Patience, humility and modesty can be considered among the worst qualities in people today. Pride fills the whole world. Instead of praying for the gift of strength and patience, understanding the will of God, believers follow the world, relying only on their own strength.
People see the rapid development of science, technology, artificial intelligence, so they do not want to waste a minute asking life everything at once regarding material and material issues. In modern society there is no understanding that all this was given to us with God's permission and, perhaps, as a punishment.
However, when thoughts come about the immortality of the soul, about the next stage of its life, such an understanding comes. But it arises quite late, when people are already forced to endure illness, disaster, and defeat. And this requires great patience, which only the power of the Holy Spirit can give.
Prayer 1, to the Lord
Understanding the need to patiently endure all trials comes through the study of the Holy Scriptures. You can see, knowing how the Lord is kind and merciful to us, humiliating our pride and returning to true values.
Glory to Thee, Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who never leaves His sufferers without visitation and consolation. Punish: you punish them, but do not put them to death; although you are often their hidden God, you are the Savior of them all. Seal this consolation, Lord, in my heart and show me its truth when trouble is near and there is no help. Be my light when I sit in darkness; May the knowledge of my sins and what they deserve produce in me true humility and patience. Strengthen your faith in me, as in Jacob, when trouble comes, so that I will fight and will not let you go until you bless me. Make sure that in suffering I do not run away from You, O my Shepherd, but that my courage grows and becomes more zealous for Your prayer and Your praise. Open my mind so that I can understand the Scriptures, learn your ways from them, and in the true silence of my heart, give myself completely and completely to You through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord! Amen.
Family life and service to others
Qualities such as humility, patience, meekness and the ability to forgive are indispensable in marriage. Family is a cross, serving your spouse, children and elderly parents. Pride and temper poison life in marriage, and sometimes lead to irreversible consequences. Any conflict in the family should be resolved calmly, with a cool head, without scandals or assault. However, it is not always possible to restrain yourself.
Prayer for humility and patience in the family of St. John of Kronstadt will help:
Oh, meek and humble-hearted Creator, Life-Giver, Redeemer, Nourisher and Guardian, our Lord Jesus! Teach us love, meekness and humility by Your Holy Spirit and strengthen us in these virtues most dear to You, so that our hearts are not puffed up by Your rich gifts, so that we do not imagine that we feed, satisfy and support anyone: You are the common Breadwinner of all - you nourish, satisfy and preserve; everyone is content and at peace under the wings of Your goodness, generosity and love for mankind, and not under ours, for we ourselves need to take refuge in the shadow of Your wings - every moment of our life. Our eyes are directed to You, our God, like the eyes of a slave in the hand of the Lord, like the eyes of a slave in the hand of her mistress, until You have mercifully spared us. Amen.
Prayer 2, to the Lord
Prayers for the granting of patience and humility can be offered to God at home or in church. The main thing is a sincere desire to accept everything that the Lord has given us. After all, to endure all trials means to approach in your humility the image of Jesus Christ, who endured the torments of death in the name of our salvation. And this will be a step towards achieving at least a small resemblance to God.
Father of mercy and God of consolation! I call on you in the name of Jesus Christ to give me true Christian patience. Arm me with this against all pain, so that I can be patient in this, because it is very valuable. Prepare me to take upon myself the cross of Christ, bear it patiently and remain firmly under it to the end. Remove from me all murmuring and sorrow of the flesh about the weight of the cross and the duration of its life. Present yourself, O beloved Jesus, with your patience under the cross and on the cross, present yourself to my eyes and my heart, so that by contemplating you I may be encouraged and strengthened to endure everything constantly. Grant, O patient Savior, that I may not grow weary in spirit, but with patience, allow me to enter with suffering and pain into the Kingdom of God. I need to have patience in order to do the will of God and receive what is promised. Please, please grant my request!
Model of Humility
Seraphim of Sarov said:
Acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands around you will be saved.
An elderly man living alone in the forest was attacked by robbers. Grandfather was severely beaten, although he did not put any obstacles in the way of the robbers and did not even swear. They took away the most valuable thing - a small icon of the Virgin Mary in a silver frame. The beaten owner was left for dead. But the Lord did not abandon the victim of the robbers: having recovered a little from the beatings, the old man managed to reach the monastery. It was the famous Sarov wonderworker Seraphim.
