Nondenominational Evangelical Prayers in Modern English — A Free Christian Prayer Book
Nondenominational Evangelical Prayers in Modern English
About This Collection
This is a free, nondenominational evangelical Christian devotional collection centered on Jesus Christ. It is not a denomination, an official church publication, or a claim to ecclesiastical authority.
The prayers gathered here come from several historic Christian traditions, including traditional Orthodox morning and evening prayers, ancient Akathists, and familiar Western Christian devotions. They are presented together for personal prayer, not to erase their history or to suggest that every prayer originated within evangelical Christianity.
Many traditional prayers are beautiful but can be difficult for modern readers when they are expressed in older English. The wording in this collection has therefore been carefully rendered into clear, natural contemporary English while seeking to preserve the meaning, reverence, theology, and devotional character of the prayers.
This is a devotional modernization, not an official liturgical translation. When praying in a church or parish setting, use the wording and prayer books provided by that community.
I use the personal ministry name “David the Evangelist” because my purpose is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage people to turn toward him. It is not a title of church office. I come from Jewish ancestry and believe in Jesus Christ as Messiah, Lord, and Savior. The name David also reminds me of King David of Israel: a man who prayed honestly, repented, trusted God, and gave the people of God a treasury of prayer in the Psalms.
May these prayers help anyone who finds them to seek Jesus Christ with faith, repentance, gratitude, and love.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
— Romans 10:13
Contents
A Simple Daily Pattern
- Morning: Opening Prayers → Creed → Morning Prayers → Jesus Prayer.
- During the day: Lord’s Prayer, Jesus Prayer, Glory Be, or any short devotion as needed.
- Evening: Opening Prayers → Evening Prayers → Marian or St. Michael devotion if desired → Jesus Prayer.
A prayer rule should be steady enough to shape your day, but not so complicated that you cannot keep it. Pray slowly and pay attention to the meaning of the words.
Orthodox Opening Prayers
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, you are everywhere and fill all things. You are the Treasury of every good gift and the Giver of life. Come and live within us. Cleanse us from every stain, and in your goodness save our souls.
The Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us. (three times) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever. Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Trinity
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, forgive our wrongs. Holy One, come to us and heal our weaknesses for the sake of your name.
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your kingdom come, and may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the bread we need. Forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Do not let us fall into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. For yours are the kingdom, the power, and the glory: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever. Amen.
The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of everything visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father before all ages; Light from Light, true God from true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven. By the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary he took flesh and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried. On the third day he rose again, in fulfillment of the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will never end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. Together with the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He spoke through the prophets. I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
Morning Prayer Rule
After waking, make the sign of the Cross and begin with the Opening Prayers if you are able.
To the Holy Trinity
As I rise from sleep, I bow before you, blessed and mighty God, and join the angels in praise: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Lord, you have raised me from sleep. Enlighten my mind and heart, and open my lips so that I may praise you, Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on me. Now and always and forever. Amen. The day of judgment will come when every hidden thing is brought to light. So with reverence I cry to you: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on me.
Morning Prayer to the Father
Lord Almighty, God of all creation, you dwell on high and yet look with compassion on the humble. You know every heart and see what is hidden within us. Eternal and unchanging Light, receive the prayer I offer this morning even though my words are imperfect. In the greatness of your mercy, forgive every sin I have committed knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word, or action. Cleanse me in body and soul. Keep my heart awake and my mind clear as I pass through this life, waiting for the glorious coming of your only Son, our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. On that day every life will be revealed and each person will answer for what they have done. Do not let me become careless or spiritually asleep. Give me courage to live faithfully, so that I may be ready to enter the joy of your kingdom, where those who love you rejoice without end. You are the true Light who enlightens and makes all things holy, and all creation praises you forever. Amen.
