Almost every person - whether a believer or not - knows the main prayer of the elders "At the beginning of the day", they are known under the general name Optinsky.
This appeal to the Lord is so powerful, effective, filling with bright faith, love, hope for the best that works real miracles in the lives of many people, regardless of religion.
Who are they - the authors of this and other prayers, possessing such supernatural, divine power, which through centuries help and heal believers and even unbelievers? What other prayers of the elders exist in the Orthodox Church? About this - in the article.
Story
According to sources about the life of saints, monks, the Optina elders were at one time the inhabitants of the Stavropegial Monastery, or Vvedensky Optina Desert, which is 2 kilometers from Kozelsk (Kaluga Region) on the Zhizdra River.
The monastery was built in the 19th century and resembles a square in shape (top view). A fence is built around the perimeter, which is also quadrangular in shape, and a temple tower is located on each corner. A monastery is located behind the monastery, into which the laity do not have the right to enter (only for monks).
In the very central part of the monastery is the main temple - the cathedral in the name of the Entry of the Blessed Virgin into the Temple. And next to it - on the cross - there are still churches: the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God (in the south), the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God (in the east), the church in the name of Mary of Egypt (in the north).
This monastery is the oldest monastery of Optina Desert. It is Optina Elders who are considered its founders. Here they worked, prayed, performed great miracles. The main ones are the gifts of healing and predictions of the future.
The monastery was constantly full of believers - from different parts of Russia and other countries. Pilgrims came to this holy land to receive healing of soul and body, to hear good advice from the elders, to calm the mind, since not a single doctor of that time knew how to heal and revive like the Optina elders.
True legends circulated about them, some considered them the Sons of God, others accused them of interacting with unclean forces.
But the elders still continued to help people, pray, work for the good of the temple, and do God's will.
The inhabitants of the temple
These great monks were considered the main wealth of the Optina Desert monastery, many revered them for their good deeds and the assistance provided.
Here are the main ones:
- Jeroskhimonakh Leo - the founder of the temple and Optina elders. He was famous for his tremendous love for God and his neighbors. Selflessly worked for the benefit of the monastery.
- Hieroshimonah Macarius is a follower of the Monk Leo. It was with him that the writing of holy works about the associates of the elders and the Optina monastery began. He also supervised other temples.
- Shiarchimandrite Moses - known for his humility, wisdom, and tremendous charitable work towards poor wanderers. Under him, new structures of the temple were built.
- Shiigumen Anthony - led the monastery, was seriously ill, had the gift of teaching. Brother of Archimandrite Moses.
- Hieroshimonah Hilarion - a follower of the elder Makarii, had the gift of preaching, with him many who had abandoned the faith returned to the monastery.
- Hieroshimonk Ambrose - was distinguished by holiness and sincere reverence for God through his ministry. It is to him that believers most often turn in prayers.
- Schiarchimandrite Isaac - the abbot of the monastery, guarded and approved the spiritual covenants of the elders in the Optina desert.
- Ieroskhimonakh Anatoly - the head of the monastery, a strong prayer book, comforter and ascetic, as well as a mentor to monks and parishioners of many monasteries and temples.
- Hieroschimonhos Joseph - follower of Ambrose, a prayer book, a humble old man, illuminated by divine light. The Virgin appeared to him.
- Schiarchimandrite Barsanuphius - a perspicacious old man, formerly a military man, saw the innermost in the heart of every person.
- Hieroskhimonakh Anatoly is a comforter, healer, humble and loving pastor.
- Hieroskhimonakh Nektariy - the last elder, who was elected in a collegiate manner. He possessed insight, the gift of working miracles.
- Hieromonk Nikon - a student and follower of the elder Barsanuphius, showed the gift of companionship in the Optina desert after its closure.
- Archimandrite Isaac II - the last abbot of the monastery, in which it was finally destroyed. Courageously, with faith and love for God and people, he underwent all adversities.
Prayers of the Optina Elders
Appeal in prayer to every elder - with all my heart and with all sincerity - helps to heal from emotional anxiety, anger, aggression. And also ask the Lord for relatives and children.
One of the most powerful and effective prayers is "At the beginning of the day." It is she who most of all helps to tune in the morning in a peaceful manner, to find harmony, calmness.
