Why you need to pray
Prayer is both a right and an obligation. The means and opportunity to ask, not forgetting to repent regularly. You cannot pronounce words monotonously, mentally being under the impression of current worries. Prayer is a special kind of thing that requires detachment from earthly vanity.
A person is weak; it is incredibly difficult for him to follow the path of the righteous, following the example of Jesus Christ and the saints of God. We often see that he resorts to God’s help in moments of despair caused by life’s difficulties. Taking Psalm 90 in his hands and looking into the eyes of God, he whispers holy words, trusting in the mercy of the Creator.
The oldest text, the authorship of which is attributed to King David, has truly miraculous powers. Interesting names obtained from most sources:
- Gospels of Matthew and Luke - Psalm 90.
- Psalter of the Russian Orthodox Church - “Alive in Help.”
- Greek Christian Literature - "David's Song of Praise."
- The Latin version is Quihabitat.
Basic Prayers We Should Know
Psalm 90 “Living Help”
Our Father
Mother of God
The shortest prayer to the Mother of God
Symbol of faith
Prayer to all saints and ethereal heavenly powers
Troparion to the Martyr, tone 4
Kontakion to the Martyr, tone 6
Nikolai Ugodnik
May God rise again
Psalm 90 “Living Help”
Psalm 90 “Living Help” Or Praise of the Song of David, Not inscribed among Jews, 90
Living in the help of the Most High, he will settle in the shelter of the Heavenly God. Says the Lord: Thou art my intercessor and my refuge, my God, and I trust in Him. For He will deliver you from the snare of the trap, and from rebellious words, His splash will overshadow you, and under His wing you hope: His truth will surround you with weapons. Do not be afraid from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies during the day, from the thing passing in the darkness, from the cloak, and from the demon at midday. Thousands will fall from your country, and darkness will be at your right hand, but it will not come close to you: behold your eyes, and you will see the reward of sinners. For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High your refuge. Evil will not come to you, and wound will not approach your body: as His Angel commanded you, keep you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their arms, and one day you will dash your foot against a stone: you will step on an asp and a basilisk, and you will cross a lion and a serpent. For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver, and I will cover, and because I have known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him: I am with him in sorrow, I will overcome him, and I will glorify him, I will fill him with long days, and I will show him My salvation.
(Literature: “Psalter” Publishing House “Blagovest” www.blagovest-moskva.ru)
“Live Help” must be known by heart and read. They read from the devil when he appears to a person or scares him. May demonic insurance cease in a dream or temptation during the day.
Protect me, Lord, by the power of Your Honest and Life-giving Cross, and save me from all evil.
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Our Father
Our Father or Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation. But deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(Literature: “The Law of God” This book can be purchased at the church shop “Trinity Book” www.blagoslovenie.ru)
(Note: In the book “Prayer book for every request of the soul” there are no lower lines in the prayer: “For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.”) This prayer is the most important prayer of all. Reading this prayer, we turn to God the Father, calling Him Heavenly Father, and call upon Him to listen to our requests and petitions. In this prayer, we do not ask for wealth, but only for what He knows, what is useful and necessary for us, He desires good for us more than we ourselves. We also ask that you forgive us our sins, just as we ourselves forgive those who have offended or offended us. Also, while reading this prayer, we ask you to protect us from temptation and not commit a sin.
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Mother of God
Virgin Mary, Rejoice, Blessed Mary, the Lord is with you;
Blessed are You among women, and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
(Literature: “Prayer book for every request of the soul” Recommended for publication by the Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church)
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The shortest prayer to the Mother of God
Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
(Literature: “The Law of God” This book can be purchased at the church shop “Trinity Book” www.blagoslovenie.ru)
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Creed or symbol of the Orthodox faith
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, visible to all and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten, Who was born of the Father before all ages, Light from Light, True God from True God, begotten, uncreated, Consubstantial with the Father, and by Him all things were. For our sake, man and our salvation came down from Heaven and became incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became human. She was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And he rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And again the coming one will be judged with glory by the living and the dead, and His Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Life-Giving One, who proceeds from the Father, who is with the Father and the Son, worshiped and glorified, who spoke the prophets. Into one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I hope for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the next century. Amen.
