When we feel bad, we begin to remember God. We ask His help and support. Having received it - thank you. And sometimes we forget about gratitude.
Another thing is when our loved ones suffer. This is scary: to watch how a person is tormented, but you cannot help. Or is it possible? You can pray for your relative. Just do not say that prayer does not help. It helps and how. We just donât know how to pray, we donât want, and, in general, we donât believe in its action.
How to pray for a suffering loved one? How to help a relative, a good friend or just an acquaintance who is already driven to despair? Look for answers to these questions later in the article.
Why is prayer needed?
Some "Thomas unbelievers" believe that prayer for relatives and neighbors is an empty lesson. Say, itâs better to help with advice or financially, if possible.
This is a very big mistake. Prayer, sincere and heartfelt, can work miracles. How often do you have to face: a person is sick, and his wife, children or mother tearfully pray for him. And the sick man gets to his feet. And doctors only shrug their hands: in all respects - a dead man, and you go.
Prayer provides tremendous spiritual support. With its help, as the Holy Fathers say, you can save a soul from hell. If you want to help your poor relative who does not know who God is, pray for him.
How to pray
Prayer for one's neighbors is serious support for them. Of course, prayer in the temple is ideal. Why? Because the priest prays. This is the first. And his prayer is much stronger than ours. The priest has a special grace given to him upon ordination. And even the worst priest prays better than the most devout layman.
And secondly, let's remember the words of God: where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them.
This does not mean that God does not hear home prayer. Not at all. But at home we cannot take out particles from the prosphora, as the priest does at the altar.
What Orthodox prayer for near and dear ones can help the most dear people? First of all, by filing registered notes for them. It is custom-made who read at the altar. For only in this case particles are taken out.
Secondly, prayers for the health of relatives will be useful. And magpie is an excellent option. Sorokoust can also be ordered to rest.
Thirdly, buy the simplest candle. And put it in front of the icon of the Savior or the Mother of God. And when you bet, list the names of all living loved ones. Candles are also placed on the canon. With the difference that the dead are mentioned there.
Maternal prayer
She will get it from the bottom of the sea and take it away from trouble. There is an interesting story about this. In one woman, four children went to war. And she kept a strict post throughout the war, praying for her children. Her children returned alive. The neighbors have one continuous funeral, and this womanâs house is a joy.
No one except mother will pray for us with such force. Only the motherâs heart is capable of such a prayer. Sacrifice yourself for the sake of a child? It is easy. While our mothers are alive and pray for us, they give us tremendous spiritual support.
The following are motherly prayers for those close to the Lord Jesus Christ. By neighbors here we mean children.
Oh god To the creator of all creatures, applying mercy to mercy, You have made me worthy of being the mother of a family; Thy goodness has given me children, and I dare to say: they are Your children! Because You gave them being, revived them with an immortal soul, revived them with baptism for a life that was in accordance with Your will, adopted them and accepted them into the bowels of Your Church, Lord! Save them in a gracious condition until the end of life; make them partake of the ordinances of your covenant; sanctify by your truth; hallowed be in them and through them your holy name! Send me your gracious help in their education for the glory of Thy name and the good of your neighbor! Give me for this purpose methods, patience and strength! Teach me to plant in their heart the root of true wisdom - Your fear! Illuminate them with the light that governs the universe of Your Wisdom! May they love you with all their souls and thoughts; may they cleave unto Thee with all their hearts, and throughout their whole lives be trembled by Your words! Grant me the mind to convince them that true life consists in keeping your commandments; that labor, strengthened by piety, gives in this life a serene contentment and in eternity - indescribable bliss. Reveal to them the understanding of Your Law! Yes, until the end of their days, they act in the feeling of Your omnipresence! Plant in their heart horror and aversion from all lawlessness; May they be blameless in thy ways; may they always remember that you, the all-good God, the zealot of your law and righteousness! Keep them in chastity and reverence for Your name! May they not defame Your Church with their behavior, but may they live according to its instructions! Encourage them with a desire for useful teaching and make them capable of any good deed! May they acquire a true concept of those objects for which information is necessary in their condition; May they be enlightened with beneficent knowledge for mankind. Lord Manage me to imprint with indelible traits in the mind and heart of my children the fear of commonwealth with those who donât know your fear, to inspire them to make every possible removal from any alliance with the lawless. May they not heed rotten conversations; May they not listen to frivolous people; Let not evil examples deceive them from Your way; may they not be tempted by the fact that sometimes the path of the lawless is prosperous in this world!
