The prayer rule of St. Ambrose of Optina, read during temptations

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From the letters of St. Ambrose of Optina
Psalm to David, who at times fled from the face of Absalom his son, 3.
In the end, in songs of reason to David. Suddenly Zipheem came and said to Saul, “Has David hidden himself in us?” 53.
In the end, let him not corrupt David in writing the pillars, when Saul sent and kept watch over his house, even before he put him to death, 58.
Psalm to David, when his son Absalom persecuted him, 142.
The prayer of a beggar, when he is discouraged, and before the Lord he pours out his prayer, 101.
From the letters of St. Ambrose of Optina
Psalm to David, 36.
Psalm to David, before the anointing, 26.
The praise of the song of David, not written among the Jews, 90.
Finally, Psalm to David, 39.
Venerable Elder Ambrose of Optina

The Venerable Elder Ambrose of Optina offered those who turned to him in a variety of sorrows and misfortunes special short prayer rules that were feasible for every Christian. The elder knew from his own experience how these prayers act, how they strengthen a person’s weakened spirit, how the enemy’s slander is destroyed if these prayers are read with faith and trust in God’s almighty help. We present here these rules, compiled from the psalms of David, along with excerpts from the letters of St. Ambrose.

The prayer rule of St. Ambrose of Optina, read during temptations

From the letters of St. Ambrose of Optina

Trust in the mercy and help of God and believe that the Lord is strong to deliver you from all the snares of man and the enemy. It is said in the Psalms: “The Lord destroys the councils of tongues and sweeps away the thoughts of men; But the counsel of the Lord endures forever.”

I write out for you the psalms that Saint David prayed when he was persecuted by his enemies: 3rd, 53rd, 58th, 142nd. Choose words that are appropriate for you from these psalms and read them often, turning to God with faith and humility. And when despondency overcomes you or unaccountable sorrow torments your soul, read Psalm 101.

Instructions in letters

Elder Ambrose received letters asking for advice. And no matter how difficult it was, he answered, instructed, supported everyone. Ambrose Optinsky's letters began to be published after his death.

So, after death, the wise old man instructs lost souls and helps them find peace of mind. This is what he wrote to his spiritual daughter:

“Boredom is the grandson of despondency, and laziness is the daughter. To drive her away, work hard in action, don’t be lazy in prayer; then boredom will pass and diligence will come. And if you add patience and humility to this, you will save yourself from many evils.”

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Psalm to David, who at times fled from the face of Absalom his son, 3.

Audio:

Lord, why have we multiplied the cold? Many people rise up against me, many people say to my soul: there is no salvation for him in his God. But you, Lord, are my Protector, my glory, and lift up my head. With my voice I cried to the Lord, and He heard me from His holy mountain. I fell asleep and fell asleep, and arose, as if the Lord would intercede for me. I will not be afraid of those people around who attack me. Arise, Lord, save me, my God, for you have struck down all those who were at enmity with me in vain: you have crushed the teeth of sinners. Salvation is the Lord, and Your blessing is upon Your people.

Translation: Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son. God! how my enemies have multiplied! Many are rebelling against me; Many say to my soul: “He has no salvation in God.” But You, Lord, are a shield before me, my glory, and You lift up my head. With my voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears me from His holy mountain. I lie down, sleep and get up, for the Lord protects me. I will not be afraid of the people who have taken up arms against me from all sides. Arise, Lord! save me, my God! for You strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation is from the Lord. Upon Your people is Your blessing.

Psalm to David, when his son Absalom persecuted him, 142.

Audio:

Lord, hear my prayer, inspire my prayer in Your truth, hear me in Your righteousness: and do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for no one living will be justified before You. Because the enemy drove away my soul, he humbled my life to eat in the ground, he planted me to eat in dark, like dead ages. And my spirit is sad within me, my heart is troubled within me. I have remembered the days of old, I have learned from all Your deeds, I have learned from Your handiwork. I lift up my hands to You, my soul, like a waterless land to You. Hear me soon, O Lord, my spirit has disappeared, do not turn Your face away from me, and I will become like those who go down into the pit. I hear you show me Your mercy in the morning, for I have trusted in You. Tell me, Lord, the way, I will go, as if I have taken my soul to You. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Your Good Spirit will guide me to rightness on earth. For Thy name's sake, Lord, live me, by Thy righteousness remove my soul from sorrow. And by Your mercy consume my enemies and destroy all my cold souls, for I am Your servant.

