16 General Tips for Orthodox Living
The following "tips" were written by
Mother Pelagia of Lesna Convent, who prefaces them with the remark:
"Orthodox families train their children from a very early age to acquire
religious habits, in some of which I was myself, as a Protestant, brought
up." Her first tips are:
1) Prayers are said morning and evening, either
together as a family or individually.
2) A blessing (grace, we called it) is said by
the head of the family before a meal, and a prayer of thanks afterwards.
3) On entering a room where there is an icon,
cross yourself before it and say a brief prayer.
4) When leaving one's dwelling, make the sign of
the cross over the door and pray for its protection.
6) Before going to bed, make the sign of the
cross over it and pray for protection during sleep.
7) When you hear of anyone's death, immediately
say a prayer for their eternal memory.
8) If discussing or planning the future say:
"As God wills."
9) If you offend or hurt anyone, say as soon as possible, "Forgive me," always trying to take the blame yourself
10) If something turns out well, say
"Praise be (to God)."
11) If something turns out badly, if there is
pain, sickness or any kind of trouble, say "Praise be to God for all
things," since God is all good and, though we might not understand the
purpose of these things, undoubtedly they have been permitted by God
12) If you begin some task, say, "God help
me," or if someone else' working: "May God help you,"
13) Cross yourself and say a brief prayer before even the shortest journey by car.
14) For a longer and more difficult journey, ask
a priest to sing a Moleben, failing that, at home say the troparion and
kontakion for a journey.
15) If there is a possibility of future trouble
of any kind, either for yourself or for someone you care for, say an Akathist
to the Mother of God.
16) When you receive a blessing after prayer,
always remember to thank God; if it is a small thing, you may add a prayer of
thanksgiving to your daily prayers or make an offering. For matters of greater
import, ask the priest to serve the Thanksgiving Moleben. But NEVER neglect to give thanks.
Source: http://orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/practical.aspx
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