Every Christian knows that prayer before leaving the house is the most important rite that can protect a person from various kinds of troubles. That is why Orthodox priests urge all people to observe this ancient ritual of the sacrament. After all, saying a prayer takes only a few minutes, and then protecting it lasts all day.
The role of prayer in the life of Christians
In the past, our ancestors from an early age taught children that any important event begins with a call to God. After all, only he knew the fate of man and could help him in a difficult moment. And here it should be understood that any journey is also a significant event, since you never know how it will end and what you might encounter along the way.
That is why the prayer uttered before leaving the house is so important. After reading it, a person gains protection from evil spirits, who continually strive to annoy him. In addition, sacred texts give Christians the grace of God. Being under its cover, people increase their luck, which contributes to the implementation of their plans.
Who should pray?
There are many saints who protect travelers on the road. However, among them the Mother of God and St. John Chrysostom. This is due to the fact that they have the power of heavenly patrons, which is able to protect against all misfortunes. In addition, priests recommend seeking help from a guardian angel. No matter where we go, he always accompanies us. Therefore, it is able to show its strength at our first call.
The prayer necessary for reading before leaving the house (St. John Chrysostom)
Saint John Chrysostom has long patronized travelers. In the past, no self-respecting merchant dared to go beyond the threshold of the house without asking for help from this blessed one. After all, then people were well aware that the road is an extremely dangerous place, which without a twinge of conscience punishes those who dare to neglect their safety.
According to ancient Christian doctrine, these words were spoken by John Chrysostom every time he left his room. However, it is not necessary to go into such extremes. It will be quite sufficient if a prayer is read before leaving the house: “I deny you, Satan, serving you and your pride. And I believe in Thee, Christ, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen".
Most Orthodox priests advise using this particular appeal to God. After all, firstly, one of his most devoted servants prayed in this way, and secondly, the text is so short that every person will easily remember it.
Prayer to the Mother of God
Among all the saints, the Most Holy Theotokos possesses the greatest protective power. If you believe the old traditions, then her grace helped entire cities and peoples survive in a time dangerous to them. Therefore, it is not surprising that the best protective prayer is that which is directed to the face of the Mother of God.
There are many sacred texts that can protect a person during his wanderings. But this one is considered to be the strongest: “Mother of God, My Lady, I pray you, drive away from me, the humble slave, oblivion, negligence, despondency and unreason. Protect Thy servant cursed from filth, hooliganism and the evil one. Cleanse my thoughts, my heart and my mind from unworthy thoughts, Your name defaming. Deliver me from bad beginnings and evil deeds that reproach Thy glory. For blessed are you, and your kind, and your name is glorified forever and ever. Amen".
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Guardian angel always protects us from trouble and evil spirits. However, his strength is not unlimited, and therefore he needs our support. Orthodox monks are confident that prayer can strengthen his power, because it is a direct proof of human faith. Therefore, the more often a Christian calls to his guardian angel, the stronger he becomes.
Best of all, when a prayer is read before leaving the house: “Protect me a sinner, Holy Angel, from my passionate life. Do not leave me in the house and on a long journey. Do not let the evil demon possess me, neither my body, nor my soul. Give me strength to complete all my affairs, strengthening my thin and destitute hand. Holy Angel of the Lord, guardian of my body and soul, forgive all my transgressions, as I did them in my stupidity. Cover me with grace on the present day so that I can resist all temptations and evil thoughts. For you are always with me, until the Great Judgment is accomplished. Amen".
Pronounced prayer before leaving home for good luck
Quite often, we leave the house for a reason, but for some specific purpose. For example, we go to study, work, interview or to the hospital. Naturally, at such moments, I really want luck to accompany us, since the whole future day depends on it.
In such cases, it is best to directly ask the Lord for his favor. For example, after reading the following prayer: “Lord, Jesus Christ, our Savior, accept my sincere prayer and bless the intentions of your servant (Name). Insist that you can safely begin business without outside obstacles, so that they glorify Your name. For you are merciful, our God, and abide with your Father, and with your life-giving good spirit, now and evermore and forevermore. Amen".
The duty of every Christian
Prayer, before leaving the house, read, can save from many troubles and disappointments. But it should be remembered that without faith even sacred texts lose their power. Without it, they are just a collection of words that are in no way able to influence the fate of a person.
Therefore, any Christian, first of all, must rely on his own sense of faith. That is, to speak with the Lord not only when His help or instructions are needed, but also just like that. After all, he is our Heavenly Father. And like any parent, He loves when His children respect and respect Him. And prayer, when leaving the house, is just one of the ways to show your devotion to Him.