God! Hear my prayer, heed my prayer according to Thy truth; Hear me according to Your righteousness and do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for not one living will be justified before You. The enemy pursues my soul, trampled my life into the ground, forced me to live in darkness, like those long dead - and my spirit became sad within me, my heart became numb within me. I remember the days of old, I meditate on all Your works, I reason about the works of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul is drawn to You, like a thirsty land. Hear me soon, O Lord: my spirit faints; do not hide Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down to the grave. Grant me early hearing of Your mercy, for I trust in You. Show me, [Lord], the path along which I should go, for to You I lift up my soul. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I come running to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; May Your good Spirit lead me to the land of righteousness. For Thy name's sake, O Lord, quicken me; For the sake of Your righteousness, lead my soul out of adversity. And by Thy mercy destroy my enemies and destroy all who oppress my soul, for I am Thy servant.

The prayer of a beggar, when he is discouraged, and before the Lord he pours out his prayer, 101.

Audio:

Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to You. Do not turn Your face away from me: even if I mourn for a day, incline Your ear to me: even if I call on You for a day, hear me soon. As if my days had disappeared like smoke, and my bones had dried up like dry land. I was wounded like grass, and my heart wasted away, as if I had forgotten to bear my bread. Because of the voice of my groaning my bone clings to my flesh. I became like the tawny owl of the desert, like a nighttime corvid on its dive. I walked and walked like a special bird here. All day long I have reproached you, and those who praise me swear by me. It became ashes like I ate bread, and I dissolved my drink with tears. From the presence of Thy anger and Thy wrath: for as Thou hast exalted Thou hast cast me down. My days have turned away like the shade, and I have dried up like hay. But You, Lord, remain forever, and Your memory endures forever. You have risen to show mercy to Zion, for the time has come to show mercy to it. For Thy servants have favored his stone, and his dust they will buffet. And the nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kingdoms of the earth will fear Your glory. For the Lord will build Zion and appear in His glory. Consider the prayer of the humble, and do not despise their prayers. Let this be written for generations, and the people of the land praise the Lord. As from His holy heights, the Lord looked down from Heaven to earth, to hear the groaning of the chained, to release the sons of the slain, to proclaim the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem. Sometimes the people and the king will gather together for the work of the Lord. Answer Him on the way of His strength: make known to me the decline of my days. Do not bring me to the end of my days: in the generation of your generations. In the beginning, O Lord, You founded the earth, and Your hand made the heavens. They will perish, but You remain, and all like a robe they will promise, and like a garment I will wear, and they will be changed. You are the same, and Your years will not fail. Your sons will dwell, and their seed will be perfected forever.

The prayer of a sufferer when he becomes discouraged and pours out his sorrow before the Lord. God! Hear my prayer, and let my cry come to You. Hide not Your face from me; in the day of my tribulation, incline Your ear to me; on the day [when] I cry [to You], hear me quickly; For my days are gone like smoke, and my bones are burned like a brand; my heart is smitten and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread; because of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my flesh. I am like a pelican in the desert; I became like an owl on the ruins; I don’t sleep and sit like a lonely bird on the roof. Every day my enemies revile me, and those who are angry with me curse me. I eat ashes like bread, and I dissolve my drink with tears, because of Thy anger and Thy indignation, for Thou hast exalted me and cast me down. My days are like a retreating shadow, and I am withered like grass. But You, Lord, remain forever, and Your memory endures forever. You will arise, you will have mercy on Zion, for the time has come to have mercy on it, for the time has come; for Thy servants have loved its stones, and have pity for its dust. And the nations will fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth will fear Your glory. For the Lord will build Zion and appear in His glory; He will listen to the prayers of the helpless and will not despise their prayers. This will be written about for the generation that follows, and the generation to come will praise the Lord, for He came down from His holy height, the Lord looked down from heaven to the earth, to hear the groan of the prisoners, to loose the sons of death, so that they might proclaim the name of the Lord in Zion and His praise in Jerusalem, when nations and kingdoms are gathered together to serve the Lord. He exhausted my strength along the way, He shortened my days. I said: My God! do not take me away in half my days. Your summers in childbirth. In the beginning You, O Lord, founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands; they will perish, but You will remain; and they will all wear out like a robe, and like a garment You will change them, and they will be changed; but You are the same, and Your years will not end. The sons of Your servants will live, and their seed will be established before You.

