the prayer to the holy spirit

1. Historical
Prospective of the Liturgy
THE PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
D I A L O G U E
ipodiakonos zoran j. bobic

2. The prayer to the Holy Spirit:
• Deacon stands to the right side of the priest;
• Both deacon & priest say the prayer:
O heavenly King and Comforter, Spirit of truth, which art in all places and fillest all
things; Treasure of goodness and Giver of life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us
from all that defileth. And save our souls, O Thou who art good.
• Both make 3 small bows with prayer:
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, and divine favor toward men (twice).
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise (Ps. 50:17).

3. The prayer to the Holy Spirit:
• The prayer to the Holy Spirit was introduced in 13th century;
• “Glory to God in the highest” is expression of the angelic recognition;
• “Glory to God in the highest” is praise for the greatest work of God;
• “Lord open my lips…” is verse 17 of Psalm 50;

4. Blessing and Sending Forth the Deacon:
• Both deacon and priest go to the Holy Table;
• Deacon kisses Holy Table, priest the Gospel Book;
• Deacon asks for blessing by saying:
It is time to sacrifice unto the Lord. Bless, sir.
• Priest response:
Blessed is our God at all time, now and always and for ever and ever.

5. Blessing and Sending Forth the Deacon:
• Deacon: Pray for me, sir.
• Priest : May the Lord direct your steps.
• Deacon : Remember me, holy sir.
• Priest: May the Lord remember you in his kingdom, at all times, now and always and for
ever and ever.
• Deacon : Amen.
• The deacon then makes a small bow and, while holding the orar with the first three
fingers of his right hand, leaves the sanctuary through the north door, since the royal
doors are not opened until the little Entrance. He takes his place before the royal doors
and reverently makes three small bows. With each bow, he says in a low voice:
• O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise (Ps. 50:17).