Father in heaven! Grant me the grace to be careful in every way to tempt children with my actions, but, constantly bearing in mind their behavior, distract them from delusions, correct their errors, curb their perseverance and obstinacy, refrain from striving for vanity and frivolity; May they not be carried away by insane thoughts, May they not follow their hearts, be proud of their thoughts, and forget You and Your law. May the lawlessness of their mind and health not destroy, let the sins of their spiritual and bodily powers not relax. The Righteous Judge, who punishes children for the sins of their parents before the third and fourth kind, turn such punishment away from my children, do not punish them for my sins; but sprinkle them with the dew of Thy grace, that they prosper in virtue and holiness, and increase in Thy favor and in the love of godly people.
Father of bounty and all mercy! According to my parental feeling, I would wish my children all abundance of earthly blessings, I would wish them blessings from the dew of heaven and from the fat of the earth, but Thy holy will be with them! Arrange their fate according to Your good pleasure, do not deprive them of their daily bread, send them everything you need in time to acquire a blissful eternity, be merciful to them when you sin before You, do not impute the sins of youth and ignorance of them, bring them to grieve when they will resist the guidance of thy goodness; punish them and have mercy, directing you to the path that is pleasing to you, but do not reject them from thy face! Accept with good pleasure their prayers, grant them success in every good deed; Thou shalt not turn Your face away from them in the days of their affliction, that their temptations shall not be comprehended beyond their strength. Overshadow them with Your mercy, may Your Angel walk with them and save them from all misfortune and the evil path, O God all-good! Make me a mother who has fun about her children, that they may be my joy in the days of my life, and will support me in my old age. Honor me, with hope in Your mercy, to appear with them at Your Last Judgment and say with unworthy boldness: Here I am, and my children whom you gave me, Lord! Yes, together with them glorifying your inexpressible goodness and your eternal love, I exalt Your Most Holy Name, Father, Son and Holy Soul, forever and ever. Amen!
And this prayer is called the blessing of the mother:
Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in prayer for the sake of Your Most Holy Mother, hear me, sinful and unworthy of Your servant. Lord, have mercy on my child in mercy of Your power, have mercy and save him in Your name's sake. Lord, forgive him all sins, free and involuntary, committed them before Thee. Lord, guide him on the true path of Your commandments and enlighten him and enlighten with the light of Christ to save the soul and heal the body. Lord, bless him in the house, near the house, at school, in the field, at work and on the road , and at every place of your possession. Lord, keep it n to Your Holy Roof from a flying bullet, arrow, knife, sword, poison, fire, flood, from a deadly ulcer (rays of an atom) and from vain death. Lord, protect him from visible and invisible enemies, from all troubles, evils and misfortunes. Lord, heal him from all kinds of diseases, cleanse him from all kinds of filth (wine, tobacco, drugs) and ease his spiritual sufferings and sorrows. Lord, grant him the grace of Your Holy Spirit for many years of life, health and chastity. Lord, multiply and strengthen him mental abilities and bodily powers. Lord, give him Your blessing for the good. chestivuyu family life and godly detorozhdenie.Gospodi, grant me, unworthy and sinful servant thy parents' blessing on the child of my current morning, day, evening and night thy name's sake: for thy kingdom forever, omnipotent and all-powerful. Amen!
Mother prayer to the Virgin:
O Blessed Virgin Mary, save and preserve under Your shelter my children (names), all the ladies, ladies and babies, baptized and nameless and worn in the womb. Cover them with the garment of Your motherhood, observe them in the fear of God and in obedience to your parents, beseech my Lord and Your Son, and give them useful things for their salvation. I entrust them to Your Mother's look, as if You are the Divine Veil of Your servants. Mother of God, lead me into the image of Your heavenly motherhood. Heal the spiritual and bodily wounds of my children (names), inflicted by my sins. I entrust my child entirely to my Lord Jesus Christ and Yours, the Most Pure, heavenly protection. Amen!
Prayer to the guardian angel for his children:
The angel of God, my holy keeper, given to me from God from heaven is given! I diligently pray thee: you enlighten me this day, and from all evil save, guide me to a good deed, and direct me on the path of salvation. Amen!
Prayer for godchildren
Do you know that godparents have a far greater responsibility to God than bloodmakers? The task of the blood is to give birth and bring up, as it should. But godparents should educate their godchildren in the Orthodox faith. To instill faith in them. Teach to the temple and the acceptance of the sacraments.