Morning Prayer to the Theotokos
Most holy Mother of God, I praise the grace God has given you. Teach me to walk faithfully in the commandments of Christ. Strengthen me to remain watchful in prayer and do not let spiritual laziness overcome me. By your prayers, free me from the habits of sin and protect me by day and by night from every enemy of my soul. You gave birth to Christ, the Life of the world; ask him to give life to my heart. You bore the Light that never fades; ask him to enlighten my soul. Help me become a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. You bore the Physician of souls; ask him to heal the wounds and passions within me and lead me into true repentance. Do not let my sins become a cause of despair. Pray that Christ will restore what sin has damaged in me, deliver me from evil, and bring me at last into the joy of heaven with all his saints. Receive the prayer I offer with a sincere heart and carry it to our compassionate Lord. To Christ belong honor and worship, now and always and forever. Amen.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Holy angel of God, guardian of my soul and body, do not leave me because of my sins or weakness. Do not allow the enemy to gain power over me. Strengthen me when I am weak and guide me on the way of salvation. Forgive the ways I have grieved you, and protect me throughout this day from temptation and from every sin that would separate me from God. Pray for me, that the Lord may establish me in reverence, faithfulness, and love, and make me a worthy servant of his goodness. Amen.
Prayer to Your Patron Saint - Optional
Holy Saint ____________, faithful servant and friend of God, pray to God for me. Help me by your prayers and intercede for the salvation of my soul.
Core Prayers for Any Time
The Jesus Prayer
This may be prayed slowly once, several times, or repeatedly with a prayer rope. Let the words become a sincere turning of the heart toward Christ.
Glory Be - Doxology
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Short Prayer for Mercy
Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Short Prayer of Praise
Glory to you, O Christ our God, our hope; glory to you.
Marian & Angelic Devotions
The prayers in this section are included for private devotion. The Hail Mary, Hail Holy Queen, and St. Michael Prayer belong especially to the Western Christian tradition.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is Jesus, the fruit of your womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Orthodox “Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos”
Rejoice, Virgin Theotokos, Mary full of grace; 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.
Hail Holy Queen
Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our comfort, and our hope. To you we cry as the exiled children of Eve. To you we lift our sighs, grieving and weeping in this troubled world. Turn your merciful eyes toward us, most gracious advocate. And when our earthly exile is ended, show us Jesus, the blessed fruit of your womb. O merciful, O loving, O gentle Virgin Mary. Pray for us, holy Mother of God, that we may receive what Christ has promised. Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Protect us from the wickedness and traps of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And you, Prince of the heavenly armies, by the power of God, drive Satan and all evil spirits into hell - those who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Evening Prayer Rule
At the end of the day, become quiet before God. If possible, begin with the Opening Prayers. Remember the day honestly, give thanks for what was good, confess what was wrong, forgive others, and entrust the night to God.
Prayer for Mercy
Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us. We have no excuse to offer. As sinners standing before our Master, we ask only this: have mercy on us. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Lord, have mercy on us, because we put our trust in you. Do not deal with us according to our sins. Look on us with compassion and deliver us from every enemy. You are our God and we are your people, the work of your hands, and we call upon your name. Now and always and forever. Amen. Blessed Theotokos, open to us the doors of compassion. We place our hope in God, and we ask your prayers that we may not perish but be delivered from every danger.
Evening Prayer to the Father
Eternal God, King of all creation, thank you for bringing me safely to this hour. Forgive every sin I committed today in thought, word, or action. Cleanse my soul and body from everything that defiles them. Grant me peaceful sleep tonight. When I rise again, help me live in a way that honors your holy name. Deliver me from empty thoughts, harmful desires, and every visible or invisible enemy. For yours are the kingdom, the power, and the glory: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever. Amen.
Evening Prayer to Jesus Christ
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal Word of the Father and perfect Son of God, in your great mercy never leave me. Good Shepherd, do not let me follow the voice of the serpent or surrender to evil desires. The seeds of corruption are still within me, so stay near and guard me. Holy King Jesus, while I sleep protect me by the unfading light of your Holy Spirit, the same Spirit by whom you made your disciples holy. Give me your salvation even as I lie down to rest. Enlighten my mind with the truth of your Gospel, fill my soul with love for your Cross, purify my heart by your word, and teach me your humility. Raise me at the proper time so that I may glorify you with your eternal Father and your all-holy Spirit forever. Amen.