Due to the strength of the text itself, as well as the absolute faith of the convert, the internal state gradually improves, stability in stressful situations increases, sleep improves, communication with people is harmonized.
The most important condition for reading this and other prayers of the elders is sincerity and understanding of each spoken word. The state during the treatment is important so that it is meditative, as calm as possible.
There is a complete and abbreviated prayer of the elders "At the beginning of the day."
Full prayer
The recommended time for pronouncing this appeal is the beginning of the day. The elders' prayer can also be read along with other prayers. The main thing is that there is clarity of consciousness, an understanding of the essence of each word, faith, sincerity.
Prayer treatment should always be a moment of triumph, holiness and goodness, without memorization and monotonous murmur. If the text is not remembered (partially or completely), you can read from a sheet or pronounce some places in your own words. It is important to do this with pure thoughts and ardent faith in the Lord and his help.
The text of the full prayer “At the beginning of the day” helps to fill the heart and soul with wisdom, harmony, joy, the right attitude for the new day and all its events, deeds.
Short text of the prayer of the elders
Every day, it is better to say a complete prayer, but sometimes you can replace it with a shortened version. The meaning does not change, it just takes less time to read.
This version, as well as the full one, introduces into a strong resonance the heart and soul of the worshiper with heavenly purity and holiness. It has the powerful power to harmonize and tune a person to a positive perception of everything that happens in a new day.
Evening Prayer of the Optina Elders
As in the morning, an appeal to the Lord through the prayer of the elders “At the end of the day” will be effective. If for some reason there is no way to read the words, you can enable audio or video recording.
In any case, prayer fills the soul and heart of a person with pure energy and warmth, regardless of the form of conversion.
Many believers note that after a regular appeal to God through this prayer of the elders, their worldview, attitude to others was improved, inner calm and confidence appeared, and a positive attitude towards life was formed.
This prayer helps everyone to properly respond to daily difficulties and unpleasant situations that arise on the life path of any person.
For better efficiency, before reading the prayer, it is recommended to go to the temple - to repent and partake, thus tuning in to silence and holiness.
Speaking an appeal is worth 3 times and all alone. It is recommended to do this in a separate room so that no one bothers. And the result will not be long in coming. The main thing is faith and sincerity.
Prayer for health
Also, the prayers of the elders help to be healed not only spiritually, but also physically. If there are health problems, the person himself, his family or children can turn to the Lord in prayer and ask for physical healing.
The elders do not have a special prayer for this, but a full or short text of the prayer “At the beginning of the day” will do.
Prayer for children
Miraculous is the conversion in prayer of the Optina Elders for children - the Monk Ambrose.
After all, it is known that mother’s prayer is capable of much: to revive, and to get from the bottom of the sea, and to heal.
Parents also pray for the children to guide them on the right path, especially in difficult situations. To teach how to interact with elders, to honor God.
Great joy for parents - children! And the task of praying for them is goodness and happiness.
Prayer for resentment and anger
There is a prayer of the elders of Optina Desert for forgiveness of insults, aggression, anger, which can settle unknowingly in the heart of a person and cause pain. This contributes to the fact that both health and life can deteriorate, which is unnatural for the Almighty, which encourages everyone to live in joy, happiness, grace.
In this appeal to the Lord at the very beginning there is a request to drive away any negative thoughts from a person, to have mercy, and also to help keep the mind clean - both the asking person and the one who caused resentment and anger. For the Name of God is great for those who love Him.
The elders' prayer for suicide
One of the serious prayers is an appeal to the Lord about those people who have deprived themselves of their own free will. This is considered a great sin before life and the Almighty.
To facilitate the soul of such a person, his living relatives can pray for him, as well as give alms to the poor.
This prayer is also recommended for those close to us who passed away without repentance or were not baptized.
Prayer begins with the words of the Lord recovering the soul of the deceased. The following is a request for clemency.
Summary
The prayers of the Optina Elders for every day and special are a great spiritual heritage for modern mankind, which has such powerful and life-giving power that it is impossible to wish for the best.
They help to be healed - spiritually and physically, to tune in to a new day or good night, to clear oneself of negative feelings and thoughts. And also ask for children and loved ones.
And no matter what prayer is read, it is important that it be with love, sincerity, faith in the Lord.