Alas, at present, at the baptism of a baby, one can observe the following situation: the godparents cannot read the âSymbol of Faithâ. And it turns out that the godparents are baptized people, only they donât know anything about God. Which ones are mentors?
We are distracted. Letâs talk about what kind of prayer for neighbors (godchildren) should be given to the godparents. Since they could not bring up, as it should, and instill a love of God, then at least pray, do not despair from your duties.
Prayer to the Lord:
Lord Jesus Christ, awaken Thy mercy on my godchildren (names), preserve them under Your shelter, covered from all evil crafty lust, deny every enemy and adversary from them, open their ears and eyes of heart, grant tenderness and humility to their hearts. Lord, we are all Your creation, take pity on my godchildren (names) and turn them to repentance. Save, Lord, and have mercy on my godchildren (names), and enlighten their mind with the light of the mind of Your Holy Gospel, and instruct them on the path of Your commandments and teach them, Savior, do Your will, as if You were our God.
How to pray for loved ones?
Prayer for relatives and neighbors is the direct duty of every Orthodox Christian. Another thing is that when we come to God, we do not know how to do this.
To begin with, there is a morning rule. And at the end of it there are prayers for the health and repose of our relatives. They are very short.
Here is the text of the morning prayer for the neighbor (about health):
God save and have mercy on my spiritual father (name), my parents (names), relatives, superiors, mentors (names) and all Orthodox Christians.
To read it, along with a listing of names, it will take about 10 minutes from strength. And the same amount - in prayer for the repose of the deceased loved ones:
God bless the souls of the dead Thy servant: my parents (names), relatives, mentors (names) and all Orthodox Christians.
And do not forget about the "classical" prayers that help in every need. This is "Our Father" and "Virgin Mary, Rejoice." It is generally necessary to resort to the Mother of God constantly. In every need, in every business. Who but Her will protect us and help?
So, a prayer to the Virgin for neighbors from troubles, a request for help to them:
Hail Virgin, rejoice! Grace Mary, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed are you in women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. As the Savior gave birth, eat our souls.
Prayer to God:
Our Father, you shall be in heaven. Hallowed be thy name, may thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, also in heaven and on earth. Give us our daily bread today. And leave our debts to us, as well as we leave our debtor. And do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from the evil one. Amen!
Prayer for the sick
Sometimes our loved ones especially need prayer help. When they are ill physically and spiritually. And what prayer for the health of one's neighbor should be read? Who to ask for help from? Especially in the most difficult, crisis moments?
Read the hymnal. This is the strongest thing, and it helps very well. When you start reading, then nothing is clear. Over time, understanding begins to come.
How do they read the hymnal? According to one kafisma. Kathisma is divided into three glories: for living relatives, for the deceased and for living neighbors (friends, colleagues and other people who are not blood relatives). Take the trouble to deduct one kathisma only for the sick.
Seek help from the holy saints of God. It can be a saint whose name is sick. Or that saint whom you worship. Most often they turn to Matrona of Moscow, Ksenia of Petersburg, Sergius of Radonezh, Nikolai the Miracle Worker, Seraphim of Sarov for help. Prayers to some of these saints are given in the article.
Prayer to Seraphim of Sarov:
Oh, the wondrous father of Seraphim, the great Sarov miracle worker, a hasty assistant to all who come to you! In the days of your earthly life, no one is too thin and inconsolable for you to leave, but for everyone, for sweetness, see your face and the sweet voice of your words. In addition, the gift of healing, the gift of insight, the gift of weak souls of healing is plentiful in you. Wherever God calls you from earthly labors to heavenâs repose, your love will never cease from us, and itâs impossible to calculate your wonders, multiplied like celestial stars: for all over the whole end of the earth our people are God and grant them healing. We are crying the same way: O pretentious and gentle servant of God, daring to prayer to Him, barking to see nicely for you, offer your gracious prayer to us to the Lord of strength, may we strengthen our power, may it grant us all that is auspicious in this life and all spiritual it is useful for salvation, so that it will protect us from the fall of sinfulness and teach us true repentance, in which you will without a hindrance bring us to the eternal Kingdom of Heaven, even if you are now in glorious glory and chant with all the saints the Life-giving Trinity until the end of the century. Amen!
