Orthros Prayer Two
Yesterday we prayed for God to always have compassion on us because we can’t do with without Him. In our Orthros Prayer series, we now turn our attention to the commandments of God. His commandments light the way through the darkness to heaven.
The problem is we fail to follow His commandments and have been for generations. Our Jewish ancestors failed to allow the Commandments of God to guide them into a holy life. They saw the commandments as mere laws rather than a way of life.
Out of the night our spirit awakes at dawn to You, O our God, for Your commandments are a light upon the earth; cause us to understand righteousness and sanctification in Your fear. For we glorify You, Who are truly our existing God: incline Your ear and hear us. And remember by name, O Lord, all who are with us and who pray with us, and save them by Your might; bless Your people, and sanctify Your inheritance; grant peace to Your world, to Your Churches, to the Priests, to our rulers, and to all Your people. For blessed and glorified is Your all-honorable and majestic name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
In today’s prayer we ask God to allow His commandments to help us understand His righteousness and sanctification. God’s righteousness isn’t about following laws. God’s righteousness is about His commitment to save us and welcome us into heaven.
Remember, this prayer is being offered silently by the priest on your behalf. “Remember by name, O Lord, all who are with us and who pray with us.” That also means we should be attending Orthros for our salvation, not to ‘check a box’ on the list of requirements.
One final comment about today’s prayer. We ask God to “grant peace to Your world.” It comforts me to remember that our prayers are not just about our personal salvation, but also for the world. ‘Real’ Christians pray for peace and the world needs peace now more than ever.
Have you noticed yet that our prayers are always about God’s mercy and peace? Have you noticed yet that we don’t pray for ‘stuff’ but for salvation? If our 2025 Daily Lenten Journey on Prayer this year accomplishes nothing else, at least we will learn ‘how’ to pray as Orthodox.
Whether it is fasting, attending services, or prayer, it is never about rules. It is always about salvation. Happy praying.
