Here Are Some Practical Tools That Will Transform Your Heart

Last week we had a couple stay with us. They were interested in deepening their relationship with God. Each of them came with a hunger to know God more intimately on their journey. We discussed a few ways this could happen. But one way that caught their attention was liturgical prayer. “How can we establish a rhythm of prayer which draws our heart to God?” They asked for practical tools that would help. 

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Today, I share some of the prayers that I say daily which help draw my heart to the Father, Son, and Spirit. These are time-tested prayers that have been repeated by Christians for hundreds of years. By saying these words from your heart, you follow the example Jesus gave His disciples when they asked him, “Teach us to pray.” Jesus gave them words to say and a way to say them.

These are not prayers I’ve made up. I don’t trust myself. I merely enter the prayers being offered to God by thousands of others who are saying these same prayers. 

I encourage you to adopt these prayers into a morning “rule of prayer.” Over time, you will find your heart being gently transformed and lovingly suited to the heart of God. Ignore the critics – inner & outer. A prayer liturgy trains your body, soul, and spirit to love God. New and regular routines are how you become a changed person.  

Begin with: 

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

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of life, come and abide in us, cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Good One. 

Then, The Trisagion Prayers:

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

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen 

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. 

Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your name. Your kingdom come; Your 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 the evil one. 

Lord, have mercy. (12x) 

Come, let us worship God our King. 

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God. 

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God. 

Then, the Prayer of St. Philaret of Moscow (1782-1867) (from Francois de Fenelon, 1651-1715)

O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace. Help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day, reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to me throughout the day with peace of soul and the firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will; teach me to pray; pray You Yourself in me. Amen. 

Then, an Intercessory Prayer for Your Children, Relatives and Friends: 

O God, our Heavenly Father, who loves mankind, and who is most merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon your servants (name those whom you wish to remember) for whom I humbly pray to You and commit to your gracious care and protection. Be their guide and guardian, O God, in all their endeavors, and lead them in the path of your truth, and draw them nearer to You, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Your love and fear; doing Your will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, diligent, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength to resist all temptation and corruption of this life; and direct them in the way of salvation, through the merits of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Conclude with: 

At every time and at every hour in heaven and on earth You are worshiped and glorified, O Christ our God, You who are long-suffering, most merciful, most compassionate, who love the just and are merciful to sinners, who call all to salvation through the promise of the good things to come. Accept, O Lord, our entreaties at this hour and guide our lives that we may keep Your commandments. Sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our ideas, and deliver us from all distress, evil, and pain. Surround us with Your holy angels that, protected and guided by their host, we may attain unity of faith and the knowledge of Your unapproachable glory. For blessed are You forever and ever. Amen

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Sprit, both now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. 

Lastly, copy, paste and print these prayers.

Begin using them as part of your morning time with God. Include them with your Bible reading/meditation and/or your silence. 

If you have questions, struggles, or need clarification please let me know through the comments section. I will read and respond. 

Dr K