Orthodox Life

The Venerable Elder Ambrose of Optina offered those who turned to him in a variety of sorrows and misfortunes special short prayer rules that were feasible for every Christian. The elder knew from his own experience how these prayers act, how they strengthen a person’s weakened spirit, how the enemy’s slander is destroyed if these prayers are read with faith and trust in God’s almighty help. We present these rules, compiled from the psalms of David, along with excerpts from the letters of St. Ambrose.

Trust in the mercy and help of God and believe that the Lord is strong to deliver you from all the snares of man and the enemy. It is said in the psalms: “The Lord destroys the councils of tongues and sweeps away the thoughts of people; But the counsel of the Lord endures forever.” I am writing out for you the psalms that Saint David prayed when he was persecuted by his enemies: 3rd, 53rd, 58th, 142nd. Choose words that are appropriate for you from these psalms and read them often, turning to God with faith and humility. And when despondency overcomes you or unaccountable sorrow torments your soul, read Psalm 101.

From the letters of St. Ambrose of Optina

Psalm to David, who at times fled from the face of Absalom his son, 3.

In the end, in songs of reason to David. Suddenly Zipheem came and said to Saul, “Has David hidden himself in us?” 53.

God, in Your name save me and in Your power judge me. God, hear my prayer, inspire the words of my mouth. As strangers rose up against me, and sought my soul with strength, and did not offer God before them. Behold, God helps me, and the Lord is the Protector of my soul. Evil will turn away my enemy; consume them with Thy truth. I will devour You, I will confess to Your name, O Lord, that it is good that You have delivered me from all sorrow, and that my eye has looked upon my enemies.

In the end, let him not corrupt David in writing the pillars, when Saul sent and kept watch over his house, even before he put him to death, 58.

Deliver me from my enemies, O God, and deliver me from those who rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity and save me from the blood of men. For behold, you have caught my soul and attacked me with strongholds, lower my iniquity, lower my sin, Lord. Having flown without iniquity and corrected it, arise to meet me and see. And You, Lord God of hosts, God of Israel, visit all the nations, so that you may not restrain all those who practice iniquity. They will return in the evening and will hunger like a dog and will go around the city. These answer with their lips, and the sword is in their mouth, for who can hear? And You, Lord, laugh at them and destroy all languages. I will preserve my power towards You, for You, O God, are my Protector. My God, His mercy will go before me, my God will show me in all my adversities. Do not kill them, lest they forget Your law, scatter me with Your power, and bring me down, my Protector, Lord. The sin of their lips, the word of their lips, and let them be in their pride, and from oaths and lies they will be proclaimed in death. They will die in wrath, and they will not: but they will proclaim that God rules over Jacob and the ends of the earth. They will return in the evening, and will hunger like a dog, and will go around the city. The food will be scattered. If they are not satisfied, they will grumble. I will sing of Your power and rejoice in the morning about Your mercy, for You were my Protector and My refuge in the day of my tribulation. Thou art my helper, I sing to Thee: for thou art my God, my Protector, my God, my mercy.

Psalm to David, when his son Absalom persecuted him, 142.

The prayer of a beggar, when he is discouraged, and before the Lord he pours out his prayer, 101.

-th: “Do not be jealous of those who are evil, nor be jealous of those who create iniquity.” And it would be good to read this psalm according to the words of Saint David - evening, morning and noon. And two more psalms - “The Lord enlightens” and “Living in help.” If, in the name of the Holy Trinity, you regularly read these psalms three times daily with humility and zeal, surrendering yourself to the all-good Providence of God, then you will be led to obey the Lord and beg Him. It is also useful to read the psalm - “By enduring, I have endured the Lord and listened to me.” It is not in vain that the Holy Scripture says that through many sorrows we must enter the Kingdom of Heaven, for the sake of which we entered the monastery.

Psalm to David, 36.

