THE SIGN OF THE CROSS: A BYZANTINE VIEW
PRAYER WHILE MAKING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
TRISAGION
THE LORD'S PRAYER
PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
MORNING PRAYER
PRAYER BEFORE BEGINNING ANY TASK
DAILY CONFESSION OF SIN
PRAYER TO BE SAID TO GOD IN THE
PRESENCE OF THE PRIEST WHEN MAKING CONFESSION IN CHURCH
BEDTIME PRAYER
PRAYER TO THEOTOKOS
PRAYER TO A SAINT
A PRAYER BEFORE COMMUNION
JESUS PRAYER
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THE SIGN OF THE CROSS: A BYZANTINE VIEW
When a Byzantine Catholic or Eastern Christian makes the sign of the cross, he does so in a particular way. He takes the thumb, index and middle fingers of his right hand and joins them. The pinky and fourth finger come down and together touch the palm of the hand. There is a theological reason for this.
The three fingers that are joined, represent the Holy Trinity. It is usually when the Holy Trinity is invoked or worshipped that the sign of the cross is made. The two fingers touching the palm of the hand represent the two natures of Christ, human and divine.
In this way, when the Eastern Christian makes the sign of the cross, he is not merely doing it as a reference to the sacrifice of the Son of God on the cross, but is making a statement that he believes in the orthodox faith of the Church. That faith declares that God is three Persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and that Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word of God, has two natures; human and divine.
PRAYER WHILE MAKING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us (said three times).
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Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy name. 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.
For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
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Heavenly King, Consoler, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, the Treasury of Blessings and the Giver of Life. Come, O Good One, and dwell in us. Cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls. Amen.
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Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Direct my will, teach me to pray, pray Yourself in me. Amen.
This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad.
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PRAYER BEFORE BEGINNING ANY TASK
Lord, send Your grace to help me, that I may glorify Your holy name. Amen.
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O Lord, my God, I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed. I have also omitted to do what Your holy law requires of me. But now with repentance and contrition, I turn again to Your love and mercy. I entreat You to forgive me all my transgressions and to cleanse me from all my sins.
Lord, fill my heart with the light of Your truth. Strengthen my will by Your grace. Teach me both to desire and to do only what pleases You. Amen.
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PRAYER TO BE SAID TO GOD IN THE PRESENCE OF THE PRIEST WHEN MAKING CONFESSION IN CHURCH
Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I confess to You all the hidden and open sins of my heart and mind which I have committed. I ask of You, the merciful and righteous Judge, forgiveness and the grace to sin no more.
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Into Your hands, O Lord Jesus Christ my God, I surrender my spirit and body. Bless me, save me and grant me eternal life. Amen.
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Hail, O Mother of God, Virgin Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the Fruit of your womb. For you have borne the Savior of our souls.
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Pray to God for me, O Saint, ______________, well-pleasing to God, for I eagerly come to you who are the speedy helper and intercessor for my soul. Amen.
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I believe, Lord, and profess that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God, come to this world to save sinners, of whom I am the greatest. I believe also that this is really your spotless body and that this is really your precious blood. Wherefore I pray to You: have mercy on me and pardon my offenses, the deliberate and the indeliberate, those committed in word and in deed, whether knowingly or inadvertently; and count me worthy to share without condemnation your spotless Mysteries, for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen.
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Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
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