Resources developed by the Liturgical Resource Development Ministry
The Liturgical Resource Development Ministry is an effort to develop and advance English translations and versifications of our Syriac liturgies.
The Shehimo prayers are the daily canonical prayers of the Orthodox Church according to the West Syriac liturgical tradition. “Sh'himo” is the Syriac word for “common” or “ordinary.” It simply refers to the prayers that are done on ordinary days when there is not a Feast of the Church being celebrated.
“Seven times a day I praise You, because of Your righteous judgments”
In correlation with David’s model of prayer, the Church has developed seven hours of prayer and they are as follows:
- Evening Prayer (Ramsho or Vespers) – 6PM
- Bedtime Prayer (Soutoro or Compline) - 9PM
- Night Prayers (Lilio or Nocturns, with three “watches” or Quamos) – 12AM
- Morning Prayer (Sapro or Matins) – 6AM
- 3rd Hour Prayer - 9AM
- 6th Hour Prayer - 12PM
- 9th Hour Prayer - 3PM
The Hours of Prayer help us to mediate on the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord. For example, at the 3rd Hour (9 AM), we are reminded of the time when Christ was put to trial and of his journey to Calvary. At the 6th Hour (12 PM), we are reminded of the time when Christ was hung on the Cross. At the 9th Hour (3 PM), we are reminded of the time when Christ gave up His spirit on the Cross. In the Night Prayer, we proclaim “Halleluiah, Halleluiah, Halleluiah, Glory be to You, O God!” As we pray this, we are reminded of the triumphant Resurrection of our Lord. So, the times of prayer have significance in that they remind us daily of the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Sh'himo Prayers also have general themes for each day of the week:
- Monday and Tuesday – Repentance
- Wednesday – The Theotokos
- Thursday – The Holy Apostles, Saints
- Friday – The Holy Cross, Martyrs, Confessors
- Saturday – The Faithful Departed
On Friday, we remember the Cross, as it was on Friday when our Lord was crucified. We also remember the Martyrs and Confessors who suffered for love of Christ. Saturday, we remember the departed as it was on Saturday when our Lord entered into Hades and preached the Gospel to the departed. Every Sunday we celebrate the feast of feasts, the Resurrection of our Lord. Praying the Sh'himo helps us to assimilate our lives to the life of the Church.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SUNDAY Ninth HOUR
This is the ninth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Sunday around 3pm.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also, please note that for the Sunday offices prostrations are NOT done when making the sign of the cross during Qaumas and the Nicene Creed. Every Sunday, the Church celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, so prostrations are not done on Sundays as a sign of that joyous celebration.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SUNDAY Sixth HOUR
This is the sixth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Sunday around 12pm. The Manitho of St. Severus is to be prayed following the 6th hour Bou'tho except on Sundays and other days when attending Liturgy (The Manitho on liturgical days, like the Creed, will be prayed during the Holy Qurbana instead).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also, please note that for the Sunday offices prostrations are NOT done when making the sign of the cross during Qaumas and the Nicene Creed. Every Sunday, the Church celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, so prostrations are not done on Sundays as a sign of that joyous celebration.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SUNDAY Third Hour
This is the third hour prayer that is to be prayed on Sunday around 9am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also, please note that for the Sunday offices prostrations are NOT done when making the sign of the cross during Qaumas and the Nicene Creed. Every Sunday, the Church celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, so prostrations are not done on Sundays as a sign of that joyous celebration.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SUNDAY Matins
This is the morning prayer that is to be prayed on Sunday mornings around 6am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also, please note that for the Sunday offices prostrations are NOT done when making the sign of the cross during Qaumas and the Nicene Creed. Every Sunday, the Church celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, so prostrations are not done on Sundays as a sign of that joyous celebration.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SUNDAY COMPLINE
This is the Compline prayer that is to be prayed on Saturday evenings around 9pm (or before bedtime). Oftentimes, the office of Compline is offered following the office of Vespers (Ramsho).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also, please note that for the Sunday offices prostrations are NOT done when making the sign of the cross during Qaumas and the Nicene Creed. Every Sunday, the Church celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, so prostrations are not done on Sundays as a sign of that joyous celebration.