(Literature: “The prayer shield of an Orthodox Christian” Compiled by: E.I. Dudkin Publishing house NPO “Modek”)
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Prayer to all saints and ethereal heavenly powers
Holy God and rest in the saints, glorified by the thrice-holy voice in heaven from Angels, praised on earth by man in His saints: having given grace to each by Thy Holy Spirit according to the bestowal of Christ, and by that ordaining Thy holy Church to be Apostles, prophets, and evangelists , you are shepherds and teachers, preaching in their own words. You yourself, who act all in all, have accomplished many holiness in every generation and generation, having pleased you with various virtues, and leaving us with an image of your good deeds, in the joy that has passed, prepare, in it the temptations themselves were, and help us who are attacked. I praise the memories of all these saints and their godly lives, I praise You Himself, who acted in them, and I diligently pray to You, Holy of Holies, to allow me, a sinner, to follow their teaching, and by Your all-pervading grace, heavenly with them be worthy of glory, praising Your most holy name, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
(Literature: “The prayer shield of an Orthodox Christian” Compiled by: E.I. Dudkin Publishing house NPO “Modek”)
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Troparion to the Martyr, tone 4
Thy martyr, Lord, (name), in his suffering received an imperishable crown from You, our God, for having Thy strength, overthrow the tormentors, crush the demons of weak insolence, save our souls with prayers.
(Literature: “The prayer shield of an Orthodox Christian” Compiled by: E.I. Dudkin Publishing house NPO “Modek”)
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Kontakion to the Martyr, tone 6
You have appeared as a bright star, the charmless one of the world, exalting the Sun of Christ with your dawns, the passion-bearer (name), and you have extinguished all the charm, but you give us light, praying unceasingly for all of us.
(Literature: “The prayer shield of an Orthodox Christian” Compiled by: E.I. Dudkin Publishing house NPO “Modek”)
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Prayer to Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker
First prayer
O all-holy Nicholas, exceedingly saintly servant of the Lord, our warm intercessor, and everywhere in sorrow a quick helper! Help me, a sinner and a sad person, in this life, beg the Lord God to grant me forgiveness of all my sins, which I have sinned greatly from my youth, in all my life, in deed, word, thought and all my feelings; and at the end of my soul, help me, the accursed one, beg the Lord God, the Creator of all creation, to deliver me from airy ordeals and eternal torment, so that I may always glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and your merciful intercession, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(Literature: “Prayer book for every request of the soul” Recommended for publication by the Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church
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Prayer to the Holy Cross or
May God rise again
(Mark yourself with a cross and speak)
May God rise again, and may His enemies be scattered, and may those who hate Him flee from His presence. As smoke disappears, let them disappear; as wax melts in the presence of fire, so let demons perish from the presence of those who love God and signify themselves with the sign of the cross, and say in joy: Rejoice, Most Honorable and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, driving away demons by the power of our drunken Lord Jesus Christ, who descended into hell and straightened the power the devil, and gave us to you, Your Honest Cross, to drive away every adversary. O Most Honest and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord! Help me with the Holy Virgin Mary and with all the saints forever. Amen. Or briefly: Protect me, Lord, by the power of Your Honest and Life-giving Cross, and save me from all evil.
(Literature: Prayer book for every request of the soul Recommended for publication by the Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church
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How to say the text of the prayer
Fully focused on content. Clearly imagining images of the manifestation of the Almighty’s help. Consistently, slowly, saying the words of prayer, imbued with life-affirming power. Gain strength and confidence.
The text fills a person with the bright joy of realizing the power of the Creator, who gives hope in difficult life circumstances. The Lord will help, protect, protect. He who resorts to his mercy will be saved.
Tempted by Satan, Jesus Christ, during a 40-day fast in the desert, read the verses of the 90th Psalm of the Holy Scriptures. And the Devil retreated powerlessly.
When is it necessary to read Psalm 90?