The elder entered the temple during the liturgy. The brethren of the monastery were horrified by his appearance. His head was broken, his ribs were broken, his torn clothes were smeared with dirt and blood stains. The abbot sent doctors to the city, but no one hoped for a miracle; it seemed that Seraphim’s imminent death was inevitable.
Prayer 3, to the Most Holy Theotokos
Our Lady, an intercessor before God, always listens to sincere prayers for the gift of patience. It can lighten the burden that God has placed on us. Therefore, asking her for help in trials is the surest way to gain humility. The Blessed Virgin does not refuse help to anyone if she sincerely and unceasingly prays. After all, prayer is not a one-time act, it is not a mantra that you recite - and all that has disappeared. You need to pray a lot, achieving understanding and sincerity in your conversation with the Mother of God.
Quench the sickness of my soul, which breathes a lot, I, having extinguished every tear from the face of the earth: You drive away human illnesses and allow sinful pains, I have found hope and affirmation in everything, Mother of God! Represents everyone, Well, those who come with faith in Your shell: otherwise it is not Imam, sin, to God in trouble and in the haste of good deliverance, lay down the sins of many, you, Matty God! In the same way we fall to You: free your servants from any situation! None of those who come to you are ashamed of your descent, Blessed Virgin Mary; but leave grace and accept the gift as a useful prayer. Satisfy the pure joy of my heart, your imperishable joy that I give, the joy born of wine! Satisfied by the joy in my heart, the Virgin, who accepted the joy and absorbed the pain of sin!
Strong prayer to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker for help (read for 40 days)
There is a powerful prayer to Saint Nicholas that can change a person’s destiny. You should read it for 40 days in a row. At the same time, the text of the prayer is repeated each time for 40 minutes. If at least one day is missed, then the reading must be repeated again from scratch. It is also important not to let anyone know that you are reading a prayer that changes fate.
The text of the prayer reads as follows:
“Chosen by the Lord, Saint Nicholas, God's Pleasant and Wonderworker! During your lifetime, you exuded your valuable mercies to the whole world. You showed believers an inexhaustible number of unforgettable miracles, you were famous for the strength of your spirit and were unshakable in your faith. I, the Servant of God (my own name), praise you and ask you to pray for my blessings to the Lord Almighty.
Rejoice, Saint Nicholas, Great Wonderworker and protector of all Christians, rejoice. Your kindness is known to all who live on earth and your angelic image is familiar. Teach us all to turn to you: Rejoice in having holy flesh.
Rejoice, Saint, who surprised your parents with your birth. Rejoice, you who showed your miraculous spiritual power to the whole world immediately after your birth. Rejoice, garden in the land of promise; Rejoice, the blossom of the Divine gardens. Rejoice, vine of the virtuous grape of Christ; Rejoice, tree of the miracle-working paradise of Jesus. Rejoice, heavenly world! Rejoice, fragrance of the world of Christ. Rejoice, for in this way you drive away all sobbing; Rejoice, because you bring joy.
Rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker!
Rejoice, having appeared before the lambs and the shepherds; Rejoice, holy purgatory of morals. Rejoice, repository of great virtues; Rejoice, holy and pure dwelling! Rejoice, all-bright and all-loving saint; Rejoice, our golden and immaculate light!
Rejoice, great and worthy interlocutor of the Angels; Rejoice, kind and reliable mentor of all mankind! Rejoice, you who bring to people the rule of pious faith; Rejoice, example and image of spiritual meekness! Rejoice, because with your help we are getting rid of bodily passions; Rejoice, for with you we are filled with spiritual sweets!
Rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker!
Rejoice when you give those who ask relief from sorrow; Rejoice for your giving of grace. Rejoice, persecutor of evil, rejoice, giver of desired blessings. Rejoice, quick comforter to those in trouble; Rejoice, just punisher of the offended. Rejoice, you who keep within yourself the abyss of miracles, guided by God; Rejoice, revered laws of Christ, written by God. Rejoice, helper of construction; Rejoice, upholding the affirmation. Rejoice, because you reveal all flattery, rejoice, because you reveal all truth.
Rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker!
