Why do pious mothers tirelessly repeat the prayer of Ambrose of Optina

If you have read the novel “The Brothers Karamazov” by Fyodor Dostoevsky at least once, then you definitely remember Elder Zosima. Did you know the character had a real prototype? His name was Ambrose of Optina, and he was revered as an old man during his lifetime. Filled with love for people, he blessed for good deeds and helped every suffering person. The prayer of Ambrose of Optina even now serves as a reliable shield against all evil and misfortune. It helps to lift the spirit and gain strength.

In 1878, Fyodor Mikhailovich arrived in Optina deserts. It was there that he met the old man already known at that time. It is said that the resemblance of the character and Elder Ambrose was only external, although now it is difficult to say exactly. But the cell of Zosima described by Dostoevsky was exactly like the abode of Elder Optinsky.



Elder Ambrose is prayed for the most secret things: for children, parents, health. Most often, the prayers of this saint are spoken by mothers who worry about the fate and well-being of their children.



Ambrose of Optina did many good deeds, one of which is the arrangement of the Shamordinsk monastery for women. It was through his work that a church was erected in Chamordino. Ambrose became the spiritual mentor of schimonacini Sophia, who a few years later organized the activities of the monastery.

There are two types of prayer. You can read a short one every night when you go to sleep. But the long option should be left for going to church.

A short version of the prayer of St. Ambrose of Optina, O Lord, You are One all weights, you can all and you want to be saved and come into the mind of Truth. Understand my children by the knowledge of your truth and your holy will and strengthen them to walk in your commandments and me, a sinner, have mercy.



Long version (beginning) God! You have made me worthy to be a mother of a family, the Creator of all creatures, by applying mercy to mercy, Your grace has given me children, and I dare say: They are Your children! For You gave them life, gave them life with an immortal soul, regenerated them by baptism for a life according to Your will, adopted them and received them into the bosom of Your Church, O Lord!

Keep them in a state of grace until the end of their lives; make them partakers of the mysteries of Your covenant; sanctify them with Your truth; let Your holy name be holy in them and through them.

Send me Your graceful help in their education for the glory of Your name and the benefit of your neighbor. Give me methods, patience and strength for this purpose!

Teach me to plant in their hearts the root of true wisdom, your fear. Brighten them with the light that governs the universe of Your wisdom.

Let them love you with all their soul and thought; let them cling to you with all their heart, and let them tremble all their lives with your words.



Remember that the main thing when reading a prayer is to understand that these are not just words. This is the way to release the energy of your desire for happiness and health to your children. When reading, you should only think about them. For example, many people perceive the words of prayer as a rhyme, especially after many repetitions.



Of course, it’s hard to concentrate every time. However, you know that all your efforts are aimed at the well-being of the closest people. Let this be your biggest motivation.