It is allowed to eat spiritual food at any convenient time. This strengthens faith, forms a core, relying on which you can forget your fears. Psalm 90 is enough to read once to understand that there is an all-conquering power.
Just the awareness of this inspires and gives confidence in overcoming difficult problems. But, if a moment of temptation, seduction, or burden comes, then you need to take a book and read a prayer. Or pronounce it if you know it by heart.
The unclean one is cunning and cunning, he constantly sends an army of demons to test the believer. Temptations: enrichment, lust, gaining power and power attack us everywhere.
Psalm 90 protects the Orthodox Christian, dispels insidious plans, and purifies thoughts. It is necessary to read until you feel a sense of connection with the Creator.
Reading rules
It is fair to note that the reading of certain psalms is suitable for certain cases, creating a kind of prayer rule for everyday prayer:
- Thank you notes, providing support in any matter;
- Appeal to the Highest for help;
- Blessing: before eating, traveling, exam, sleep;
- etc.
The prayer rules developed and approved by the Christian religion are read in a certain sequence. However, the question arises: if for some reason (ignorance, for example) the order of reading established by the church is violated, then won’t the Lord hear us? Of course he will hear!
In the video below you can listen to the text of the prayer.
Prayer as part of the Orthodox church service
The daily cycle of the Divine Service prescribes the recitation of Psalm 90 at the 6th hour, using Church Slavonic. This is also appropriate during the funeral service for the deceased. Western churches read a prayer at the evening service.
Any translation introduces distortion into the texts of the Holy Scriptures and does not allow us to express the fullness of the idea contained in the prayer. Therefore, it is recommended to study the Church Slavonic language in order to feel the depth and harmony of the texts written in it.
It is completely acceptable to recite Psalm 90 in Russian. God needs sincere faith. And skill comes with experience.
A case from one's life
An interesting fact told by eyewitnesses of the events that happened during the Second World War: women - weaving factory workers - sewed Psalm 90 into the waist part of their military uniform, and then sent the clothes to the front. Of course, this happened on the personal initiative of the weavers, because in the country of the Soviets the Orthodox Church was banned.
Perhaps the actions of compassionate women saved many lives from death , since, for sure, a piece of paper sewn into an overcoat or tunic with the text of a prayer to the highest saved the owner from a stray bullet, because Psalm 90 is the most powerful protection in such cases.
Why is it read forty times?
To restore faith in the Lord.
In times of confusion, it is necessary to find peace of mind and humility. Organize your thoughts, move away from external irritation and unnecessary influence. Then, it is very important to restore connection with God, stop all doubts, and gain faith.
This doesn't happen all at once. It takes work, spiritual effort, time. It is necessary to acquire a special attitude towards receiving divine grace.
The saving power of the psalm is well known. It can be pronounced in a moment of danger, carried in the form of a piece of paper or a piece of cloth, having previously written the text on them.
He will eliminate the enemy threat, protect him from enemies and envious people. You will be much calmer with him. It is especially recommended to wear it for people whose lives may be at risk: during armed conflicts, various types of tests, visiting places of adverse influences.
The meaning of the words of prayer
Psalm 90, written as praise to the Lord by the prophet David long before the birth of Jesus Christ, contains the idea of receiving intercession through all-consuming faith. And not simple intercession, but crushing everything.
This fills the heart with a feeling of complete satisfaction, the knowledge that one has found the truth in God. The soul immediately becomes calm.
It turns out that achieving grace is simple:
- Only a deeply religious person can find confidence, peace and protection. He loves God with all his heart, opens his soul and entrusts his thoughts.
- The Almighty gave Moses the Ten Commandments. By following them, everyone gains the Lord's protection.
- Our heavenly Father will always protect the believer from the attacks of enemies, will not allow him to fall into sinful passion, and will ward off slander that creates confusion in our souls.
- The Almighty loves us. He sent his son Jesus Christ to death to atone for all human sins committed in the past, as well as future ones.
Explanation
Ps.90:1-2
A person who lives with God in his soul, a truly devoted person, finds hope and shelter. His heart is calm, his soul is serene. A believer has protection at any time when evil forces are hanging over him.
