Prayers Before Reading the Gospel

Prayer 1

Shine in our hearts, O Lord Who lovest mankind, the incorrupt light of the knowledge of Thee, and open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy Gospel preaching. Implant in us also the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that, trampling down all carnal desires, we may pass through a spiritual manner of life, both thinking and doing all things well-pleasing unto Thee.

For Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, with Thine unoriginate Father and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer 2

O Lord Jesus Christ, open unto me the ears of my heart, that I may hear Thy word, understand it, and do Thy will, for I am a stranger upon the earth. Hide not Thy commandments from me, but open mine eyes that I may understand the wonders of Thy law; tell me the unknown and hidden things of Thy wisdom.

In Thee do I hope, my God, that Thou wilt enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of Thy knowledge, that I may not only read what is written, but also do it, lest I read the lives and words of the saints unto sin, but unto renewal, illumination, holiness, salvation of soul, and inheritance of eternal life. For Thou art He Who enlighteneth those who lie in darkness, and from Thee cometh every good gift and every perfect gift. Amen.