Rejoice, source of all healing; Rejoice, helper for all who suffer! Rejoice, shining dawn in the night, showing the way to those entangled in sin; Rejoice, transparent dew that does not flow away for the labors of existence! Rejoice, giving prosperity to those who need it; Rejoice, for those who have prepared abundance for those who ask! Rejoice, granter of repeated forgiveness; Rejoice, helping old gray hairs, renewing their strength! Rejoice, protector of many of life’s errors and deviations from the true path; Rejoice, faithful servant, knower of the mysteries of God. Rejoice, since through you all believers trample on human envy, we fill our lives with good morals.
Rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker!
Rejoice, you who deliver the Saint from eternal misery, who bestow incorruptible wealth. Rejoice, who always defends the truth; Rejoice, who gives inexhaustible drink to those who thirst for life! Rejoice, protector from terrible battles and riots; Rejoice, freer from all dependence! Rejoice, protector of people in all troubles; Rejoice, great protector in various adversities!
Rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker!
Rejoice, our heavenly illumination of the Trisolar Light; Rejoice, holy day of the eternal sun! Rejoice, candle, kindled by the Divine flame; Rejoice, because with your inner strength you extinguished the demonic flame of wickedness! Rejoice, sharp lightning, burning all heresy around; Rejoice, strong and powerful thunder, terrifying all tempting evil spirits! Rejoice, true teacher, filling us with reason; Rejoice, mysterious exponent of the Divine mind! Rejoice as you do. The Great One was able to trample on the worship of the creature; Rejoice, because together with you we all true believers will learn to worship the Creator in the Trinity!
Rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker!
Rejoice, Saint, mirror of all virtues; Rejoice, you who protect everyone and come running to you under a strong protective visor! Rejoice, for our hope is directed towards God and the Mother of God; Rejoice, you who care for the health of our bodies and the salvation of our souls! Rejoice, for with you we believers are freed from eternal death; Rejoice, for with you we are worthy of endless life!
Rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker!
Oh, blessed Wonderworker Saint Nicholas, who is the consolation of all those who mourn, accept our offering and petition, beg the Almighty Lord to get rid of the fiery and terrible hell for us all, intercede for us, and we sincerely and sincerely sing with you: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah!
Chosen by God to the Holy Hierarch and Servant of Christ, Father the Wonderworker Nicholas! You exude your valuable mercies to the whole world and show an inexhaustible sea of miracles, strengthening faith in the soul of every believer. I praise you with sincere love and have the boldness to ask you to free me from all the troubles of life.
Rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker, rejoice, Saint Nicholas, the great Heavenly Wonderworker!
Psalm 142
The Psalter is called a powerful defense against every evil and unkind person and demon. But the psalms themselves are not spells and amulets. These are prayers addressed to God that everyone can sincerely and fully use in difficult moments of life. Psalm 142 reads about the gift of patience and humility. He very accurately describes the feelings that overwhelm a person who understands why he suffers all the problems and punishments.
Lord, hear my prayer, fill my prayer with your truth, hear me in your righteousness: and do not be condemned by your deeds, for all living things will not be justified before You. I have driven out the enemy from my soul: I have humbled the food in the land of my life: I have planted food in darkness, like a dead age. And my spirit within me despaired, my heart within me was troubled. I will remember the times of antiquity, I learned in all your works, I learned in your hands. My hand rises to you: my soul is for you like earth without water. Hear me quickly, Lord, my spirit is gone: do not take Your face away from me, and I will be like those who go down into the pit. Listening, in the morning you will do me mercy, as in your hopes: tell me, Lord, let me go as soon as I bring you my soul. Take me away from my enemies, Lord, I have come to You. Teach me to do your will, as you are my God: your Spirit is good and will insist on me at the right hand of the earth. For Thy name's sake, O Lord, live me for Thy righteousness' sake: Thou hast delivered me from pain; and by Thy mercy I have destroyed my enemies and destroyed all my cold souls.
Translation: Lord! hear my prayer, hear my prayer in your truth; Hear me according to your righteousness and do not enter into court with your servant, because not a single living creature is justified before you. The enemy is pursuing my soul, he trampled my life into the ground, he made me live in darkness, like those who died long ago - and my spirit is crushed within me, my heart is numb within me. I remember ancient times, I reflect on all your works, I think about the creations of your hands. I extend my hands to you; my soul is like a thirsty land for you. Hear me quickly, Lord: my spirit is weak; do not hide your face from me, lest you become like those who go down to the tomb. Let me quickly listen to your mercy, because I believe in you. Show me, [Lord], the path I should take, for to You I lift up my soul. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I'm running to you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; May your good Spirit lead me to the land of righteousness. For your name's sake, Lord, revive me; For the sake of your truth, free my soul from adversity. And in your mercy destroy my enemies and all who oppress my soul, for I am your servant.