Evening Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, have compassion on me and forgive me for every way I have sinned today - willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly. Forgive me if I misused God's name, spoke dishonorably of someone, cursed in anger, hurt another person, held on to resentment, lied, ignored someone in need, judged another person, acted proudly, or let my mind wander willingly toward what is evil. Forgive me if I ate or drank without self-control, laughed cruelly, envied another person's good, spoke shamefully, neglected prayer, or gave myself over to despair or destructive thoughts. My sins are more than I can remember. Merciful Creator, forgive what I remember and what I have forgotten. Release me from the burden of my sins, and let me rest in peace tonight. May I rise again to worship, praise, and glorify your holy name, together with the Father and the only-begotten Son, now and always and forever. Amen.
Evening Prayer to the Theotokos
Rejoice, Virgin Theotokos, Mary full of grace; 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. Victorious Lady and defender of Christians, we thank God for every deliverance from evil. Since you stand before him in prayer, intercede for us and ask that we may be freed from danger, so that we may rejoice in Christ our Savior. Amen.
Prayer Before Sleep
Into your hands, Lord Jesus Christ my God, I place my spirit, my soul, and my body. Bless me, have mercy on me, and grant me peaceful rest. Keep me from sin and from every evil influence, and raise me again to praise you. Amen.
Jesus Prayer Before Sleep
as desired)
Closing Prayers
Thanksgiving
Glory to you, Lord, for every blessing I have seen and every blessing I have failed to notice. Thank you for life, for mercy, for repentance, for the Cross and Resurrection of Christ, and for the hope of the age to come. Teach me to receive each day as a gift and to return it to you in love. Amen.
For Protection
Lord Jesus Christ, surround me and those I love with your mercy. Send your holy angels to guard us. Protect us from evil, strengthen us in temptation, and keep us faithful to you in thought, word, and action. Amen.
Final Doxology
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever. Amen. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of your most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Akathist to Our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ
Modern-English devotional adaptation preserving the traditional Kontakion and Ikos structure. Not an official liturgical translation.
Kontakion 1
To you, victorious Leader and Lord, Conqueror of Hades, I, your creature and servant, offer a song of praise, because you have delivered me from eternal death. In your unfailing loving-kindness, rescue me from every danger, so that I may cry out to you:
Ikos 1
Creator of the angels and Lord of hosts, long ago you opened the ears and loosened the tongue of the man who could not hear or speak. In the same way, open my confused mind and my lips now, so that I may praise your most holy name and cry out to you:
Kontakion 2
When you saw the widow weeping bitterly, O Lord, you were moved with compassion and raised her son from the dead as he was being carried to burial. In the same way, have mercy on me, Lover of mankind, and raise my soul, which has been made dead by sin, as I cry:
Ikos 2
Wanting to understand what cannot be fully understood, Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father." You answered him, "Have I been with you so long, and still you do not know that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?" O Jesus, beyond all understanding, with reverence I cry to you:
Kontakion 3
O Jesus, you clothed your apostles, who waited in Jerusalem, with power from on high. Clothe me also, though I am stripped of good works, with the warmth and power of your Holy Spirit, and grant that I may sing to you with love:
Ikos 3
In the greatness of your mercy, O Jesus, you called tax collectors, sinners, and unbelievers. Do not despise me, for I am like them. Instead, receive this song as precious perfume as I cry to you:
Kontakion 4
Peter was overwhelmed by a storm of doubt and began to sink. But when he saw you, O
your saving hand, he cried:
Ikos 4
When the blind man heard that you, O Lord, were passing by, he cried out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" You called him and opened his eyes. In the same way, open the spiritual eyes of my heart with your love, so that I may cry to you:
Kontakion 5
Long ago, O Jesus, you redeemed us from the curse of the law by your divine and life-giving blood. In the same way, rescue us from the traps of the serpent, from the passions of the flesh, from sinful desires, and from the darkness of despair, as we cry to you:
Ikos 5
When the children of Israel saw the Creator in human form and recognized him as their Lord, they hurried to honor him with palm branches, crying, "Hosanna!" We also offer you our song and say:
Kontakion 6
In fulfillment of the words and message of the prophets who spoke by God, O Jesus, you appeared on earth. Though all creation cannot contain you, you came to live among us and took our weaknesses upon yourself. By your wounds we are healed, and so we have learned to sing:
Ikos 6
The light of your truth shone upon the world, and the deception of demons was driven away. Idols fell, O our Savior, because they could not stand before your power. But we, having received salvation, cry to you:
Kontakion 7
