5 popular Serbian prayers and their meaning

In the Serbian Orthodox tradition, prayers play a central role in the spiritual life of believers. They serve to worship God, ask for forgiveness and express gratitude. Here are five important prayers in Serbian and German , their meaning and their place in the Orthodox faith.

1. Oče naš (Our Father)

Serbian:

Well, my daughter is in the clouds,
The light is the same as her name,
the two of you,
The house of both of them is in the forest near the sky.
Хлеб наш насушни дај нам данас,
and what you see next,
There is also one with my own eyes.
И н уведи нас у искушење, но избави нас од злога. Amin.

German:

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
As in heaven, so on earth.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins,
as we also forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Meaning:

This central Christian prayer was taught by Jesus Christ himself. It emphasizes worship of God, trusting in his care, and asking for forgiveness . In the Serbian Orthodox Church, it is recited daily.

2. Bogorodice Djevo (Prayer to the Mother of God)

Serbian:

Богородице ДИево, радуј се,
Благодатна Маријо, Господ је с тобом;
благословена си ти међу женама,
и благословен плод утробе твоје,
Here you can take a shower.

German:

Mother of God, rejoice,
O Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you;
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
for you have given birth to the Savior of our souls.

Meaning:

This prayer is a tribute to the Virgin Mary , venerated in the Orthodox Church as the Theotokos (Mother of God) . It expresses gratitude for her role in the salvation of mankind and is often recited as a daily prayer.

3. Gospode Isuse Hriste (Prayer to Jesus Christ)

Serbian:

Господе Исусе Христе, Сине Божји,
помилуј ме грешног/грешну.

German:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,
Have mercy on me, a sinner.

Meaning:

This short prayer, also known as the Jesus Prayer , is often repeated and serves as a request for God's mercy . It is particularly deeply rooted in Orthodox spiritual practice and is used as a silent prayer for inner purification and meditation .

4. Sveti Sava molitva (Prayer of Saint Sava)

Serbian:

Боже, дај ми снаге д с сачувам од зла
And before you go to the church.
Помози ми, д будем добар д д чиним добро свима.
Чувај ме, Боже, од свих невоља болести.
Amino.

German:

God, give me the strength to stay away from evil
and to always be fair before you.
Help me to be good and to do good to everyone.
Protect me, God, from all troubles and illnesses.
Amen.

Meaning:

This prayer is attributed to Saint Sava , the patron saint of Serbia. It expresses the wish for a virtuous life and is often recited by believers for personal strengthening and guidance .

5. Molitva pre spavanja (Prayer before sleeping)

Serbian:

The hospital was there for you.
Say something to Koi and tell me
I would like to see the menu as well as the device.
Чувај ме, Господе, током ноћи и дај ми мирни сан.
Amino.

German:

Lord, I thank you for this day.
I forgive all who have offended me,
and ask you to forgive me if I have offended anyone.
Protect me, Lord, during the night and grant me a peaceful sleep.
Amen.

Meaning:

This evening prayer expresses gratitude for the past day , asks for forgiveness and protection during the night . It is often said before going to bed and helps believers to rest in peace and security .

Deeply rooted in the Serbian Orthodox tradition, these prayers provide spiritual comfort and strength. They are an important part of the daily lives of many believers and help maintain the connection with God and the saints.