Do not be jealous of those who are evil; be not jealous of those who commit lawlessness. Like the grass they will soon dry up, and like the potion of grain they will soon disappear. Trust in the Lord, and do goodness, and populate the earth, and enjoy its riches. Delight the Lord, and He will grant you the petitions of your heart. Open your way to the Lord, and trust in Him, and He will create: and He will bring forth your righteousness like light and your destiny like noonday. Obey the Lord and beg Him. Do not be jealous of a man who is late on his journey and commits a crime. Stop being angry and leave rage: do not be jealous or be deceitful. Those who are wicked will be consumed, but those who endure the Lord will inherit the earth. And yet a little while, and there will be no sinner: and you will seek his place, and will not find it. The meek ones will inherit the earth and enjoy the abundance of the world. The sinner looks down on the righteous and gnashes his teeth. The Lord will laugh at him and despise him, when his day comes. The sinner has drawn the sword, strained her bow, cast down the wretched and the poor, and slain the upright in heart. Let their sword enter into their hearts, and let their bows be broken. A little is better for the righteous than the much wealth of sinners. For the sinners' arms will be broken, but the Lord will strengthen the righteous. The Lord knows the way of the blameless, and their inheritance will endure forever. They will not be ashamed in times of cruelty, and in days of famine they will be satisfied, as sinners will perish. Defeat the Lord, become greatly glorified by them and ascend, vanishing like smoke. The sinner borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives. For those who bless Him will inherit the earth, but those who curse Him will be consumed. From the Lord a man’s feet are straightened, and his ways are greatly delighted. Whenever he falls, he will not be broken, for the Lord strengthens his hand. The youngest was, for he grew old, and did not see the righteous forsaken, below his seed asking 16 bread. All day long the righteous one has mercy and gives back, and his seed will be a blessing. Turn away from evil, and do good, and dwell in the age of the century. For the Lord loves judgment and will not forsake His venerables, they will be preserved forever. But the wicked will marry, and the seed of the wicked will be consumed. The righteous women will inherit the earth and dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous shall learn wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment. The law of his God is in his heart, and his feet will not falter. The sinner looks at the righteous and seeks to kill him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand; he will judge him even when he judges him. Be patient with the Lord, and preserve His way, and He will exalt you, even though you will inherit the earth, and be consumed by a sinner, you will see. I saw the wicked being exalted and towering like the cedars of Lebanon. And he passed by, and behold he was not, and sought him, and his place was not found. Maintain kindness 17 and see righteousness, for there is a remnant for a man of peace. The wicked will be consumed together: the remnants of the wicked will be consumed. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, and their Protector is in time of tribulation. And the Lord will help them, and deliver them, and remove them from sinners, and save them, because they trusted in Him.

Psalm to David, before the anointing, 26.

The Lord is my enlightenment and my Savior, whom will I fear? The Lord is the Protector of my life, from whom shall I fear? Sometimes you come close to me with malice, even if you tear away my flesh, those who insult me and defeat me, you become weak and fall. Even if a regiment takes up arms against me, my heart will not fear, even if it rises up to fight against me, I will trust in Him. I have asked one thing of the Lord, this I will require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, 18 that I may behold the beauty of the Lord and visit His holy temple. Because He hid me in His village in the day of my evils, He covered me in the secret of His village, He lifted me up on a rock. And now, behold, I have lifted up my head against my enemies: I have eaten and devoured in His village the sacrifice of praise and shouting, I will sing and sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, my voice, where I cried: have mercy on me and hear me. My heart says to you: I will seek the Lord. I will seek Your face, O Lord, I will seek Your face. Do not turn Your face away from me, and do not turn aside in anger from Your servant: be my helper, do not reject me, and do not forsake me, O God of my Savior. For my father and mother abandoned me, but the Lord will accept me. Lay down the law, O Lord, in Thy way and guide me on the right path for my enemy’s sake. Do not betray me to the souls of those who afflict me, for I have stood up as a witness of unrighteousness 19 and lied untruthfully to myself. I believe in seeing the good Lord in the land of the living. Be patient with the Lord, be of good courage and let your heart be strong, and be patient with the Lord.

The praise of the song of David, not written among the Jews, 90.

Living in the help of the Most High, he will dwell in the blood of the Heavenly God. Says the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, and I trust in Him. For He will deliver you from the net of the trap, and from the words of rebellion, His splash will overshadow you, and under His wing you hope: His truth will surround you with weapons. Do not fear from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies in the days, from the things that pass in the darkness, from the grime and the demon of the midday. Thousands will fall from your country, and darkness will be at your right hand, but it will not come close to you, but look with your eyes, and see the reward of sinners. 20 For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High your refuge. Evil will not come to you, and wound will not approach your body, as His Angel commanded you about you, to keep you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their arms, but when you dash your foot against a stone, you will step on the asp and basilisk, and cross over the lion and the serpent. For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver, and I will cover, because I have known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will destroy him, and I will glorify him, I will fill him with long days, and I will show him My salvation.

Finally, Psalm to David, 39.

