How to Pray

Do you sometimes have difficulty with consistency in morning prayer?  Beginning to Pray, by Metropolitan Anthony Bloom suggests that spontaneous prayer tends to come forth most easily when we are either in the depths of despair, and realize our own spiritual poverty, or on a spiritual mountain top and are praising God.

For those times in between, pre-written prayers are best.  One that he recommends is a prayer by Orthodox Saint Philaret of Moscow.  It is a beautifully appropriate morning prayer.

O Lord,
grant that I may 
meet the coming day 
in peace.

Help me in all things
to rely upon 
Thy Holy Will.
In every hour 
of the day,
reveal Thy will to me.

Bless my dealings with all who 
surround me.

Teach me to treat all that comes to me
throughout the day with peace of soul,
and with the firm conviction that 
Thy will governs all.

In all my deeds and words,
guide my thoughts and feelings.

In unforeseen events, let me not forget
that all are sent by Thee.

Teach me to act firmly and wisely,
without embittering and embarrassing others.

Give me the strength to bear the fatigue
of the coming day with all that it shall bring.

Direct my will.

Teach me to pray.

Pray Thou Thyself in me.

~Amen.

Hat tip to Deacon Michael of Ancient Faith Radio.