Prayers Before Reading the Psalter

Be it known how one should read the Psalter privately.

If a priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

If a layman: Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art in all places and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Gracious Lord.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (three times)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (three times)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. 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 the evil one.

Penitential Troparia, Tone 6

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, / for, finding no excuse for ourselves, / we sinners offer this prayer to Thee as Master: / have mercy on us.

Glory: The sacred celebration of Thy prophet, O Lord, / has made the Church like unto heaven: / with men the angels rejoice. / Through his prayers, O Christ God, / guide our life in peace, / that we may sing unto Thee: Alleluia.

Now and ever: The countless multitude of my transgressions, O Theotokos — / unto Thee have I fled, O Pure One, needing salvation. / Look with mercy upon my weak soul / and intercede with Thy Son and our God / to grant me forgiveness of the grievous sins I have committed, / O only Blessed One.

Lord, have mercy. (40 times) And make as many prostrations as you wish.

Prayer to the Holy Life-Creating Trinity

O All-Holy Trinity, God and Creator of the whole world! Help and guide my heart to begin with understanding and to end with good deeds this divinely inspired book, which the Holy Spirit spoke through the mouth of David, and which I, unworthy, now intend to read. But knowing my ignorance, I fall down before Thee, and pray and ask for Thy help: O Lord, guide my mind and strengthen my heart to care not about the words of the mouth, but to rejoice in the meaning of what is spoken, and to prepare for the fulfillment of good deeds — what I learn and what I say — so that, enlightened by good deeds, at Thy Judgment I may be deemed worthy to stand at Thy right hand with all Thine elect. And now, O Master, bless, that having sighed from the heart, I may also sing with my tongue, saying thus:

Come, let us worship God, our King.

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God.

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God.

Then stand for a little while, until all your senses are quieted. Then make the beginning not in haste, without laziness, with compunction and a contrite heart. Say the words: “Blessed is the man…” softly and thoughtfully, with attention, and not hurrying, so that you may also understand with your mind what is spoken.