Desiring to reveal the mystery hidden through the ages, O Jesus, you were led like a sheep to the slaughter and like a lamb silent before its shearer. Yet because you are God, you rose from the dead and ascended into heaven in glory. You also raised us up with you, and we cry:
Ikos 7
The Creator revealed a wonderful mystery to us: he took flesh from a Virgin without a human father, rose from the tomb while the seal remained unbroken, and entered bodily into the room where the apostles were gathered even though the doors were locked. Filled with wonder, we sing:
Kontakion 8
Seeing God wonderfully made flesh, let us turn away from the emptiness of this passing world and set our minds on the things of God. For God came down to earth so that he might raise to heaven all who cry to him:
Ikos 8
The One who fills all things was present here below, yet was never absent from heaven above. He willingly suffered for our sake. By his death, he destroyed our death, and by his resurrection, he gave life to those who sing:
Kontakion 9
All the angels of heaven glorify your most holy name without ceasing, O Jesus, crying, "Holy, holy, holy!" But we sinners on earth, with lips made from dust, also cry:
Ikos 9
Even the most gifted speakers become silent before you, O Jesus our Savior, because they cannot explain how you are fully human and yet remain the unchanging God. But we, amazed by this mystery, cry out in faith:
Kontakion 10
Desiring to save the world, O Jesus, Dawn from on high, you took our fallen human nature upon yourself and humbled yourself even to death. Therefore your name has been exalted above every name, and from every part of heaven and earth you hear:
Ikos 10
Eternal King, Comforter, and true Christ, cleanse us from every stain, as you cleansed the ten lepers. Heal us as you healed the greedy heart of Zacchaeus the tax collector, so that with repentance and love we may cry aloud to you:
Kontakion 11
Though I am unworthy, I offer you this humble song. Like the Canaanite woman, I cry to you, "Jesus, have mercy on me!" It is not my daughter, but my own flesh that is violently troubled by passions and burns with sinful desire. Grant healing to me as I cry to you:
Ikos 11
Paul once persecuted you, O Jesus, Light of those who live in the darkness of ignorance. But he listened to the powerful voice of your divine revelation and learned how quickly a soul can be changed. Shine your light into the darkness of my soul also, as I cry:
Kontakion 12
Give me your grace, O Jesus, Forgiver of every debt. Receive me as I repent, just as you received Peter after he denied you. Call me when I am discouraged, just as you once called Paul when he persecuted you. Hear me as I cry to you:
Ikos 12
Praising your incarnation, we all glorify you. With Thomas we believe that you are Lord and God, seated with the Father and coming again to judge the living and the dead. Grant that I may stand at your right hand on that day, as I now cry:
Kontakion 13
O most sweet and all-compassionate Jesus, receive this small prayer of ours as you received the widow's two small coins. Guard your people from every enemy, visible and invisible; from war and invasion; from disease and famine; from every trial, disaster, and deadly wound. And rescue from the punishment to come all who cry to you:
Ikos 1 - Repeated
Creator of the angels and Lord of hosts, long ago you opened the ears and loosened the tongue of the man who could not hear or speak. In the same way, open my confused mind and my lips now, so that I may praise your most holy name and cry out to you:
Kontakion 1 - Repeated
To you, victorious Leader and Lord, Conqueror of Hades, I, your creature and servant, offer a song of praise, because you have delivered me from eternal death. In your unfailing loving-kindness, rescue me from every danger, so that I may cry out to you:
Prayer To Our Lord Jesus Christ
To you, O Lord, who alone are good and do not hold our sins against us forever, I confess my sins. Unworthy as I am, I fall down before you and cry: "I have sinned, O Lord; I have sinned. Because of the great number of my sins, I am not worthy even to lift my eyes toward heaven." But you, my Lord and my God, give me tears of true repentance. You alone are good and merciful. Let me plead with you through those tears to cleanse me from every sin before the end of my life. For the path I must pass when I leave this body is fearful, and a multitude of dark and merciless spiritual enemies waits for me. No human being will be able to come to my aid or rescue me then. Therefore I fall before your goodness and beg you: Do not hand me over to those who seek to harm me. Do not let my enemies triumph over me, O good Lord, or say, "You have fallen into our hands; you have been given over to us." Do not forget your compassion, O Lord. Do not repay me as my sins deserve, and do not turn your face away from me. Correct me, Lord, but do it with mercy and compassion. Do not let my enemy rejoice over me; instead, bring all his works against me to nothing. Give me a pure and unhindered way to you, O good Lord. Though I have sinned, I have not run to another physician, nor have I stretched out my hands to a foreign god. So do not reject my prayer. Hear me in your goodness. Strengthen my heart in reverent fear of you, and let your grace rest upon me like a fire that consumes every impure thought within me. For you, O Lord, are the Light above every light, the Joy above every joy, the Rest beyond every rest, the true Life, and the Salvation that remains forever and ever.
