Which words to use when praying? What
should one do, who does not have enough memory, who through lack of learning
did not learn the most important prayers, and finally, those (and this life
situation does occur) when there is simply not enough time to stand before the
icons and read the compulsory morning and evening prayers? This question was
decided by the great elder Seraphim of Sarov. Many visitors of the elder
faulted themselves for praying very little, that they did not read even the
mandated morning and evening prayers.
St. Seraphim established for such people the
following easily accomplished rule:
"Upon rising from sleep, let each Christian,
standing before the holy icons, read the prayer "Our Father" thrice,
in honor of the Most Holy Trinity. Then the song of the Mother of God:
"Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos Mary, full of grace…" also thrice. In
conclusion the Creed: "I believe…" — once. Completing such a rule,
let each Orthodox engage in his duties, to which he is assigned or called.
During his work at home or along the way anywhere he should quietly read
"Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me, a sinner," but if others
surround him, then, while busy with his duties, let him only say in his mind
"Lord, have mercy," — and thus until lunch. Right before lunch let
him repeat the morning rule. After lunch, busy with his work, let every
Christian read just as quietly: "Most Holy Mother of God, save me, a
sinner." When preparing for sleep, let every Christian again read the
morning rule, i.e., "Our Father" thrice, "Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos Mary" thrice and once "I
believe."
St. Seraphim explained that, keeping to this
small "rule," one can attain a measure of Christian perfection,
because these three prayers — are the foundation of Christianity. The first, as
the prayer given by the Lord Himself, is the pattern for all prayers. The
second is brought from Heaven by the Archangel upon
greeting the Mother of God. The Creed contains in itself all the salutary
dogmas of the Christian faith.
In addition the elder counseled reading the Jesus
prayer during activities, while walking, even in bed, and as confirmation used
the following words from the letters to the Romans: "For whosoever shall
call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom. 10: 13). For those
who have time, the elder suggested reading the Gospel, canons, akathists,
psalms.
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