Forming a prayer rule

[Sieglinde McGinnis]

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
I'd like some input on how to form a Rule of Prayer that will better encompass the Orthodox (Eastern) traditions and practices. Presently I pray the RC Liturgy of the Hours, plus Psalms 51(50), 54(53) and 119(118):1-32 (Ps. 51 twice daily), the Apostles' Creed and a prayer of consecration to the Theotokos (I am a pledged member of a lay confraternity and this is one of the Rule options for daily prayer). My spiritual mother is RC, Latin Rite, and if I present to her changes I would like to make in my Prayer Rule she will allow them, but I need to know where to start. I am interested and extremely drawn to the practice of the Jesus Prayer, but if this is not the right place to start please advise. Thank you in advance.

[Kris]

Hi,

Any prayer rule, particularly with respect to the Jesus Prayer, should be discussed with one's Spiritual Father.

Pretty much any Orthodox prayer rule will consist of the following:
O Heavenly King...
The Trisagion
O Holy Trinity....
The Lord's Prayer
Psalm 50
The Creed
The Hail Mary

The morning and evening prayers found in most standard prayer books will add to this basic structure a number of Troparia and other prayers to our Lord, the blessed Virgin, our Guardian Angel and the Saints.

The Hours also use this basic structure, although Psalm 50, the Creed and the Hail Mary are not said at all 7 hours. Again, particular prayers and Psalms corresponding to each Hour are added, as well as the troparia and kontakia of the day.

[Sieglinde McGinnis]

Thank you! I have ordered a prayer book and am waiting for it to arrive, and will certainly discuss any changes in my present Rule of prayer with my spiritual mother.