The Lord is his only protection and hope. No one can do more for a believer than God. Only he is an intercessor and refuge.
Ps.90:3-4
Whoever “hunts” you or plans evil, the Lord God will protect and shelter you. Words of slander will fall away like arrows hitting a stone wall. You will always be protected from troubles, always remaining in peace and serenity.
Loyalty to the Almighty will surround you like the steel armor of a knight. Those who seek protection will certainly receive it through loyalty to the Lord.
Ps.90:5-6
The psalmist convinces us that there is no need to be afraid of nightmares that come in dreams, or of real villains, robbers, thieves, robbers. The Creator takes care of the children devoted to him.
He will not give believers into the hands of enemies, and will warn against the temptation of lust and adultery. Stop the insidious demons. It will close the abyss of depravity. Carelessness and laziness will not be able to prevent the children under God’s protection from doing righteous works.
Ps.90:7-8
The “thousands on the left” who seduce you, and the “ten thousand on the right” who oppose you in the way of righteousness, will fall. You will see everything with your own eyes. Sinners who repent of their deeds will find forgiveness. And you will become a witness to this.
Ps.90:9-10
Trust in the Lord, he is your support and hope. Make it your refuge. And then all evil will depart from your house. Any illness will go away.
Ps.90:11-12
Angels will protect you during troubles and misfortunes. They will allow you to bypass any obstacles and avoid overwhelming difficulties. When you don’t have enough strength to continue the work you started, the Lord will provide help. A believer will not remain lonely and abandoned.
Ps.90:13-14
Magicians and sorcerers act in the form of an asp, and a basilisk represents people in power. The dragon represents deceit and cunning, the lion is the most powerful animal. But their strength and power fade in the face of the Almighty.
No matter what evil forces interfere with you, under the protection of God they are powerless. Moreover, you yourself will be able to trample on envy and slander, melt away cruelty with a kind heart, and cover inhumanity with mercy.
Ps.90:15-16
Love for the Lord not only protects from all evil. It makes a person truly happy, allows you to see the world in a joyful light, and find solutions to any problems.
The Creator never leaves the one who loves him. He is nearby at any time. Be it grief or life's troubles; joy or luck. The Lord gives life, long life, salvation to those who sincerely believe in him. The path to this lies through the son of God - Jesus Christ.
Psalm 90 in Russian:
1 He who dwells under the roof of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, rests, 2 says to the Lord: “My refuge and my defense, my God, in whom I trust!” 3 He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, from the destructive plague, 4 He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will be safe; shield and fence are His truth. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day, 6 the plague that stalks in the darkness, the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you: 8 only you will look with your eyes and see the retribution of the wicked. 9 For you have said, “The Lord is my hope”; You have chosen the Most High as your refuge; 10 No evil will befall you, and no plague will come near your dwelling; 11 For he will command his angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways: 12 in their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone; 13 You will tread on the asp and basilisk; You will trample on the lion and the dragon. 14 “Because he loved Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he has known My name. 15 He will call to Me, and I will hear him; I am with him in sorrow; I will deliver him and glorify him, 16 I will satisfy him with long days, and I will show him My salvation.”
Psalm 90 – effective protection
For an Orthodox Christian, reading the text of Psalm 90 is as necessary as drinking clean water and breathing fresh air. No matter how strong a spirit we have, no matter how strictly we follow God’s commandments, the Evil One will always find a way to penetrate our earthly plans. He is infinitely cunning and resourceful. Just waiting for the moment to seduce the believer. Test the fortitude of the righteous and sinners.
Man is weak by nature. Without God's help he cannot resist. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to know the text of this prayer at least in Russian. It is advisable to learn it and repeat it regularly. Gradually, understanding and full awareness of the words that a praying person pronounces while reading “Alive in Help” will come.
It also doesn't hurt to carry it with you all the time. When setting off on a long journey, be sure to remember the text of the prayer. Place it in a safe place for your loved ones who are going through a difficult ordeal. This will definitely help.