I have endured and endured the Lord, and he has heeded me and heard my prayer. And bring me up from the pit of passions, and from the clay of the mire, and set my feet on the stone, and straighten my steps, and put in my mouth a new song, singing to our God. The multitude will see 21 and fear, and trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man for whom the name of the Lord is his hope, and will not despise lying vanity and turmoil. Thou hast done many things, O Lord my God, Thy wonders, and by Thy thought there is no one who can be like Thee: I have proclaimed them in words, multiplying more than in number. You did not desire sacrifices and offerings, but you fulfilled the body for me, burnt offerings, and you did not require sin. Then he said, “Behold, I have come; in the book of the book it is written about me: I have pleased to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is in the midst of my belly.” The gospel of righteousness is great in the church; behold, I will not hinder my lips: Lord, you have understood. I have not hidden Your righteousness in my heart, I have not hidden Your truth and Your salvation, I have not hidden Your mercy and Your truth from the multitude. But You, Lord, do not remove Your compassions from me: I will take Your mercy and Your truth away, intercede for me. 22 For evil has taken possession of me, which has no number, and my iniquity has overtaken me, and I am not able to see that the hair of my head has multiplied, and my heart has left me. Deign, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, come to my aid. Let those who seek to take away my soul be ashamed and put to shame, and let those who wish to harm me turn back and be ashamed. May those who say: good, good, receive their coldness. Let all who seek You, O Lord, rejoice and rejoice in You, and let them say: May the Lord be exalted, they who love Your salvation. But I am poor and wretched, the Lord will take care of me. Thou art my Helper and my Protector, O my God, do not become stubborn.

From the letters of St. Ambrose of Optina

I received your letter, but in the second week of fasting I didn’t have time to write you an answer, so the third week is already coming to an end. Again I will tell you that, in my opinion, you still need to wait and be patient while the providential power of God acts, ruining wrong advice and sweeping aside the thoughts of ill-intentioned people; for the counsel of God alone endures forever. In order to receive God’s mercy and help in your situation, read Psalm 36 daily: “Do not be jealous of those who are evil; do not envy those who commit iniquity.” And it would be good to read this psalm according to the words of Saint David - evening, morning and noon. And two more psalms - “The Lord is enlightenment” and “Living in help.” If, in the name of the Holy Trinity, you regularly read these psalms three times daily with humility and zeal, surrendering yourself to the all-good Providence of God, then you will be led to obey the Lord and beg Him. It is also useful to read the psalm - “By enduring, I have endured the Lord and listened to me.” It is not in vain that the Holy Scripture says that through many sorrows we must enter the Kingdom of Heaven, for the sake of which we entered the monastery.

Rules and recommendations

Prayer to the monk can be offered both at home and in church. For home prayer it is recommended:

Purchase an image of the Saint and candles from the church shop.
Light a candle in front of your face, internally tune in to communicate with the Higher Powers, and cross yourself.
Read the sacred text slowly, thoughtfully pronouncing each word. You can do this out loud or silently.
Ask first of all for forgiveness of sins, and then briefly talk about your problems and desires.
At the end of the prayer request, thank the Heavenly Intercessor for communication.

If you are faced with serious insoluble problems, you need to visit the Vvedensky Cathedral, where the shrine with the relics of Ambrose of Optina and the miraculous icon are located. It will be wonderful if you visit the temple on the day of its greatness - October 23 or July 10, order a prayer service, and venerate the relics. At this time, crowds of people come to honor the Holy Saint, and conciliar prayer, as you know, is endowed with incredible power.

Psalm to David, 36.

Audio:

