Beginning My Day

Often I do not remember that one day is separated from another. I begin early before the sun rises, light my candles, and make the sign of the cross three times. There is only darkness still, only broken by the flickering light of the candles. And I remember that I am only dust, given life by a loving and merciful Father who created all things. I prostate to the ground, remembering in Whose presence I stand, and I make three metanoias. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner. Every day you will hear my voice. Early in the morning I will sing and chant psalms and praises to you. Seven times every day just as our Father David did. Before the morning watch of the First Hour prayer I lift up my prayer for all those who have asked my prayers, and for whom I have promised to pray, each one by name. Then 41 metanoias, prostrations with my face to the ground, knowing that these could never be enough for my many sins, begging God's mercy and compassion. O if only I could remain on bended knee! Maybe the Lord may hear my supplication. But now, off to mass, where I will receive the first fruits of my day, the Body and Blood of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, through whom the glory, honor and dominion is due to our good Father, with Him and the Holy Spirit the Life-Giver, who is of one essence with you, always now and unto the ages of all ages. Amen. Alleluia!

Midnight Praises

Arise, O children of the light, let us praise the Lord of hosts.That He may grant us the salvation of our souls.Whenever we stand before You in the flesh....Cast away from our minds the slumber of sleep.Grant us sobriety O Lord, that we may know how to stand before You at times of prayer.And ascribe unto You, the befitting glorification, and win the forgiveness of our many sins. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Behold bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.You who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.By night, lift up your hands, O you saints and bless the Lord. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.The Lord bless you from Zion, who made heaven and earth. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Let my cry come before You, O Lord. Give me understanding according to Your word. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Let my supplication come before You, deliver me according to Your word. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.My lips shall utter praise, for You teach me your statutes. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.My tongue shall speak of Your words, for all Your commandments are righteousness. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Let Your hand become my help, for I have chosen Your precepts. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.I longed for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your Law is my delight. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Let my soul live and it shall praise You, and let Your judgments help me. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.I have gone astray, like a lost sheep, seek Your servant for I do not forget Your commandments. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Glory be to the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Now and forever, and unto the age of all ages amen. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Glory be to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto all ages, amen. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Glory be to You, O Good One, the Lover of Mankind. Glory be to Your Mother the Virgin, and all Your saints. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Glory be to You O only-begotten One, O holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind.Let God arise, and let all His enemies be scattered, and let all that hate His holy name, flee from before His face. Glory be to You, O Lover of Mankind. As for Your people, let them be blessed, a thousand thousand fold, and ten thousand ten thousand fold, doing Your will.O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.