The Trisagion Prayer

At the beginning of every day, we pray. At the end of every day, we pray. Throughout the day, the Church gathers, and we pray. At every prayer ‘service’ we begin the same way. We pray the Trisagion Prayers. Today’s Daily Lenten Journey will look at these important prayers.

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

This opens all our personal prayers. It is different from our communal prayers since a priest is not present. As Orthodox Christians we begin all our prayers by calling upon the Holy Trinity.

Glory to you, our God, glory to you

Once we have called upon the Holy Trinity, we give glory to God. Whether our lives are ‘going according to our desires’ or we’re not having a great day, we always glorify God. We can’t ever ‘go wrong’ by giving glory to God.

Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are present everywhere filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord.

This prayer is dedicated to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been given to us at our Chrismation. The Holy Spirit has guided the Church into the whole truth since Pentecost. Christ promised the Apostles, and by Apostolic Succession, the truth by the Holy Spirit.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).

After we pray to the Holy Spirit, we now turn our attention to the personal of the Holy Trinity as individuals. Holy God is the eternal Father. Holy Mighty is the coeternal Son. Holy Immortal is the All-Holy Spirit.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.

The greatest prayer is for mercy. You should notice at no time have we asked God for ‘stuff’ as if He were a “Great ATM” in the sky. Instead, we understand that God’s love for us is based upon His compassion and comfort which are the images of mercy. Mercy is not leniency, but comfort.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer was given to the Church by Christ when He was asked, “Teach us to pray.” Christ didn’t say, “Say whatever comes into your mind. Wing it.” He taught us to glorify God, to do His will, to be thankful for His blessings, and to seek His protection and forgiveness.

When we pray the Trisagion Prayer, morning noon and night, we do more than talk to God. We remind our soul what is important. God already knows what we need. He already knows we are struggling. We don’t need to make a list of demands on God. We need to pray.

Our next Daily Prayer Journey post will look at our traditional Morning Prayers.