Do not be jealous of those who are evil; be not jealous of those who commit lawlessness. Like the grass they will soon dry up, and like the potion of grain they will soon disappear. Trust in the Lord, and do goodness, and populate the earth, and enjoy its riches. Delight the Lord, and He will grant you the petitions of your heart. Open your way to the Lord, and trust in Him, and He will create: and He will bring forth your righteousness like light and your destiny like noonday. Obey the Lord and beg Him. Do not be jealous of a man who is late on his journey and commits a crime. Stop being angry and leave rage: do not be jealous or be deceitful. Those who are wicked will be consumed, but those who endure the Lord will inherit the earth. And yet a little while, and there will be no sinner: and you will seek his place, and will not find it. The meek ones will inherit the earth and enjoy the abundance of the world. The sinner looks down on the righteous and gnashes his teeth. The Lord will laugh at him and despise him, when his day comes. The sinner has drawn the sword, strained her bow, cast down the wretched and the poor, and slain the upright in heart. Let their sword enter into their hearts, and let their bows be broken. A little is better for the righteous than the much wealth of sinners. For the sinners' arms will be broken, but the Lord will strengthen the righteous. The Lord knows the way of the blameless, and their inheritance will endure forever. They will not be ashamed in times of cruelty, and in days of famine they will be satisfied, as sinners will perish. Defeat the Lord, become greatly glorified by them and ascend, vanishing like smoke. The sinner borrows and does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives. For those who bless Him will inherit the earth, but those who curse Him will be consumed. From the Lord a man’s feet are straightened, and his ways are greatly delighted. Whenever he falls, he will not be broken, for the Lord strengthens his hand. The youngest was, for he grew old, and did not see the righteous man left, below his seed asking for bread. All day long the righteous one has mercy and gives back, and his seed will be a blessing. Turn away from evil, and do good, and dwell in the age of the century. For the Lord loves judgment and will not forsake His venerables, they will be preserved forever. But the wicked will marry, and the seed of the wicked will be consumed. The righteous women will inherit the earth and dwell in it forever. The mouth of the righteous shall learn wisdom, and his tongue shall speak judgment. The law of his God is in his heart, and his feet will not falter. The sinner looks at the righteous and seeks to kill him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand; he will judge him even when he judges him. Be patient with the Lord, and preserve His way, and He will exalt you, even though you will inherit the earth, and be consumed by a sinner, you will see. I saw the wicked being exalted and towering like the cedars of Lebanon. And he passed by, and behold he was not, and sought him, and his place was not found. Maintain kindness and see righteousness, for there is a remnant for a man in peace. The wicked will be consumed together: the remnants of the wicked will be consumed. The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord, and their Protector is in time of tribulation. And the Lord will help them, and deliver them, and remove them from sinners, and save them, because they trusted in Him.

Do not be jealous of evildoers, do not envy those who do iniquity, for they, like grass, will soon be cut down and, like green grass, they will wither. Trust in the Lord and do good; live on earth and keep the truth. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord and trust in Him, and He will perfect and bring out your righteousness like the light and your justice like the noonday. Submit to the Lord and trust in Him. Do not be jealous of the one who succeeds in his way, the wicked man. Stop being angry and leave rage; Do not be so jealous as to do evil, for those who do evil will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will inherit the earth. A little more, and the wicked will no longer be; you look at his place, and he is not there. But the meek will inherit the earth and enjoy much peace. The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him: but the Lord laughs at him, for he sees that his day is coming. The wicked draw their sword and draw their bow to overthrow the poor and needy, to pierce those who walk the straight path: their sword will enter their own heart, and their bows will be broken. A little of the righteous is better than the riches of many of the wicked, for the arms of the wicked are broken, but the Lord strengthens the righteous. The Lord knows the days of the blameless, and their wealth will endure forever: they will not be put to shame in times of cruelty, and in days of famine they will be satisfied; but the wicked will perish, and the enemies of the Lord will disappear like the fat of lambs, vanishing in smoke. The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous has mercy and gives, for those blessed by Him will inherit the earth, and those cursed by Him will be destroyed. The Lord establishes the feet of such a person, and He favors his path: when he falls, he will not fall, for the Lord holds him by the hand. I was young and old, and I have not seen the righteous forsaken and his descendants asking for bread: he has mercy and lends every day, and his descendants will be a blessing. Turn away from evil and do good, and you will live forever: for the Lord loves righteousness and does not forsake His saints; they will remain forever; [and the wicked will be cast out] and the descendants of the wicked will be destroyed. The righteous will inherit the earth and will live on it forever. The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue speaks righteousness. The law of his God is in his heart; his feet shall not be shaken. The wicked spies on the righteous and seeks to kill him; but the Lord will not deliver him into his hands and will not allow him to be accused when he is judged. Trust in the Lord and keep His way: and He will exalt you to inherit the earth; and when the wicked are destroyed, you will see. I saw a terrible wicked man, expanding like a rooted many-branched tree; but he passed, and now he is gone; I'm looking for it and can't find it. Observe the blameless and behold the righteous, for the future of such a person is peace; and the wicked will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will perish. Salvation comes from the Lord for the righteous; He is their protection in times of trouble; and the Lord will help them and deliver them; He will deliver them from the wicked and save them, for they trust in Him.

Psalm to David, before the anointing, 26.

