The Daily Prayer Rule
Orthodox Morning Prayers
The morning prayers Orthodox Christians say on rising — full texts in order, with a short beginner's rule you can keep every day.
How to pray the morning rule
Rise, wash, and stand before your icons before you touch anything else. Make the sign of the Cross, keep a moment of silence, and pray aloud in an unhurried voice. The order below is the traditional shape of the morning rule; pray as much of it as your priest has blessed. If you are starting out, pray only the five prayers marked in the short rule and keep them without fail.
A five-minute beginner's morning rule
- The sign of the Cross and the opening prayer on rising
- O Heavenly King
- The Trisagion prayers
- The Lord's Prayer
- The Optina morning prayer and intercessions for your family
On Rising from Sleep
The first words of the day, before anything else
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. O Lord, 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 mine unworthy mouth without condemnation and praise Thy holy name.
Said standing before the icons, having made the sign of the Cross. Many keep a short pause of silence first, so that the day begins with God rather than with the phone.
O Heavenly King
The opening invocation of the morning rule
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Omitted from Pascha until Pentecost, when "Christ is risen" is said in its place.
The Trisagion Prayers
After the invocation, every morning
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (three times) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. All-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. (three times)
The Lord's Prayer
Immediately after the Trisagion prayers
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 the evil one.
Morning Prayer of the Elders of Optina
A beloved prayer for the day ahead
O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy will. At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me this day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy holy will. Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and deeds. In all unforeseen occurrences, let me not forget that all is sent down from Thee. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering or embarrassing others. Give me the strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love. Amen.
Morning Prayer of St. Basil the Great
Within the morning rule
O Lord Almighty, God of the powers and of all flesh, who dwellest on high and lookest down on things that are lowly: Thou searchest the hearts and inward parts of men, and clearly foreknowest the secrets of men. Accept from us, Thy servants, this morning doxology, according as we are able, and forgive us every sin, voluntary and involuntary, in word and in deed, committed knowingly or in ignorance.
Morning Prayer to the Theotokos
After the prayers to Christ
O my most holy Lady Theotokos, by thy holy and all-powerful intercessions banish from me, thy lowly and wretched servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, and negligence, and all impure, evil, and blasphemous thoughts. Enlighten the eyes of my heart, that I may not sleep unto death.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Near the close of the morning rule
O Angel of God, my holy guardian, given to me from God from heaven for my protection: I earnestly entreat thee, do thou this day enlighten me, and preserve me from all evil, guide me in good deeds, and set me on the path of salvation. Amen.
The Jesus Prayer
To carry the morning rule into the whole day
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Said quietly on a prayer rope, often in sets of 33, 50, or 100 knots. Even a few minutes each morning trains the mind to return to Christ throughout the working day.
Morning Intercessions
To conclude, naming those you love
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father, my parents, my family, my friends and benefactors, and on all Orthodox Christians. (Here name those living.) Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy departed servants. (Here name those departed.) Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
What are Orthodox morning prayers?
Morning prayers are the first half of the daily prayer rule: a fixed set of prayers said on rising, before the day begins. They usually include the opening invocation, "O Heavenly King," the Trisagion prayers, the Lord's Prayer, prayers of the Fathers such as St. Basil or the Elders of Optina, a prayer to the Theotokos and the guardian angel, and intercessions for the living and the departed.
How long should Orthodox morning prayers take?
For most people five to fifteen minutes is right. A short rule kept every single morning is worth more than a long rule kept twice a week. Ask your parish priest to set the length that fits your life and season.
What is the shortest Orthodox morning prayer rule?
The sign of the Cross, "O Heavenly King," the Trisagion prayers, the Lord's Prayer, the Optina morning prayer, and a short intercession for family and the departed. This can be prayed reverently in about five minutes.
When should morning prayers be said?
Immediately on rising, before eating, working, or reading messages. Traditionally one stands before the icon corner facing east, lights a lamp or candle, and prays aloud in a quiet voice.
Do morning prayers change during Pascha or Lent?
Yes. From Pascha to Pentecost, "Christ is risen" replaces "O Heavenly King." During Great Lent, the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian is added with prostrations.
Continue the day in prayer
Close the day with the evening rule, or read today's appointed Scripture.