Start Here: Prayers

As Christians, we should begin every effort with prayer, especially an effort so significant as educating our children. We offer here some prayers for students that you can choose from to add to your morning prayer rule.

Orthodox Prayer for Students and Teachers 

O Lord our God and Creator, Who has honored mankind with Your own image; Who has taught Your elect, so that most wise are they who obey Your teaching; Who reveals wisdom to us; Who has imparted Your teaching unto Solomon and unto all who have sought Your wisdom: Open the hearts, the minds, and the lips of all of your servants so we may receive the power of Your law, and understand the knowledge which shall be taught to us, to the glory of Your all-holy Name, to the profit and building up of Your holy Church, and that we may comprehend Your good and perfect will. Deliver us from every hostile oppression; preserve us in the Orthodox faith, and in holiness all the days of our lives, that we may increase in wisdom and in the fulfilling of Your commandments, that being thus prepared we may glorify Your all-holy Name and become heirs of Your kingdom. For You are God, mighty in mercy, and gracious in strength, and unto You is due glory: To the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. 

Prayer of a Student

Christ my Lord, the Giver of light and wisdom, who opened the eyes of the blind man and transformed the fishermen into wise heralds and teachers of the gospel through the coming of the Holy Spirit, shine also in my mind the light of the grace of the Holy Spirit. Grant me discernment, understanding and wisdom in learning. Enable me to complete my assignments and to abound in every good work, for to You I give honor and glory. Amen.

Prayers Before Study

Most blessed Lord, send the grace of Your Holy Spirit on me to strengthen me that I may learn well the subject I am about to study and by it become a better person for Your glory, the comfort of my family and the benefit of Your Church and our Nation. Amen

Christ, the true light, who enlightens and sanctifies every person coming into the world, let the light of Your countenance shine upon me (us) that I (we) may see Your unapproachable light; and guide my (our) steps in the way of Your commandments, through the intercessions of Your all-holy Mother and of all the Saints. Amen.

Prayer After Study

I thank You, Lord our God, that again on this occasion You have opened my eyes to the light of Your wisdom. You have gladdened my heart with the knowledge of truth. I entreat You, Lord, help me always to do Your will. Bless my soul and body, my words and deeds. Enable me to grow in grace, virtue and good habits, that Your name may be glorified, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Note: It is also certainly appropriate to teach our children to memorize certain prayers, such as the prayer to one's patron saint, one's guardian angel, upon entering a church, etc. A selection of these prayers compiled by Father Peter Gregory of Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church is available at the orthodoxprayer.org website.