In the evening before going to sleep, stand before the holy icons and, looking upon them, turn your thoughts to God. Enter once again into His loving presence and recite the following prayers.
PRAYER OF THE PUBLICAN
†God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
†God cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.
†I have sinned without number, forgive me, O Lord.
THE USUAL BEGINNING
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord, Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
†Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.
Heavenly Kіng, Advocate, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present аnd fill all things, Treasury of Blessings, Bestower of Life, come аnd dwell within us; cleanse us of all that defiles us, аnd, О Good Оnе, save our souls.
†Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)
†Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Trinity most holy, have mercy on us. Cleanse us of our sins, O Lord; pardon our transgressions, O Master; look upon our weaknesses and heal them, O Holy One; for the sake of Your Name.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
†Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
EVENING TROPARIA
Now that the day has come to a close, I thank You, O Lord, and I ask of You that my evening and my night be without sin. Grant this to me, O Saviour, and save me.
†Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Now that the day has come to a close, I glorify You, O Master, and I ask of You that my evening and my night be without offence. Grant this to me, O Saviour, and save me.
Now and for ever and ever. Amen.
Now that the day has come to a close, I praise You, O Holy One, and I ask of You that my evening and my night be undisturbed. Grant this to me, O Saviour, and save me.
Lord, have mercy. (12x)
PRAYER OF ST MACARIUS THE GREAT
O eternal God and King of all Creation, You have allowed me to arrive at this hour. Forgive me the sins which I have committed this day in word, deed and thought. Cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul from every stain of flesh and spirit. Grant me, O Lord, to pass this night in peace, to rise from my bed, to please You all the days of my life, and to conquer my flesh ·and to triumph over the enemies of my spirit. Deliver me, O Lord, from evil, empty thoughts and desires. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.
TO THE MOTHER OF GOD
Rejoice, Mother of God, Virgin Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne Christ, the Saviour and Redeemer of our souls.
Most glorious ever-virgin Mother of Christ our God, receive our prayers and bring them to your Son and our God, that through you, He may save our souls.
All my hope I entrust to you, O Mother of God. Keep me under your protection.
TO MY HOLY GUARDIAN ANGEL
Angel of God, heavenly angel, my guardian and comforter, reveal yourself to my mind and heart. How fortunate I am to have you as my friend and fellow traveller. Speak to my heart the words of salvation and open to my heart the words of Christ’s Gospel. As my guide, make me worthy of your holy inspiration. Guard me under your wings and direct my soul to heaven.
Angel of God, my holy guardian, have mercy on me and pray to God for me, a sinner. Help me now in this life, at the departure of my soul and in the age to come. Amen.
TO THE SAINTS
Saint [name of patron saint], pray for me, for with fervour I come to you, faithful guide and intercessor for my soul.
Saint [name], pray for me. (Repeat for as many saints as you wish to invoke.)
PRAYER FOR THE GREAT FAST
The Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian is recited during the Great Fast, before the concluding prayers, with prostrations.
O Lord and Master of my life, drive from me the spirit of indifference, despair, lust for power and idle chatter. †Prostration.
Instead, bestow on me, Your servant, the spirit of integrity, humility, patience, and love. †Prostration.
Yes, O Lord and King, let me see my own sins and not judge my brothers and sisters; for You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen. †Prostration.
CONCLUDING PRAYERS
†The Father is my hope. The Son is my refuge. The Holy Spirit is my protection. Most Holy Trinity, glory be to You!
†Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever Amen. Lord, have mercy. (3x)
O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of your immaculate Mother and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.