Who is Saint Nicholas, God's saint
Saint Nicholas, God's saint, one of the most revered saints and the Orthodox Church. He performed miracles during his lifetime and now continues to help people who turn to him for help. First of all, Saint Nicholas is considered the patron saint of travelers and sailors.
How did he become a saint?
Saint Nicholas lived on earth more than 16 centuries ago, in the third century. This was a very difficult period for Christianity. Clashes between Christians and pagans were observed everywhere. We can say that it was at this time that the future fate of the Christian faith was being decided.
The struggle was very difficult, despite the fact that Christianity was many times superior to decaying paganism in its internal strength. The Roman authorities considered Christians their worst enemies and carried out terrible persecutions against them. But all their efforts were in vain, for according to the word of God, the forces of hell will never be able to shake the Church. It was to support the strength of spirit of righteous Christians at that time that the zealous champion and defender of the Christian Faith, Saint Nicholas, was sent to earth.
Saint Nicholas was born in ancient Lycia in the city of Patara. His parents were Feofan and Nonna, who came from noble, wealthy families. Like many other Old Testament righteous people, they had to endure a difficult life test - the absence of children. All their lives they prayed to the Lord to give them a child and made a vow to dedicate him to the service of the Lord.
Their fervent prayers were heard, but they were already elderly when their first child was born. He was named Nikolai. This name translates as conqueror of the people. This already indicated that throughout his life he would have to fight human malice and defeat it.
Already in the first days after his birth, the baby made it clear that he was destined for special service to the Lord. One of the ancient legends says that during the baptismal ceremony he stood at the font for about three hours, unsupported by anyone. Another legend says that the baby took milk during feeding only from the mother’s right breast, and on Wednesdays and Fridays he abstained completely from food. This unusual behavior of Saint Nicholas in childhood made it clear to his parents that their child would truly become a Pleasant of God.
The parents of Saint Nicholas were righteous Christians, so they paid a lot of attention to raising their son and were able to put the truths of Christianity into his soul and direct him to a righteous life. Thanks to correct upbringing and natural talent, the boy, supported by the Holy Spirit, was able to quickly comprehend book wisdom in order to skillfully apply it in his life.
The youth Nikolai led a pious lifestyle during his studies. He did not chat in vain with his peers and avoided sinful entertainment. He was careful in his relationships with women and avoided any unclean thoughts towards them, remembering the words of the Savior that everyone who looked at a woman with lust had already committed adultery with her. During his growing up period, Saint Nicholas spent almost all his time reading the Holy Scriptures and praying.
His deeds and miracles
The pious life of young Nicholas was noted by the bishop, who was the youth’s uncle and bore the same name. It was he who asked the parents to give their son to serve the Lord, and they willingly agreed, since they had previously made a vow about this. Having accepted the young man under his protection, the bishop eventually ordained him as a presbyter. Having accepted the priesthood, Nicholas began to lead an even more strict lifestyle, filling it with asceticism. He practically did not sleep and was constantly awake, spending time in prayers, which, combined with fasting, brought him closer to disembodied spirits. Over time, it began to seem to everyone around him that he was no longer a man, but an angel in the flesh.
Being in complete deep humility, Nikolai did not seek to flaunt his spiritual exploits. But the Lord himself wanted that with his pious life Saint Nicholas would direct other people to the path of truth, and show that the Christian faith brings spiritual benefit and salvation.
When the Bishop of Patara went to Palestine to venerate the holy places, he entrusted the management of his church to his nephew. Saint Nicholas justified the trust and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the fulfillment of high and sacred duties. During this period he did a lot of good for Christians.
By this time, Nikolai's parents had died, leaving their son a rich inheritance. This is what gave him the opportunity to conduct charitable activities that were important to him. After all, his own wealth meant nothing to the priest; he considered it temporary and passing, and therefore did not strive to increase it. With his charitable activities, Saint Nicholas showed Christians that they need to remember the commandment of Christ, which says that those who give alms to others give it to Jesus Christ himself, and therefore acquire incorruptible wealth in heaven.
