 42 and 43 to hope in God. About two minutes The sons of Korah
- For widows and widowers Prayer of a widow A widow asks comfort in her sorrow, and eternal life for her husband. To Christ About three minutes
- For widows and widowers Prayer of a widower A widower prays for his wife, and asks God to crown her in glory. To Christ About two minutes
- In Holy Week The wise thief Asks for the light Christ gave the thief on the cross. To Christ A few seconds
- For the departed With the saints give rest Asks Christ to give the departed rest, where there is no pain. To Christ About a minute
Y
- For loneliness You are my refuge (Psalm 142) From a cave, David cries to God that no one cares for his soul. About a minute David
- Before Communion You have captivated me with longing A short hymn of love and joy, said just before Communion. To Christ About 15 seconds St John of Damascus
- For when you can’t sleep You held my eyes open (Psalm 77) A psalm for a night awake, from hard questions to God’s wonders. About two minutes Asaph
- For animals and pets You love all things (Wisdom 11) God loves everything He made and spares all things, for they are His. About 20 seconds
- For animals and pets You preserve man and beast (Psalm 36) Praise to God, Who preserves people and animals alike. About 30 seconds David