In Orthodox Christian spirituality, the rule of prayer (also known as a prayer rule or canon) holds profound importance as the foundation of spiritual life. This disciplined pattern of daily prayer serves as the rhythmic heartbeat of the believer's communion with God.
Saint Theophan the Recluse teaches that "Prayer is the test of everything; prayer is also the source of everything; prayer is the driving force of everything; prayer is also the director of everything. If prayer is right, everything is right. For prayer will not allow anything to go wrong." A consistent rule of prayer transforms the scattered moments of our spiritual lives into a cohesive journey toward theosis—deification through participation in divine energies.
The rule of prayer is not merely about quantity but quality—not simply words recited but heart engaged. As Saint Isaac the Syrian explains, "Love is the fruit of prayer ... Patiently abiding in prayer signifies a man's renunciation of himself. Therefore the self-denial of the soul turns into love for God." Through faithful adherence to a prayer rule, the believer cultivates inner stillness (hesychia) and gradually acquires the grace of unceasing prayer that the Apostle Paul exhorts us toward.
In the Orthodox understanding of spiritual life, discipline and grace exist in a mystical synergy—not as opposing forces but as divine partners in the work of salvation. The Holy Fathers teach us that ascetical discipline without grace becomes mere legalism. Yet equally perilous is the pursuit of grace without discipline.
Our spiritual disciplines—prayer, fasting, almsgiving, study of Scripture—are not means of earning God's favor but rather of creating space within ourselves where grace may operate freely. As St. Seraphim of Sarov beautifully expresses: "Acquire the Spirit of Peace, and thousands around you will be saved." This acquisition requires both our labor and God's gift.
The Fathers speak of theosis—our deification—as being accomplished "by grace and not by nature." Our disciplines create the vessel; God's grace fills it. Our efforts till the soil; God's grace brings forth the fruit." In this sacred dance, we move in response to God who has always moved first toward us. Our spiritual discipline is itself a response to grace already given, while opening us to grace yet to be received.
Note: This order was given to St. Pachomius of Egypt by an Angel and was the rule he used at each hour of the day and night (ARCHIMANDRITE LAZARUS (MOORE), ST. SERAPHIM OF SAROV: A SPIRITUAL BIOGRAPHY, P. 77). It is a prayer rule that lends itself to memorization, and as such is one that can be done in situations in which it is impractical for one to pray using a prayer book.