After the bishop returned from Palestine, Saint Nicholas decided to also make a pilgrimage to holy places. While traveling on the ship, Nicholas showed his natural gift of deep prophetic insight and miracles. It so happened that he predicted a strong storm, seeing in his vision how an unclean spirit entered the ship and tried to sink it. And indeed, soon the sky became cloudy, and a terrible storm began. Only after this the sailors believed Saint Nicholas and turned to him for help as the only savior. Saint Nicholas advised us to place our hope only in God’s mercy. After that, he knelt down and turned to the Lord in prayer. She was soon heard by the Almighty. The storm suddenly stopped and the ship was saved. After this, all sailors consider St. Nicholas their protector and patron. Soon, on the same ship, Saint Nicholas performed another miracle. He prayed to resurrect a young man who had fallen from a mast from a great height and was broken.
After some time, the ship, protected by the prayers of St. Nicholas to the Lord God, reached the shores of Alexandria. While the sailors were stocking up on provisions for their further journey, Saint Nicholas healed the local people. He cured many residents of Alexandria from terrible illnesses, helped others drive out an unclean spirit from their souls, and, finally, simply consoled those in need of spiritual grief.
After some time, the ship sailed and successfully reached the holy Palestinian land. Saint Nicholas immediately went to Jerusalem. At that time, the city was inhabited by pagans, and little remained in it that was associated with the name of Jesus Christ. In his soul, Saint Nicholas had a desire to stay forever in Palestine and preach the faith of Christ. But the Almighty wanted him to return to his native land. Therefore, after some time the pious presbyter agreed with the shipmen to take him to the Lycian country. During the return journey, the Pleasant of God had the opportunity to experience strong human anger, but he managed to defeat it, because this was already predicted in his very name.
Evil shipbuilders deceived Saint Nicholas by sending the ship in a completely different direction. Noticing this, the presbyter began to beg them not to do this, but did not find a response in the souls of callous people. Therefore, he turned to the Lord with fervent prayer to admonish the deceivers. Suddenly a strong wind arose and turned the ship towards the shores of Lycia. Having arrived there against their own will, the shipmen feared that they would have to suffer a terrible retribution for their evil intentions. But Saint Nicholas went ashore without saying a word of reproach, and with peace and blessing he released the shipmen.
Wanting to hide from the bustle of the world, Saint Nicholas intended to lead a solitary life in his homeland in one of the monastic cells in the Zion Monastery. But the Lord God did not allow this and after some time ordered him to become the leader of the Lycian Church. For his place of residence, Saint Nicholas chose the large city of Myra, the capital of the Lycian state. For some time, the Holy Saint lived like a beggar, humbling himself in everything.
After the Archbishop of Lycia died, all the bishops gathered in the capital to elect a new head of the Church. But after the passage of time, they could not decide on the choice of the most worthy one. Therefore, not having come to an agreement, they turned to the Lord to show them the person who should lead the Church. God responded to the pious request of the bishops. He appeared during prayer to one of the oldest bishops and ordered that attention be paid to the one who would be the first to come the next day to the morning service. And the first person was Saint Nicholas, who, as usual, came at an early hour for morning prayer.
Soon the council of bishops confirmed Saint Nicholas as archbishop of the Myra Church. After taking over the management, God's Pleasant made a vow to himself that from now on he would live not only for himself, but also for others. And from that time on, Saint Nicholas no longer began to hide his good, miraculous deeds.
The persecution of Christians by pagans did not stop. Hard times have come for the Myra Church as well. Despite any threats from the outside, Saint Nicholas selflessly supported the faith of his flock. For this, together with other Christians, he was imprisoned. The Holy Pleasant of God patiently endured all hardships and provided support to other prisoners, not for a moment allowing himself to think about renouncing the Christian faith.
The fight against Christianity was not successful and gradually the persecution began to stop. Prisoners began to be released from prison. Like other pastors, he restored old churches and built new ones. Saint Nicholas accepted repentance from everyone whose faith in their souls weakened during persecution, and constantly asked in prayer for help for the lost.
Saint Nicholas lived to a ripe old age, and all the time he performed good deeds in the name of establishing the Christian faith. The Pleasant of God died after a short illness. His soul was taken by the Holy Angels and taken to the Lord, and his body was buried in the cathedral Church of the World.
