Orthros Prayer Three

Have you ever woken from a deep sleep totally refreshed and ready to ‘take on’ the world? That captures the essence of today’s Daily Lenten Journey on Prayer. Orthros Prayer Three is our siren call to a life in the grace of Christ.

Out of the night our spirit awakes at dawn to You, O God, for Your commandments are a light. Teach us, O God, Your righteousness, Your laws, and Your commandments. Enlighten the eyes of our understanding, lest at any time we sleep unto death through sins; dispel all darkness from our hearts; grant us the grace of the Sun of righteousness, and preserve our lives unbothered in the seal of Your Holy Spirit; guide our steps in the way of peace; grant that we may behold the dawn and the day with joy, so that we may raise up our morning prayers to You. For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The imagery of our soul jumping up to greet the Lord early in the morning is powerful for me. It is different from the emotion of dragging yourself out of bed dreading the day ahead. At the same time, we don’t ignore the dangers of sleeping unto death in sins.

Today’s prayer is a reminder of the protection of the Holy Spirit upon the Church and our soul. For us to be “unbothered in the seal of Your Holy Spirit” is much more than confidence. We know we won’t be perfect, but the seal of the Holy Spirit gives us the courage to fight.

We received the seal of the Holy Spirit at our baptism and chrismation. We received the Light of Christ at our baptism. Both are invoked in this prayer. Just as baptism sets us up for a New Life In Christ, this prayer asks God to grant us a day with joy.

I pray our 2025 Daily Lenten Journey on Prayer is inspiring you to pray more while you fast and attend Church services this year. I only hope it lasts longer than Great Lent. Happy praying.