The most powerful prayers for Christmas: what to ask the Lord God for
The festive Christmas Eve service on January 6 is one of the most solemn and important events in the Christian calendar. This day is filled with the light of Christmas, the joy of meeting the newborn Jesus Christ, and the opportunity to address the Lord with prayers and requests. The festive service begins on Christmas Eve, Christmas Eve. What to pray about at Christmas - in the material "Izvestia".
What to pray about on Christmas Eve, January 6
Each holiday has two prayers, which can rightly be called the most important: troparion and kondak.
The main hymn of Christmas in the Orthodox Church is the Troparion of the Feast, which dates back to the fourth century. It is sung during the Christmas Eve service and for a few more days afterward, until January 13. It is sung several times during the Christmas Eve service, and the choir is sung by the entire church.
Christmas Troparion
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of reason; in it those who serve the stars learn to be stars. To Thee we bow, O Sun of righteousness, and to Thee we lead from the heights of the East. O Lord, glory to You!
Russian translation:
Thy nativity, O Christ our God, has illumined the world with the light of knowledge, for through it those who serve the stars have been taught to worship Thee, O Sun of truth, and to know Thee, from the heights of the ascending Light. O Lord, glory to You!
On Christmas days, a special kondak, a hymn, is sung in the church - "The Virgin is Joyful to the Mother of God Today". It was written by St. Romanus the Sweetbearer at the beginning of the VI century.
Kondak of the Nativity
The virgin now unto this day the Substantial One is born, and the earth brings forth a crib to the Unapproachable One; the angels with the shepherds glorify, and the oxen with the star travel, for our sakes the young child is born, the Immortal God.
Russian translation:
The Virgin this day the Supernal gives birth to the Supernal, and the earth caves to the Unapproachable; the angels with the shepherds glorify, and the Magi with the star travel, for our sake the young Child is born, the Precious God.
Already during the Christmas Lent, the churches begin to sing stanzas - poetic hymns reminding of the upcoming feast. Each of them consists of one stanza. The more important the celebration, the more verses are included in the service.
Christmas verses
During the All-Night Vigil of the Feast of the Nativity itself, a passage from the Gospel is read, after which the most famous Christmas stanza is sung:
Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, today Bethlehem receives him who sits ever with the Father, today the angels praise the Child, who is born in splendor: Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.
Russian translation:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace! On this day Bethlehem receives Him who sits eternally with the Father. On this day the angels praise the born Child as God: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and goodwill among men!"
What should we ask for in our Christmas prayers?
For peace in the world. In a world of enmity, Christmas is a time to pray for peace. You can ask God for His light and love to fill people's hearts and bring peace and harmony to families and communities.
About blessings for the family. Christmas is associated with family warmth and love. In prayer, you can ask God for blessing for your family, for each member of the family to feel support, care and inner harmony.
For strength in overcoming difficulties. On this special day, you can ask God for strength and patience in overcoming difficulties. Ask for His guidance and support in difficult moments, as well as His blessing on the path to peace and comfort.
For love and mercy. Praying for love and mercy is one of the most important petitions. Ask God to fill your hearts with love for those around you, to be merciful and tolerant as Jesus Christ taught.
About spiritual guidance. At the Christmas Eve service, you can ask God for spiritual guidance. Ask Him to help you make wise decisions, find the truth, and follow the righteous path.
About caring for your neighbors. Praying for your neighbors is another important topic. Ask God for mercy and blessing for those who need help. May your heart be open to those who seek support and care.
Ask for blessings for labor and creativity. On this day you can ask God for blessings on your labor and creativity. May His light inspire you to be creative and good, and may your efforts bring joy and prosperity.
About the blessing on health. Health care is an important topic in prayer. Ask God to bless your physical and mental health, as well as the health of those close to you.
Ask for blessings for the country and the world. In your prayers, you can ask for blessings for your country and the world. May Christmas bring light and hope to every corner of the earth, and may people find the way to mutual understanding and harmony.
It is also important to thank God in prayer for all the gifts of life, for love, mercy and the opportunity to worship Him again at this holy moment.
Earlier Izvestia told about the history and traditions of Orthodox Christmas.
