Orthros Prayer Four
As we make our way through the Orthros Prayers, we can’t ever forget the purpose of prayer in the first place. We pray to ‘talk’ to God and share our heart with Him. Morning, noon or night, our prayers remain for the same purpose. We are talking to God and He is listening.
When we pause and reflect on the words of certain prayers, at first glance it can feel like we’re wasting our time. God already knows all the things we say about Him. He already knows all the things we want. He surely already knows the things we need. Still, we pray.
O Master, God, holy and unsearchable, Who said, “let light shine out of darkness,” Who gives us rest through the night’s sleep, and Who raises us up to glorify and to beseech Your goodness: being implored in Your own compassion, accept us who now worship You, and who thank You according to our strength; and grant us all things we ask for that lead to salvation. Manifest us as sons of light and of the day, and as heirs of Your eternal good things. In the fullness of Your compassion, O Lord, remember all Your people, all those present here who pray with us, and all our brethren on land, at sea, and in every place of Your dominion, who beseech Your help and Your love for mankind; and grant Your great mercy to all. That saved in soul and in body, we may always persevere with confidence to glorify Your wondrous and blessed name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The opening phrases of this pray are meant to remind our ears to Whom we are praying. We address God not simply with, “Hello God.” We address Him by praising the good things He has already done for us. In the morning, that includes praising Him for the privilege of talking to Him.
It is like we are saying, “Thank you God for taking the time out of your busy schedule of making sure everyone is safe and waking up free from the demons. Thank you for standing still for a few moments and listening to my rambling.” Don’t sell yourself short. He will always listen.
Let’s face it. The introduction is as much for us as it is for Him. We need to be reminded of all the good things He has already done for us, BEFORE we consider asking for even more blessings. In a way these words are a ‘check’ on our ego before ‘the ask’ to God.
I like to remind people ‘who’ we are praying for in the worship of the Church. In this case the priest is praying for, “all those present who pray with us, and all our brethren.” Even if you aren’t in Church for Orthros, this prayer is offered on your behalf. Knowing that, should help you.
Specifically, we are asking God to “grant us all things we ask for that lead to salvation.” We may ask for more than we need, but this prayer is the Church’s way of bringing us back to reality. We may want a new job or better house, but we NEED salvation.
The prayer continues, “That saved in soul and in body, we may always persevere with confidence.” This isn’t saying we are confident in our salvation. We are confident to persevere through life struggles focusing on our salvation. Carrying our cross daily can wear us down.
So, ultimately, we need God to help keep our confidence in the purpose of life. While we spend time in prayer glorifying God, our neighbors and friends are chasing the American dream getting rich. Today’s prayer goes a long way to help us keep our focus on God and not the world.
Happy praying.