Akathist to Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos
Modern-English devotional adaptation preserving the traditional Kontakion and Ikos structure. Not an official liturgical translation.
Kontakion 1
To you, our victorious Champion and Leader, we your servants offer songs of thanksgiving, O Theotokos, because through your prayers we have been delivered from suffering. Since you have received great boldness before God, protect us from every danger, so that we may cry to you:
Ikos 1
An archangel was sent from heaven to say to the Theotokos, "Rejoice!" And as he saw you, O Lord, taking human flesh within her, he stood amazed and cried out to her with his bodiless voice:
Kontakion 2
Seeing herself still a virgin, the holy one boldly said to Gabriel, "Your words are wonderful, but difficult for my mind to understand. How can you speak of a birth from a conception without a human father?" And she cried:
Ikos 2
Seeking to understand the mystery beyond understanding, the Virgin asked the angel, "Tell me, how can a son be born from a virgin womb?" The angel answered her with reverence, crying:
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High overshadowed the Virgin, and her womb became fruitful. She became like a rich field for all who desire to reap salvation and sing to God:
Ikos 3
Having received God within her womb, the Virgin hurried to visit Elizabeth. The child in Elizabeth's womb immediately recognized her greeting and leaped with joy, as though singing to the Theotokos:
Kontakion 4
Joseph was caught in a storm of conflicting thoughts. Knowing you to be a virgin, O blameless one, he was troubled when he saw that you were with child. But when he learned that your conception was from the Holy Spirit, he cried:
Ikos 4
The shepherds heard the angels singing of Christ's coming in the flesh. They hurried to Him as to their Shepherd and saw Him as the spotless Lamb resting with Mary. Then they sang to her:
Kontakion 5
When the Magi saw the star guided by God, they followed its light. Taking it as a lamp, they searched for the mighty King. When they reached the One whom no one can fully comprehend, they rejoiced and cried to Him:
Ikos 5
The wise men saw in the Virgin's arms the One whose hands had formed humanity. Recognizing Him as their Master even though He had taken the form of a servant, they hurried to worship Him with gifts and cried to His blessed Mother:
Kontakion 6
The Magi became heralds who carried the news of God. They returned to Babylon, obeying the revelation they had received, and proclaimed Christ to others. They left Herod behind in his foolishness, for he did not know how to sing:
Ikos 6
When you, O Savior, shone the light of truth in Egypt, the darkness of falsehood was driven away. Its idols fell because they could not endure your power, and those who were freed from them cried to the Theotokos:
Kontakion 7
When Simeon was preparing to leave this passing world, you, O Christ, were brought to him as an infant. Yet he recognized you as perfect God. Amazed by your wisdom beyond words, he cried:
Ikos 7
The Creator revealed a new creation when He appeared among us. He came forth from a virgin womb and preserved her virginity, so that, seeing this mystery, we might sing to her:
Kontakion 8
Having seen this wonderful birth, let us turn our hearts away from the emptiness of this passing world and lift our minds toward heaven. For the Most High God appeared on earth as a humble man because He desired to raise to heaven those who cry to Him:
Ikos 8
The limitless Word was fully present among those on earth, yet He was never absent from heaven. This was not a change of place, but the loving descent of God. He was born from the Virgin who received God within her and heard these praises:
Kontakion 9
All the angels were amazed at the great mystery of your becoming man, O Christ. They saw the God who is beyond all approach become a man approachable to everyone, living among us and hearing from all:
Ikos 9
The most eloquent speakers become silent before the mystery of you, O Theotokos, because they cannot explain how you gave birth and yet remained a virgin. But we, filled with wonder, cry to you in faith:
Kontakion 10
Desiring to save the world, the Creator of all came into His own creation according to His gracious purpose. Though He is God and our Shepherd, He appeared among us as a man for our sake, and as God He hears us cry:
Ikos 10
