Prayer Before Writing an Icon
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
GIve us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil. Amen
Then Pray
O Divine Lord of all that exists, You have illuminated the Apostle and Evangelist with Your Most Holy Spirit, thereby enabling him to represent the Most Holy Mother, the one who held You in her arms and said: The Grace of Him Who has been born of me is spread throughout the world.
Enlighten and direct our souls, our hearts, and our spirits. Guide the hands of Your unworthy servants so that we may worthily and perfectly portray Your Icon, that of Your Holy Mother, and of all the saints, for the glory, joy and adornment of Your Holy Church.
Forgive our sins and the sins of those who will venerate these icons, and who, standing devoutly before them, give homage to those they represent. Protect them from all evil and instruct them with good counsel. This we ask through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Apostle Luke, and all the saints, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen