A large amount of information, a busy homework schedule, and a tight schedule of lessons make learning by no means a holiday. And if we add to this the difficulties with assimilation of the material, poor memory and slow thinking, it is not surprising that for some people the school and student years become a time of suffering and a heavy burden.
Godly cause
From time immemorial, education has been revered in Russia and valued very highly. Following an ancient tradition, prayers for students are held in all churches at the beginning of the school year. The desire for knowledge, the comprehension of sciences has always been a charitable deed. The Word of God says that poverty and dishonor come to those who reject the doctrine.
History tells that the very first schools were usually created at churches, and the first teachers who taught children to read and write were representatives of the lower Christian clergy, readers ordeacons. In those days, they learned to read not from primers, but from the Ps alter and other biblical books. An educated person, even if he was from a poor family, rose high in the eyes of society, and the best opportunities for a device in life were opened to him.
Today the attitude to knowledge has not changed. Almost everyone strives to get a decent education: the best kindergartens, schools, higher educational institutions. Parents sacrifice a lot so that their child can get a good profession in the future. But what to do when the call of the first of September causes not joy, but a shudder? And what is supposed to be a blessing, for some reason turns into a headache and a problem. The Orthodox Church has an answer to this: prayers to Sergius of Radonezh for help in studies.
When science fails
Not many were lucky enough to be born "seven spans in the forehead", savvy or gifted by nature. Most people still have to "nibble on the granite of science", and this is not always successful. First-class teachers, tutors, extra lessons can be a good help when there are opportunities for this, but not everyone has them. And it happens that even all the available resources do not solve the problem.
For some, this may seem ridiculous and rather frivolous, but prayer, which helps in learning, is sometimes the only means that remains available to a desperate schoolboy or student. And this is no reason to be ashamed. After all, with the name of the Lord our whole history was made. Galileo Galilei, Hans Oersted, Isaac Newton, Mikhail Lomonosov - the list goes on and on. The sad thing is that many know them only as outstanding scientists. But above all, they were people praying to God.
It doesn't make much difference which of the saints to turn to with a need. You can appeal to Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, Nicholas the Wonderworker. Most of all, the Orthodox are advised to pray for success in their studies to Sergius of Radonezh. This Reverend is revered by believers as one of the strongest patrons of children who comprehend literacy and science. Not without reason Sergius received such recognition from the people.
Called from the womb
Sergius of Radonezh was born into a family of pious boyars on May 3, 1314. There is a legend that before his birth, being in the womb, he exclaimed three times during the Divine Liturgy, and those present nearby testified to this. And after his birth, he amazed everyone with his fasting, refusing mother's milk on Wednesdays and Fridays. His mother, being a God-fearing woman, immediately realized that the child was unusual. She noticed that whenever meat was present in her diet, the baby then refused breast milk.
From the first days of his life, St. Sergius was in an atmosphere of prayer and God's Word. And, growing up, he loved to be in the temple more and more, being inspired by divine services. But, surprisingly, despite the piety and humility of the lad, the letter did not submit to him.
Lagging behind in class
When Sergius was 7 years old, his parents sent him to a church school to learn reading and writing. Unlike other students,knowledge was not given to the boy at all, although his brothers, Stefan and Peter, were successful in them. Repeatedly receiving punishment from the teacher and ridicule from his comrades, he went to school with tears. Prayer became the only consolation for Sergius.
One day, while doing his father's chores, the Reverend went to the field to bring the horses to the stable. In a clearing, he met an unusual old man who, kneeling near an oak, said a prayer. According to God's foresight, having settled down to the stranger, Sergius decides to approach him and speak. He reveals to him his sadness about the stupidity of the mind in comprehending the sciences and asks the elder to make a prayer for him to study at school. The wanderer blesses the boy, giving him prosphora from a knapsack with the words that from now on knowledge will submit to him, and he will surpass all students in success and will teach others. A little later, invited to the parental home, the elder again repeats the words of the prophecy, adding to what was said that the great lad will be before God and people.
Promoting education
Today, prayers to Sergius of Radonezh for academic success are made in all churches and parishes. The patron does not leave unanswered students who humbly cry out to him for help. The saint, as he himself once endured difficulties in comprehension of reading and writing, understands the children and does not remain silent and indifferent.
Before the image of a saint, it is necessary to ask for understanding with a humble heart. The mere mechanical execution of the ritual or haste will not bring the proper fruit. It's better to stay for a whilesilence and tune your thoughts to spirituality, move away from the hustle and bustle. You need to start asking with faith in the grace and mercy of God.
Undoubtedly, it is better to use proven texts during prayer, but you can also appeal in your own words coming from the heart.
To the exam with a prayer
Exam time is always stressful, especially if the subjects are complex and hard to come by in the learning process. Before a significant day, it will not be superfluous to visit the church and ask for blessings from the priest. And before the icon of Sergius of Radonezh, say a prayer for the exam.
Prayer, by its nature, always brings peace and tranquility to a person. The secret sacrament takes place at this moment. That is why after visiting the temple, many people talk about the relief they received. This is just what the agitated soul of the student needs, for the grace from above never hurts.
Sincere appeal to the spiritual will not remain without results. Students have a treasury of stories where reading the exam prayer really worked wonders.
Don't forget about diligence
It would be foolish to rely on prayer alone. The efforts of a schoolboy or student are no less important. The Reverend will help only those who themselves made every effort and labor to master knowledge and achieve positive grades.
Idlers can read a prayer to Sergius of Radonezh for academic success as much as they like, but there will be no fruit from this. MyselfThe monk, before receiving the blessing of the Lord, diligently and perseveringly delved into the letter, although it was not given to him. The essay about his life tells about the significant time that the boy spent studying, delving into books and trying to understand something.
Parents petition
Unfortunately, life shows that most often the younger generation does not seek the help of saints and say prayers. Parents are the ones who worry the most about their children's academic success. What feats do mothers sometimes go to in order to “pull their favorite child by the ears” for a good grade.
Do not despair if the child is not happy with academic performance. The best help a parent can give is not only expensive tutors and additional courses, but also prayer for excellent studies. It's about repeated contact. People tend to give up after a couple of days if they don't see results, but consistency is key here.
Continuously, for several months, it is necessary to say a prayer to Sergius of Radonezh about the study of a son or daughter. Changes for the better can happen at any time. The saint will not only bless the progress in knowledge, but also save the child from the bad influence of peers.
Prayers to Sergius of Radonezh for academic success
Invocation for every day:
“Saint Sergius, forgive me, the servant of God, my faults. I beg you to grant me intercession and protection. May your generous grace illuminate my path and grant the ability to masterteaching. I beg you, show me your mercy and send me a clear memory and a smart mind. Give me confidence in your abilities. I hope with all my heart for your great mercy. In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
Request before session or exams:
“Oh, Saint Sergius, I appeal to you and to your great mercy. Free me from all fears and doubts, give me the enlightenment of the mind and send down your holy protection. Pour out your wondrous gift with a holy hand over my head and lift up your prayer for the servant of God. Let confusion and timidity leave me, and your intercession will give me the strength to keep the right answer before my mentors. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
A petition to the saint for parents of schoolchildren and students:
“Reverend Sergius, our intercessor and unceasing intercessor, I appeal to you and to your miraculous power. Ask the Lord for my child and grant him clarity of mind. Endow him with the firmness of faith and direct him to the path of righteousness. May your intercession be honest and unfeigned to help him. Grant him the strength to endure all the trials on his way and keep his answer true and without mistakes. Amen.”
