The Trisagion is probably the most frequently said prayer for
Orthodox, next to the Jesus prayer. This prayer comes within in the first part
of our morning prayers and may even suffice as the entire morning prayer for
some. Although we do exchange the Trisagion part of the prayer with other
prayers between Lent and Pentecost.
Nevertheless, take some time, light some candles and slowly and intentionally say this prayer for a week. It is a prayer of many confessions about ourselves, but mostly about God. As we confess this to God, it will begin to form a better theology and faith within us.
Morning Prayer
(Before beginning this, take a moment to become internally still and aware that the Presence and Kingdom of God is already around you and in you.)
In
the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Amen. (Make the sign of the Cross while saying it).[1]
Prayer
of the Publican
(Each time you say this make the sign of the cross, bow and touch the floor, unless mobility restricts you, then do what you can).
O
God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O
God, be merciful to me a sinner.
O
God, be merciful to me a sinner.[2]
The
Beginning Prayer
O
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure
mother, and all the saints, have mercy on us.[3]
Glory
to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King, Comforter and Spirit of Truth, Who is everywhere present and fills all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
The
Trisagion
(Each time you say the Trisagion make the sign of the cross, bow and touch the floor).
Holy
God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us
Holy
God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us.
Holy
God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us
Glory
to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirt (Make the sign of the
cross) both now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord's Prayer
Our
Father, Who are in the heavens, hallowed be Your name.
Let Your
Kingdom come; Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give
us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Do
not let us come into time of trial, but deliver us from evil,
For Yours
is the Kingdom and the power and the glory
Of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
[1] Put your
index, middle and thumb together (Represents the Trinity), and fold your other two fingers
down (Represents Christ’s two natures: human/divine). Touch your forehead, abdomen, right
shoulder, left shoulder (yes, we cross the opposite of most Roman Catholics,
who incidentally used to cross this ancient way).
[2] Do not ask for
God’s mercy as if you are begging for it to happen. God loves you and is
endlessly giving mercy to you already, so say it with the intention of trying
to become more aware of it.
[3] If you are
confused as to why Orthodox and Catholics include prayer from the mother of God
and saints, it is not because we worship them. Christian theology believes that
because of Christ, death did not get the final say and now their lives are
hidden in Christ, but are free to intercede (like any living friend) for us as
the “great cloud of witnesses.”