Cases of the miraculous intercession of prayer are well known.
- During the First World War, the unit of Colonel Whittelsey of the British Army managed to completely maintain its strength. Military operations continued for four years. Bullets whistled, shells exploded, but the soldiers remained unharmed. This is evidenced by the report of engineer F. L. Rawson. This became possible only due to the fact that all the soldiers of the regiment constantly uttered the words of Psalm 90, having previously learned it by heart. It is characteristic that he called them “On Defense.” And indeed, he protected.
- An equally interesting incident occurred in Afghanistan. The participant was an ordinary Soviet officer. At his mother’s request, he took with him a small icon with the prayer “Alive in Help.” The unit in which he happened to fight was surrounded. There was no chance of salvation, there was no need to wait for help. But she came from where they were not expecting. The words of prayer spoken by the military literally paralyzed the enemy. The fighters managed to gather their strength and make a breakthrough. During a time in which no one died. And the officer himself returned home alive and well after some time. The mother's happiness, having regained her beloved son, knew no bounds.
- There are many known cases of miraculous salvation of military personnel during the Great Patriotic War, who carried the text of the prayer with them on small pieces of paper. For ideological reasons at the time, this was not advertised. It was prohibited to perform religious services on the territory of military units. But God's providence has no obstacles. Facts show: even people who knew only the first words of Psalm 90 became invulnerable to the enemy!
Gift from the king
The origin of the prayer from above is complex. Invented and recorded by King David of Israel in the 11th-10th centuries. BC e. on the occasion of the country's deliverance from pestilence.
The psalm has proven itself especially well against the manifestation of negative forces, their consequences, as well as influences on the environment, disasters and misfortunes - enemies and intractable diseases. Because of this, the text of the prayer was embroidered on the belt, which the person then wore around it. In a modern church shop you can now buy a similar product called an icon fold.
Why do even people far from Christianity read this prayer?
To verify its effectiveness. Doubts constantly torment a person deprived of true faith. He himself wants, personally, as Thomas Aquinas once did, to verify the veracity of everything he has heard about miraculous prayer.
Of course, Psalm 90 impresses anyone. It clearly shows what an Orthodox Christian possesses. Even an unbeliever feels all its power and protection.
Sometimes it happens that he begins to understand how much he has lost by departing from the Lord. Illuminated by such a discovery, the lucky person who has “seen the light” steps on the right path. To join at least a little to the great faith of Orthodoxy.
This is the miracle of influence this prayer has!
Practical skills of ancestors
Once upon a time, Christians used Old Slavonic techniques of protective embroidery, transferring them to the Orthodox attributes of their own faith. Well, the experience is useful, and most importantly, correct, and the tradition goes back more than 1000 years. Why invent something new if something that has already proven itself works great?
However, the church has always had a different attitude towards such things. On the one hand, pagan amulets and amulets, except for the pectoral cross, were prohibited. They were condemned by official church authorities, but a mitigating circumstance - the essence of which, a talisman - is prayer, which allows it to exist in this form, bringing invaluable benefit and relief to a believer.
Where did the number 40 come from?
The texts of the Holy Scriptures tell the story of the God-man Jesus Christ, immediately after baptism, who went into the desert. To cleanse the body and spirit in solitude, prayer and fasting. Thus, preparing yourself for the great mission ordained by the Lord. In order to save the human race from death and sin.
For forty days he did not eat anything, and after that he was tempted three times by the Devil:
- Hunger.
- Pride.
- By faith.
The unclean one seduced him in every possible way, as a simple person, counting on temptations to tempt Jesus into committing sin. But, having received baptism and strengthened his body with fasting and his spirit with prayer, the Son of God resisted and rejected all the machinations of the unclean.
And he was helped in this by prayer, which Christ repeated constantly, replacing bodily food with spiritual food, and through this strengthening in faith.
As a sign of the great feat of the Messiah, we must repeat his deeds at least in small ways. That is, repeating the words of the prayer 40 times and remembering the days of his stay in the wasteland. Which will undoubtedly help the believer achieve what he wants.
