Prayer in the Orthodox Church

"He who is able to pray correctly, even if he is the poorest of all people, is essentially the richest. And he who does not have proper prayer, is the poorest of all, even if he sits on a royal throne"
- St John Chrysostom

Prayer is the elevation of the mind and the heart to God in praise, in thanksgiving, and in petition for the spiritual and material goods we need.  Our Lord Jesus Christ commanded us to enter into our inner room and there pray to God the Father in secret. This inner room means the heart, the core of our being.  

The Apostle Paul says that we must always pray in our spirit.  He commands prayer for all Christians without exception and asks us to pray unceasingly.

Orthodox Christians engage in both corporate and personal prayer.  One’s individual prayer life is balanced with participation in the liturgical services of the Church where the whole community gathers for prayer and worship

Expand Your Orthodox Prayer Life

Basics for Daily Orthodox Prayer

Why, How, When and Where to pray.

The Lord's Prayer -

The most commonly used prayer for all Christians. Explore the deep significance of the words of this prayer. Are you still saying it like a child?

Sign of the Cross

How to use the power of this simplest of prayers.

Beginning Orthodox Prayer Rule

A prayer rule is the outline of your daily prayer routine.

Using the Prayer Rope

How to use the prayer rope in your daily prayers.

Psalms in Prayer

Jesus Prayer

"Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner"
Learn how to use this most tradtional of Orthodox prayers to come closer to God. Includes many articles and links to books where you can explore Orthodox prayer in even further depth.

Orthodox Prayers for All Occasions

Use these proven prayers.

Articles and Books

Numerous links to materials by the greatest mystics and theologians of the Orthodox Church on prayer.

Audio Visual Materials on Orthodox Prayer

Praying to Saints and the Virgin Mary the Theotokos

How the saints can help you and should be included in your prayer life.

Ten Point Program for an Orthodox Life

Quick Guide to Orthodox Way of Life - Outlines the path Christ, the Apostles and the Church Fathers gave us to prepare for our union with God. It's a path everyone can follow.