Morning Prayer of the Optina Elders | Orthodox Morning Prayer

The Morning Prayer of the Last Elders of Optina comes to us from the spiritual tradition of Optina Monastery, a great center of Russian Orthodox monasticism. Its precise authorship is uncertain, but the prayer is associated with the spiritual inheritance of the Optina Elders. Traditionally prayed at the beginning of the day, it asks God for peace of soul and the grace to entrust ourselves to His holy will. === Morning Prayer of the Last Elders of Optina === O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy Will. At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy holy Will. Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from Thee. Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and wisely with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone. O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love. Amen. Text Source: St. Tikhon’s Seminary Press. (1982). Orthodox Daily Prayers. Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/34981 Background Source: Synaxis of the Optina Elders (Slavonic) "...for His mercy endureth for ever." - The Psalter According to the Seventy