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