Prayer to Nicholas the Pleasant:
About the all-blessed father Nicholas, the shepherd and teacher of all who, by faith flowing to your intercession and warm prayer, are calling you soon to be flattered and deliver the flock of Christ from the wolves that destroy it, and to protect every Christian country and save your holy prayers from worldly rebellion, coward, invasion foreigners and civil wars, from gladness, flood, fire, sword and vain death. And I also had mercy on threes of the men who were seated in the prison, and delivered them if there was a kingâs wrath and a cut of swords, so have mercy, and with my mind, word and deed exist in the darkness of sins, and deliver me the wrath of God and eternal execution, as long as your intercession and help, by His mercy and grace, Christ God will give a quiet and sinless life to us to live this spring and deliver me shuyyago standing, he will make the gallows with all the saints. Amen!
Can I pray for the unbaptized?
Is there a prayer for neighbors who are not baptized? And how to pray for such?
We warn you right away: only in home prayer. In no case should you give notes for them and order prayers. Even putting candles is forbidden.
You can remember such neighbors in the morning prayers. They are given above. And you can read the prayer to the holy martyr Huar:
Oh holy martyr Ware! Jealousy over the Lord Christ we kindle, He confessed the king of heaven before the tormentor, and he assiduously suffered, and now the Church honors the hell, as it is glorified from the Lord Christ by the glory of Heaven. Accept our petition and your prayers from eternal torment free us. Amen.
This is actually a very sad moment. When a dear person denies God and does not want to be baptized at all. Okay - baby: he still does not decide anything. But an adult, clever comrade who does not accept the Lord is deplorable. Although he makes this choice himself. And we, no matter how offensive it would be, have to come to terms with this. But praying for such a stubborn neighbor is possible and necessary, only at home.
If the neighbor is lost
Once upon a time there was a man. I went to the temple, proceeded to the sacraments of confession and communion. He did good deeds. And then, at some point, he lost faith. In the church, priests do business, there is no God, all these are fairy tales. And in general, He does not hear us. In general, a friend went somewhere to the side.
And half the trouble, if only I stopped going to the temple. And if you are also carried away by some Western movement, such as occultism? Here at least stand, at least fall. And is it possible to say a prayer for a neighbor who has gone downhill?
Such people in the church are called astray. And pray for them is a must. Submit notes more often. Read at home akathist icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary "Recovery of the dead." Put fans for such a friend.
Just do not try to convince him. It's useless. A relative (or friend) will become even more embittered and will not hear you. Better to pray silently, without putting pressure on such a person.
Where to get akathist? Buy at the church shop. This is a small, thin book. It costs 30-50 rubles. There you can also get the icon "Recovery of the dead."
Marital Prayers
Young people got married. Everything was fine: they lived in perfect harmony, but relatives could not rejoice at the pigeons. Yes, only quarrels began in the family. Constant scandals, screams and reproaches led to divorce.
A familiar picture? Now there are a lot of divorces. Because people in their mass, as they say, believe in the soul. Baptized, but they donât go to the temple and donât pray at home.
Meanwhile, prayer for neighbors, including spouses, is very necessary. This is the strongest assistant. And before you think about divorce, turn on the prayer.
"Where to get it ...", - Someone will think. Rewrite or print. And we will provide the text.
Prayer to Prince Daniel of Moscow:
The church of Christ was praised by a high city of Moscow, the wall is unbroken, the Powers of Russia Divine affirmation, reverend to Prince Daniel, I flow to your race of relics, we earnestly pray to you: look upon us, who sings your memory, shed your warm intercession for the Savior of all, as long as it approves the country with peace save our city and its grace and its abode goodness, planting piety and love in your people, but anger, internecine strife and morals, eradicating corruption; All of us, all that is good for the temporary stomach and eternal salvation, grant with your prayers, so that we glorify the God our God who is wonderful in His saints forever and ever. Amen!
She is read with a request for love and advice between spouses.
And if you need help with family needs, contact the blessed Ksenia of Petersburg:
Oh, holy blessed mother Xenia! Under the shelter of the Almighty, the living, guided and strengthened by the Mother of God, was smooth and thirsty, coolness and heat, she suffered reproach and persecution, she received the gift of perspicacity and miracles from God, and under the almighty Almighty rests. Now the Holy Church, as a fragrant color, glorifies thee: appearing at the place of your burial, before your saints, as we live, living with us, we pray: accept our petition and bring them to the Throne of the Mercy of Heavenly Father, who has boldness towards Him , ask the eternal salvation flowing to you, and for good deeds and undertakings, our generous blessing, deliverance from all troubles and sorrows, appearing by your holy prayers before our Merciful Savior about us unworthy and sinful, help me, blessed blessed mother Xenia, ml Dentsu light of Holy Baptism ozariti and print Gift of the Holy Spirit impress, boys and girls in the faith, honesty, piety and chastity Upbringing and success in teaching them darovati; heal the sick and not frightening, family love and harm have been handed down, the good monastic feat has been honored to fight and vilify, shepherds establish in the fortress of spirit, save our people and country in peace and tranquility, we prayed for those deprived of the Holy Communion in our dying hour: hope and hope, a speedy hearing and deliverance, we send thanks to you and praise the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit with you, now and ever and ever. Amen.
