For the work of the day, believers thank the Lord, for this a short prayer for the coming dream is used. There are few words in it, but the essence is very meaningful and voluminous. And the latter is desirable to understand. There is no sense in the meaningless mumbling of memorized words. Let's talk about what the evening prayer is like for the coming dream, why they say it, what they think about at this moment.
Legend parable
Churched people always have the Lord in their souls, and let's remind everyone else of a well-known story. It tells about a man who walks on the sand. The legend says that an angel constantly wanders beside him, adjusting to the rhythm of the traveler's steps. And on the sand together they leave traces that the wind does not sweep away, the rain does not flood, that is, you can always look back and check how their route went. Ask, what does the short prayer for the coming dream have to do with it? Now you will understand its essence, and this is more important than words. Somehow the man turned around and looked at the footprints. Surprisingly, he noticed areas where only one chain is visible, and the second is missing. The man remembered that it was at this time that it was especially difficult for him. He reproached the angel for leaving him, did not support him at the most unfortunate moments of the journey. But he objected. The angel reminded the traveler that at that time his strength was leaving him along with his firmness of spirit. He sank on the sand and refused to continue the road. The angel carried him in his arms, so only one chain of footprints remained in the sand. Agree, the character of this parable reminds each of us. Everyone has difficulties, moments of despondency and depression. And who helps to overcome them? So a short prayer is addressed to him for the coming dream. It represents gratitude to the Lord for the day lived and his support.
Evening prayer for the coming dream
Monks observe special rules. They say many prayers throughout the day. This for monks and church people becomes a habitual occupation that does not cause inconvenience. The prayer for the salvation of the soul, like other texts, is like a breath of fresh air or rest for them. These people constantly aspire to the Lord with their souls, therefore they perceive strict rules quite naturally. It's a different matter for the laity. They have a hard time at first. Even a short prayer for the coming dream takes some time, and is also perceived as a duty. And the last one is especially dangerous. Remember the parable of the publican and the Pharisee. That prayer is dearer to the Lord who reads it with his heart. If turning to the Saints turns into a tedious duty, there will be no grace in it, there is only one harm for the soul. A person, having decided that he needs prayers read at night or any other, takes an obligation to the Lord. Sometimesits execution may be uncomfortable or difficult, but one cannot speak words without thoughtfulness, mechanically. It is better to sin and deviate from your rule.
Explanations of St. Theophan the Recluse
Do not think that only in our purely material world people do not understand what to pray for before going to bed. These questions were of interest to many in the past. People tried to enlist the recommendations of their confessors. So, there are letters of St. Theophan the Recluse concerning this particular problem. He said that the rule of prayer is not granite and not the master of the believer. You can't become his slave. On the contrary, one should be responsible for the obligations assumed, but concentrate on spiritual fellowship with the Lord. When circumstances do not contribute to the opening of the heart, it is better to bow to the icon of the saint with the name of God on the lips. He who thoughtlessly follows the rule departs from prayer either condemned or a Pharisee. Formality must be avoided in this case. Prayer for the salvation of the soul must come from the heart, and not only from the lips. The saint also wrote that one must be the mistress of one's rule, and not a slave. From this follows, on the one hand, the desire to fulfill the obligations taken, on the other hand, to do it from the heart. Believers are only servants of the Lord. And therefore, all their thoughts are aimed at pleasing Him, and not the rule of prayer. Let's clarify the last point a bit.
Believing people and the Lord
The stated question is complex. In a couple of sentences it can not be opened. But we are not striving for this. We careto understand why St. Theophan the Recluse speaks of the possibility and even the necessity of violating the rule of prayer. The fact is that a believer runs the risk of replacing concepts, being overly zealous in fulfilling obligations. At some point, it will turn out that it is more important for him to follow the rules, and not to communicate with the Lord. And this means that he replaced God with his duty to Him. Such a worldview is the Phariseeism, which is spoken of in the parable. You can't blindly follow any rules. They are accepted by believers voluntarily, and it is desirable to observe them. However, this no longer refers to the form of the obligation, but to its content. Take, for example, the evening prayers of Optina Pustyn. They are read by monks who have dedicated themselves to the Lord. They not only gave their whole soul to service, but also abandoned worldly pleasures for its sake. This is not required of the laity. They should seek fellowship with the Lord with all their hearts. For this, obligations are taken, prayer rules are created. Don't know what it is?
