Becoming A Prayer: The Trisagion

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

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[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.”