You are a strong defense for virgins and for all who run to you in prayer, O Virgin Theotokos. The Maker of heaven and earth prepared you, O most pure one, dwelt within your womb, and taught us to cry to you:
Kontakion 11
No hymn can fully contain the abundance of your mercies, O holy King. Even if we offered songs as numerous as the grains of sand, we could never give thanks equal to all that you have given us. Therefore we cry:
Ikos 11
We see the holy Virgin as a shining lamp for those who live in darkness. Having borne the immaterial Light, she guides people toward the knowledge of God, enlightens minds with radiance, and is honored as we cry:
Kontakion 12
When the One who forgives all people desired to cancel the ancient debt of sin, He freely came to dwell among those who had fallen away from His grace. He tore up the record of our offenses, and from all He hears the cry:
Ikos 12
As we sing of the Son you bore, we praise you as a living temple, O Theotokos. The Lord who holds all things in His hand lived within your womb. He sanctified you, glorified you, and taught us to cry:
Kontakion 13
O Mother worthy of all praise, you who gave birth to the Word, the Holy One above all holiness, receive this offering of prayer. Through your intercession, ask that we may be delivered from every evil and rescued from the judgment to come, as we cry to God:
Ikos 1 - Repeated
An archangel was sent from heaven to say to the Theotokos, "Rejoice!" And as he saw you, O Lord, taking human flesh within her, he stood amazed and cried out to her with his bodiless voice:
Kontakion 1 - Repeated
To you, our victorious Champion and Leader, we your servants offer songs of thanksgiving, O Theotokos, because through your prayers we have been delivered from suffering. Since you have received great boldness before God, protect us from every danger, so that we may cry to you:
Prayer To The Most Holy Lady Theotokos
Most holy Lady Theotokos, you are honored above the angels and archangels and above all creation. You are a helper of those who are wronged, hope of those who have lost hope, intercessor for the poor, comfort of those who sorrow, nourishment of the hungry, clothing of the naked, healing of the sick, help of sinners, and protection of Christians. Most merciful Lady and Virgin Theotokos, in your compassion pray for us and for all the people of God. Protect bishops, priests, monastics, civil leaders, those who serve their communities, and all Christians beneath your loving protection. Ask Christ our God, who took flesh from you without a human father, to strengthen us by His power from on high against every visible and invisible enemy. Most merciful Lady Theotokos, raise us from the depths of sin. Pray that we may be delivered from famine and destruction, from earthquake and flood, from fire and violence, from invasion and civil conflict, from sudden death, from destructive disease, and from every evil. Grant peace and health to your servants. Ask God to enlighten our minds and the eyes of our hearts so that we may walk the way of salvation. And pray that we, though sinners, may be made worthy of the Kingdom of your Son, Christ our God. For His Kingdom is blessed and glorious, together with His eternal Father and His all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and always and forever.
Textual Note
The Orthodox morning and evening structure in this collection was checked against common Orthodox prayer texts, and the Creed follows the Nicene-Constantinopolitan form used by Orthodox Christians, with the Holy Spirit proceeding from the Father.
The Hail Mary, Hail Holy Queen, and Prayer to St. Michael belong especially to the Western Christian devotional tradition. The two Akathists are historic Orthodox devotions. Their origins are named here so that this nondenominational collection remains transparent about where its prayers come from.
Every prayer in this collection has been rendered into contemporary English for devotional readability. The collection is intentionally not labeled “NIV,” because the NIV is a specific copyrighted Bible translation. The language here simply aims for clear, direct, contemporary readability.
This free resource may be shared as a devotional collection. Please do not present these modernized texts as official liturgical translations of any church body.
Pray with attention. Pray with faith. Pray with love.
David Charles Kramer — “David the Evangelist”
Not for sale.
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