Prayer Rules
We all talk about the essence of tradition, but there is a certain form. Let's look at the above example again. The evening prayers of Optina Pustyn include up to three dozen texts. It takes a lot of time to read all of them. This may well frighten a layman who is thinking about adopting a rule. In fact, the average person does not have to read all of them. On this account there are recommendations of the clergy. For example, in the book “How to Learn to Pray at Home” (Trifonov Pechenga Monastery) it is said thatyou can read the following texts: “Our Father”, “Evening God”, “King of Heaven”, “Angel of Christ”, “Good King”, Trisagion, “Have mercy on us, Lord.” This is only a recommendation, not mandatory canon. It should be understood that the selected texts are the rule or obligation of the believer. Everyone makes it for himself.
Prayer Details
The strict rule that we have been talking about so far is to take already existing texts. However, believers do not always do this, many are interested in what to pray for before going to bed. You can just talk to the Lord before you go to bed. You will always find the topic if you remember the parable with which we started the conversation. During the day, you experienced different events, worked or thought about solving problems. The Lord was always near, even when you do not understand and do not realize it. Thank Him. For this, an Orthodox prayer is read for the coming dream. In fact, it is gratitude to the Lord for the day of life, for the fact that He is near, in the heart, thoughts and soul. If you think carefully about the texts mentioned above, then they are about the same. Believers strive to be with the Lord every second, they devote all their daily affairs to Him. And any decision is checked against His commandments. And for giving such a way of life, be sure to thank.
How to Prepare for Prayer
Turning to faith, a person out of habit pays a lot of attention to the external side of the issue. It's probably easier to change your lifestyle this way. In fact, true faith does not require special"Scenery". God is in the soul of man, and this is the most important thing. However, almost no one can feel it right away. The religious world is too different from our usual reality. Therefore, one should tune in to prayer, at least at first. Bring icons from the temple and place them in the "red corner". This is an Orthodox tradition. Holy faces should hang on the opposite wall from the door. Pictures of obscene content and devices broadcasting information (TV, computer) cannot be placed nearby. Next to the icons it would be nice to place a lamp or a place for candles. Also think about a place convenient for the whole family. It is necessary that people could gather at the Holy Faces and not interfere with each other. Arrange a time for evening prayer. That way you can have a quiet conversation with the Lord. Just don't turn on the TV at this time. He will break privacy.
Prayer to the child for the coming sleep
Children also need to be taught to believe. While they are small, mothers pray for their souls (or fathers, other relatives). And as they grow up, they will begin to imitate the elders. They will only need to be directed, to explain the essence of what is happening. Here, for example, is a prayer for children recommended by Ambrose of Optina: “Lord, You are One in all things. You can do everything and want to help everyone come to the mind of truth. Lord, enlighten our children (names) with the knowledge of Your holy truth. Strengthen their will to live according to Your commandments. And us sinners, have mercy. Amen! This prayer should be included in your rule. And how will the youths become interested in what mother says there andbaptized, be sure to explain. Just do it thoughtfully, without neglecting the essence of tradition. Parents often think that the child is still too young to understand how a believer communicates with the Lord. And then the children slide into hypocrisy (they explained how it was above), simply repeating the rule after their parents.
Why believers make commitments
Probably, this question will also have to be revealed to children. So let's talk a little. We have already found out that the believer accepts the prayer rule voluntarily. He does not answer to anyone but the Lord and his conscience. A does this to prove the firmness of the decision to accept the faith. But the bottom line is that this is a personal matter. A person proves commitment to the Lord only to himself. And he struggles with laziness, unwillingness to pray for his soul. Nobody needs to stick to prayer rules anymore. Everyone does it for themselves. The believer in this way acquires the grace of God. And this, as Sergei Sarovsky explained, is the main goal of man. He accumulates heavenly "capital" in this way. Everything that is done by a believer is aimed at acquiring grace. Here is the fulfillment of the prayer rule - also a step along this path.
So what texts to read?
Not everyone is affected by reasoning about faith. Some people are looking for clues, they need to indicate exactly what the prayer for the coming dream is short. We have already mentioned 3 strong ones earlier, but we will repeat ourselves. Before going to bed, you need to say: “Have mercy on us, Lord”, “Angel of Christ” and “Our Father”. Other texts can be included in the rule bydesire and need. In the book mentioned above, the monks recommend starting the evening prayer with one text. When you get used to it, there will be an awareness of what you are doing, add the next one. In this way, you will gradually work out your own prayer rule. And it is important to move away from the mechanical reading of texts closer to spirituality. If it doesn’t work right away, then put the prayer book aside, just talk with the Lord, thank you for the past day. And if this does not work out, bow to the icons with an open heart and trust.
Conclusion
Religious traditions are complex, difficult and confusing only at first glance. In fact, if you concentrate on their true essence, you will quickly understand everything. We got up in the morning - turn your thoughts to the Lord, read a prayer. During the day you encountered difficulties - do the same, formed - again remember God. And in the evening, thank him for everything that has fallen to your lot, ask for a blessing. He will always be in your soul, which is what all believers yearn for.
