The Usual Beginning

Common Prayers

Where a prayer is named in the text by its opening words alone, it is given here in full. Read in order, these prayers form the Usual Beginning.

O Heavenly King…

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things, and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God…

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

Glory…

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Where the Hours mark Now and ever… as a second line, it begins at now and ever.

All-Holy Trinity…

All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, look upon and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy

Lord, have mercy.

Said three times, or twelve, or forty, as appointed.

Our Father…

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Amen.

The Trisagion Prayers

Named as one in the Psalter. They are, in order: Holy God… (thrice), Glory…, All-Holy Trinity…, Lord, have mercy (thrice), Glory…, Our Father…

✠