And of course, do not forget about prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos. It is called - about the family:
Blessed Lady, take my family under Your protection. Peace, love and disobedience to all that was good in my heart and my childrenâs hearts; do not allow anyone from my family to separation and hard parting, to premature and sudden death without repentance. And our house and all of us who live in it, will save from fiery heat, thieves' attacks, every evil deed, miscellaneous insurance and devilish obsession. Yes and we will, commercially and separately, clearly and secretly, glorify Your Holy Name always, now and forever, and forever and ever. Amen! Blessed Virgin Mary, save us!
Advice to the neophytes
I would like to advise something to those who have just begun to come to God.
Prayers to the Lord for neighbors must be offered. Just don't overdo it. We anticipate indignation, they say, how can you overdo it with this matter ?! Even as possible.
Others, beginning to church, are eager for battle. And, not being blessed by the priest, they begin to perform âprayer deedsâ: they pray for most of the night, try to repent of other people's sins. And then they begin to hurt. Why is this happening?
Because we ourselves are still weak, but we are already undertaking to save our neighbors. So unclean forces beat us. They donât sleep. They are not at all interested in the souls becoming God. On the contrary, demons long for human souls to profit. And then one soul flew away, and even decided to take the rest after itself? Here are angry bows with okayashekami. Therefore, do not tear the veins. And you yourself will be lost, and you will not save your neighbors.
And another question: is it possible to read the Jesus prayer for the neighbor? Usually this prayer is read by everyone for himself. It sounds like this:
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner / sinner.
But if necessary, the end of the prayer is changed:
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on us sinners.
Again: donât try to do Jesus' prayer without the blessing of a priest. Only that father. from whom you regularly confess, can say how many prayers per day you need to read. And is it possible to read it for relatives and neighbors.
Prayers for the departed
Another serious point. How to pray for those who have gone into Eternal Life?
First, be sure to submit registered notes. Secondly, at least once a month to order a requiem. This is done in the temple. And it is advisable to attend this service on this day, praying with the priest for the repose of souls.
The third point is the commemoration of the birthday, the day of mortal memory and the day of the angel. These days it is very advisable to order funeral services and submit notes.
The fourth point is the candles. They are put on the canon and mentally commemorate the deceased relatives.
Fifth - shriekers about repose.
The sixth is eternal remembrance. It is quite expensive, and the requirement can be ordered only in monasteries.
How to pray at home for your dear dead? We published the morning prayer above. Read the hymnal, one Glory is just "given" to the deceased relatives. Only remember it can be baptized.
Unbaptized is more difficult. For them they give alms and read the canon to the martyr Ouar.
In general, giving alms for a deceased person is useful. For both of you. Ask those you give to remember your deceased loved one.
Within forty days after the person has passed away, it is advisable to file for him magpies in temples and monasteries. The bigger, the better. And be sure to read the hymnal, at least one kathisma. There is an opportunity - read more. In the first three days, the entire hymnal is read daily.
How to pray at home and in the temple?
If everything is clear with the temple: he came, filed notes and left, then how to bring prayer for your neighbor at home?
To begin with, the temple is not so simple. If you file notes for the liturgy, please be so kind as to delay. And pray with everyone. Do not rely only on the prayer of the priest - he will pray. But the loved one is yours, and it is your responsibility to pray for him, and not to transfer this matter to the priest and parishioners of the church.
As for home prayer, itâs easier. We stood at the iconostasis, lit a lamp or candle and pray to yourself. If you want - read an akathist, you want - prayers, but you want - in your own words, remember your living and deceased relatives.
Conclusion
Praying for someone is hard work. One must be prepared for the fact that when reading a prayer for help to one's neighbor one cannot do without temptations. You can be sick, everything will start to fall out of your hands, all sorts of troubles to pursue. And even the neighbors who are begging, are beasting before our eyes.
If this happens, do not throw prayers. There is a serious struggle for the human soul. The enemy is attacking you to unbalance, so that the prayer is lost. And this is unacceptable: we are in a spiritual war, and we are fighting enemies with a prayer sword and shield.