Audio:

The Lord is my enlightenment and my Savior, whom will I fear? The Lord is the Protector of my life, from whom shall I fear? Sometimes you come close to me with malice, even if you tear away my flesh, those who insult me and defeat me, you become weak and fall. Even if a regiment takes up arms against me, my heart will not fear, even if it rises up to fight against me, I will trust in Him. I have asked one thing from the Lord, and this I will require: that I may live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may behold the beauty of the Lord and visit His holy temple. Because He hid me in His village in the day of my evils, He covered me in the secret of His village, He lifted me up on a rock. And now, behold, I have lifted up my head against my enemies: I have eaten and devoured in His village the sacrifice of praise and shouting, I will sing and sing praises to the Lord. Hear, O Lord, my voice, where I cried: have mercy on me and hear me. My heart says to you: I will seek the Lord. I will seek Your face, O Lord, I will seek Your face. Do not turn Your face away from me, and do not turn aside in anger from Your servant: be my helper, do not reject me, and do not forsake me, O God of my Savior. For my father and mother abandoned me, but the Lord will accept me. Lay down the law, O Lord, in Thy way and guide me on the right path for my enemy’s sake. Do not betray me to the souls of those who are afflicted by me, as if I stood up as a witness to unrighteousness and lied untruthfully to myself. I believe in seeing the good Lord in the land of the living. Be patient with the Lord, be of good courage and let your heart be strong, and be patient with the Lord.

The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life: whom shall I fear? If evildoers, my opponents and my enemies come upon me to devour my flesh, then they themselves will stumble and fall. If a regiment takes up arms against me, my heart will not fear; if war arises against me, then I will hope. I asked one thing from the Lord, this only I seek, that I might abide in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to contemplate the beauty of the Lord and visit His [holy] temple, for He would have hidden me in His tabernacle on the day of trouble, He would have hidden me in secret places. the place of His habitation, He would lift me up onto a rock. Then my head would be lifted above the enemies surrounding me; and I would offer sacrifices of praise in His tabernacle, and would begin to sing and make melody before the Lord. Hear, O Lord, my voice with which I cry, have mercy on me and listen to me. My heart speaks from You: “Seek My face”; and I will seek Your face, O Lord. Hide not Your face from me; do not reject Your servant in anger. You were my helper; do not reject me and do not forsake me, O God, my Savior! for my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will receive me. Teach me, O Lord, Thy way and guide me on the path of righteousness, for the sake of my enemies; Do not hand me over to the mercy of my enemies, for false witnesses have risen up against me and breathe malice. But I believe that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Trust in the Lord, be of good courage, and let your heart be strengthened, and trust in the Lord.

The praise of the song of David, not written among the Jews, 90.

Audio:

Living in the help of the Most High, he will dwell in the blood of the Heavenly God. Says the Lord: You are my protector and my refuge, my God, and I trust in Him. For He will deliver you from the net of the trap, and from the words of rebellion, His splash will overshadow you, and under His wing you hope: His truth will surround you with weapons. Do not fear from the fear of the night, from the arrow that flies in the days, from the things that pass in the darkness, from the grime and the demon of the midday. Thousands will fall from your country, and darkness will be at your right hand, but it will not come close to you, but look with your eyes, and see the reward of sinners. For You, O Lord, are my hope, You have made the Most High your refuge. Evil will not come to you, and wound will not approach your body, as His Angel commanded you about you, to keep you in all your ways. They will lift you up in their arms, but when you dash your foot against a stone, you will step on the asp and basilisk, and cross over the lion and the serpent. For I have trusted in Me, and I will deliver, and I will cover, because I have known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him: I am with him in tribulation, I will destroy him, and I will glorify him, I will fill him with long days, and I will show him My salvation.

He who lives under the roof of the Most High, under the shadow of the Almighty, rests, says to the Lord: “My refuge and my defense, my God, in whom I trust!” He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, from the destructive plague, He will cover you with His feathers, and you will be safe under His wings; shield and fence - His truth. You will not be afraid of the terrors in the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that walks in the darkness, the plague that devastates at noon. A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you: you will only look with your eyes and see the retribution of the wicked. For you said: “The Lord is my hope”; You have chosen the Most High as your refuge; no evil will befall you, and no plague will come near your dwelling; for He will command His angels about you - to guard you in all your ways: they will carry you in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone; you will step on the asp and basilisk; You will trample on the lion and the dragon. “Because he loved Me, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he has known My name. He will call to Me, and I will hear him; I am with him in sorrow; I will deliver him and glorify him, I will satisfy him with long days, and I will show him My salvation.”

Icon

There are many icons of St. Ambrose of Optina. In all of them he is depicted as an old man during his tenure as a hieroschemamonk. He wears a mantle - a brown or dark burgundy cloak and chemist vestments. On the head is a black hood or paramana. There is a cross on the chest. In his hands are a rosary, according to which prayer rules were usually read. They symbolize the weapon of a clergyman and are issued upon tonsure as a monk.

