Optina Morning Prayer

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Optina Monastery

Optina Monastery (Optina Pustyn), located about eighty miles from Moscow, has been at the spiritual heart of Russia for centuries. Founded in the sixteenth century, it cycled through growth and decline several times due to several drastic changes in the political climate. It’s known for marvelous spiritual monastic elders who resided there. We are fortunate to be able to pray their morning prayer, which reflects both their chaotic times and ours. 

Morning Prayer of the Optina Elders

Grant unto me, O Lord, that with peace of mind I may face all that this new day is to bring. Grant unto me to dedicate myself completely to Thy Holy Will. For every hour of this day, instruct and support me in all things. Whatsoever tidings I may receive during the day, do Thou teach me to accept tranquilly, in the firm conviction that all eventualities fulfill Thy Holy Will. Govern Thou my thoughts and feelings in all I do and say. When things unforeseen occur, let me not forget that all cometh down from Thee. Teach me to behave sincerely and rationally toward every member of my family, that I may bring confusion and sorrow to none. Bestow upon me, my Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day, and to bear my part in all its passing events. Guide Thou my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to suffer, to forgive, and to love. Amen

Here are some links if you wish to explore the monastery and their Most Holy Elders:

https://orthodoxwiki.org/Optina_Monastery

https://www.optina.ru    (the Google Chrome browser can translate the Russian text)

http://www.pravoslavie.ru/74512.html    (sayings of the Optina Elders)

Two additional prayer petitions:  

Save, O Lord and have mercy on the Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, our Lord, the Most Blessed Metropolitan Tikhon, Our Lord the Most Reverend Archbishop Benjamin and our Lord, the Right Reverend Daniel, priests, deacons and all the clergy whom Thou has installed to tend to Thy reason endowed flock. Through their prayers save me also, a sinner, and have mercy on me. 

Save O Lord and have mercy on all our brothers and sisters who serve our Holy Church and Temple of Saints Peter and Paul. Bless the parish council, its choir, its committee members, its teachers, parish supporters and all Orthodox Christians. 

In Christ’s enduring love,

Fr. David
frdavidbalmer@gmail.com

Prayer Corner

This week ending March 21

This week’s events are not a tale of sadness but rather a tale of love and togetherness overcoming darkness and a strong affirmation that Christ’s Church shall prevail against the gates of hell (Mat. 16:18)  In texts, emails and websites the subject of prayer has drawn particular interest. The Crisis has apparently brought out so much outpouring of the need for prayer. While we all have known that we need to pray more it’s wonderful so many people are now willing to do so.

With this in mind, Matushka Mary and I took a look at our icon corner and decided now was a good time to upgrade it with a small table. A dusty computer desk was nearby and shouted to be re-purposed. So, the computer was moved to a better place where it would be of more use and the desk readied. Matushka dug through her fabric collection, found the right cloth and fired-up her sewing machine. A short time later she finished the tablecloth and the top was ready for  our prayer books, bible, cross, incense burner, icons with stands plus a St.Tikhon’s candle. Time to pray together.

Here’s some reflections on really using your icon corner:

Daily Prayer 
Find some time each day to pray in your corner. Praying just a few minutes is fine, especially if you are able to develop a schedule and stick with it. It is not necessary to try to pray long and hard like our nuns and monks. There is a good reason they are called “spiritual athletes”.

When beginning your prayers, it is always useful to ask Christ’s help in being able to meaningfully pray. Using your prayer book, find prayers you can ‘stick with” without your mind wandering elsewhere. You can do no wrong in praying the Lord’s Prayer.

Keep a list of the living, departed, and those people you have trouble forgiving. Ask HIS help in forgiving them and ask HIM to forgive you.

Pray for relief from the Crisis
Here's a prayer/petition from our Holy Synod of Bishops:

O God Almighty, Lord of heaven and earth, and of all creation visible and invisible, in thine ineffable goodness, look down upon us, thy people gathered in thy Holy Name. Be our helper and defender in this day of affliction. Thou knowest our weakness. Thou hearest our cry in repentance and contrition of heart. O Lord who lovest mankind, deliver us from the impending threat of the Corona Virus. Send thine angel to watch over us and protect us. Grant health and recovery to those suffering from this virus. Guide the hands of physicians and preserve those who are healthy. Enable us to continue to serve our suffering brothers and sisters in peace that together we may glorify thy most honorable and majestic name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Services at home 
Until we can celebrate the Divine Liturgy together in our temple there is a Typica service and a Readers Service for Protection from the Corona virus posted on our parish website: https://sspeterpaulaz.org.

Confession As our Bishop Daniel mentioned, now is the time to book a confession before PASCHA. Due to the current situation, confessions are by appointment only with either His Grace or myself. If you would like me to hear your confession either text or call me at:

480-213-7631 or email at frdavidbalmer@gmail.com


In Christ's enduring love, 
Fr d