On some icons, St. Ambrose can be seen with a scroll in his hands. This is not only a symbol of an elder instructing people, but also a demonstration that the hieromonk wrote many teachings and even translated his statements regarding faith into rhymed short texts.

The icons, where the elder is depicted alone, repeat all his features with great accuracy. You can verify this by comparing his face in images and photographs.

In the Optina Hermitage and other monasteries you can often find icons of St. Ambrose, where he stands among monks and other saints.

Finally, Psalm to David, 39.

Audio:

I have endured and endured the Lord, and he has heeded me and heard my prayer. And bring me up from the pit of passions, and from the clay of the mire, and set my feet on the stone, and straighten my steps, and put in my mouth a new song, singing to our God. Many will see and fear, and trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man for whom the name of the Lord is his hope, and will not despise lying vanity and turmoil. Thou hast done many things, O Lord my God, Thy wonders, and by Thy thought there is no one who can be like Thee: I have proclaimed them in words, multiplying more than in number. You did not desire sacrifices and offerings, but you fulfilled the body for me, burnt offerings, and you did not require sin. Then he said, “Behold, I have come; in the book of the book it is written about me: I have pleased to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is in the midst of my belly.” The gospel of righteousness is great in the church; behold, I will not hinder my lips: Lord, you have understood. I have not hidden Your righteousness in my heart, I have not hidden Your truth and Your salvation, I have not hidden Your mercy and Your truth from the multitude. But You, Lord, do not remove Your compassions from me: I will take Your mercy and Your truth away, intercede for me. Because the evil one has taken possession of me, which has no number, my iniquities have befallen me, and I am not able to see the hair of my head multiply, and my heart forsake me. Deign, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, come to my aid. Let those who seek to take away my soul be ashamed and put to shame, and let those who wish to harm me turn back and be ashamed. May those who say: good, good, receive their coldness. Let all who seek You, O Lord, rejoice and rejoice in You, and let them say: May the Lord be exalted, they who love Your salvation. But I am poor and wretched, the Lord will take care of me. Thou art my Helper and my Protector, O my God, do not become stubborn.

To the head of the choir. Psalm of David. I firmly trusted in the Lord, and He bowed down to me and heard my cry; He brought me out of the terrible pit, out of the muddy swamp, and set my feet on a rock and established my steps; and he put a new song in my mouth - praise to our God. Many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who places his hope in the Lord and does not turn to the proud or to those who turn to lies. You have done much, O Lord my God: about Your miracles and Your thoughts about us - whoever will be like You! – I would like to preach and speak, but they exceed the number. You did not want sacrifices and offerings; You opened my ears* (*According to the translation of the 70: You prepared a body for me.); You did not require burnt offerings or sin sacrifices. Then I said: here I come; in the scroll of the book it is written about me: I desire to do Thy will, O my God, and Thy law is in my heart. I have proclaimed Your righteousness in the great assembly; I did not forbid my mouth: You, Lord, know. I did not hide Your righteousness in my heart, I proclaimed Your faithfulness and Your salvation, I did not hide Your mercy and Your truth before the great assembly. Do not withhold, O Lord, Thy compassions from me; May Thy mercy and Thy truth protect me unceasingly, for innumerable troubles have surrounded me; My iniquities have come upon me, so that I cannot see them: they are more numerous than the hairs of my head; my heart has left me. Deign, O Lord, to deliver me; God! hurry to help me. May all who seek the destruction of my soul be ashamed and disgraced! May those who wish me harm be turned back and consigned to ridicule! Let those who say to me, “Good! Fine!" Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You, and let those who love Your salvation continually say: “Great is the Lord!” I am poor and needy, but the Lord cares for me. You are my help and my deliverer, my God! don't slow down.

Reviews

Vera Ivanovna G.:

She offered prayers for her goddaughter, who at the age of 18 was suddenly drawn to cigarettes. Of course, her parents had a preventive conversation with her, and they showed different films, but I believe that it was Ambrose who interceded with God for Polina. Now she has not smoked for six months.

Nadezhda Filippovna S.:

I went to the Vvedensky Cathedral - there was such grace and peace there. Thank you to the great elders for your tireless prayers to the Almighty for us.

Lyubov Alexandrovna

This is my favorite Saint. I always light a candle for him for the good health of all family members. At home there is butter, blessed on the relics, and with it, wounds always heal as if by magic.