Shehimo Recordings: Sunday Vespers
This is the evening prayer that is to be prayed on Saturday evenings after 6pm (which is liturgically Sunday evening).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also, please note that for the Sunday offices prostrations are NOT done when making the sign of the cross during Qaumas and the Nicene Creed. Every Sunday, the Church celebrates the Resurrection of Christ, so prostrations are not done on Sundays as a sign of that joyous celebration.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SATURDAY NINTH HOUR
This is the ninth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Saturday around 3pm.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SATURDAY SIXTH HOUR
This is the sixth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Saturday around 12pm. The Manitho of St. Severus is to be prayed following the 6th hour Bou'tho except on Sundays and other days when attending Liturgy (The Manitho on liturgical days, like the Creed, will be prayed during the Holy Qurbana instead).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SATURDAY THIRD HOUR
This is the third hour prayer that is to be prayed on Saturday around 9am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SATURDAY Matins
This is the morning prayer that is to be prayed on Saturday around 6am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: SATURDAY COMPLINE
This is the Compline prayer that is to be prayed on Friday evenings around 9pm (or before bedtime). Oftentimes, the office of Compline is offered following the office of Vespers (Ramsho).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the qauma. Also please note, that prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the Cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
Shehimo Recordings: Saturday Vespers
This is the evening prayer that is to be prayed on Friday evenings after 6pm (which is liturgically Saturday evening).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: FRIDAY NINTH HOUR
This is the ninth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Friday around 3pm.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: FRIDAY SIXTH HOUR
This is the sixth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Friday around 12pm. The Manitho of St. Severus is to be prayed following the 6th hour Bou'tho except on Sundays and other days when attending Liturgy (The Manitho on liturgical days, like the Creed, will be prayed during the Holy Qurbana instead).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: FRIDAY THIRD HOUR
This is the third hour prayer that is to be prayed on Friday around 9am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: FRIDAY Matins
This is the morning prayer that is to be prayed on Friday around 6am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: FRIDAY COMPLINE
This is the Compline prayer that is to be prayed on Thursday evenings around 9pm (or before bedtime). Oftentimes, the office of Compline is offered following the office of Vespers (Ramsho)
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the qauma. Also please note, that prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the Cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
Shehimo Recordings: Friday Vespers
This is the evening prayer that is to be prayed on Thursday evenings after 6pm (which is liturgically Friday evening).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: THURSDAY NINTH HOUR
This is the ninth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Thursday around 3pm.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: THURSDAY SIXTH HOUR
This is the sixth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Thursday around 12pm. The Manitho of St. Severus is to be prayed following the 6th hour Bou'tho except on Sundays and other days when attending Liturgy (The Manitho on liturgical days, like the Creed, will be prayed during the Holy Qurbana instead).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: THURSDAY THIRD HOUR
This is the third hour prayer that is to be prayed on Thursday around 9am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: THURSDAY MATINS
This is the morning prayer that is to be prayed on Thursday around 6am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: THURSDAY Compline
This is the Compline prayer that is to be prayed on Wednesday evenings around 9pm (or before bedtime). Oftentimes, the office of Compline is offered following the office of Vespers (Ramsho).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the qauma. Also please note, that prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the Cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: Thursday Vespers
This is the evening prayer that is to be prayed on Wednesday evenings after 6pm (which is liturgically Thursday evening).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: WEDNESDAY ninTH HOUR
This is the ninth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Wednesday around 3pm.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: WEDNESDAY SIXTH HOUR
This is the sixth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Wednesday around 12pm. The Manitho of St. Severus is to be prayed following the 6th hour Bou'tho except on Sundays and other days when attending Liturgy (The Manitho on liturgical days, like the Creed, will be prayed during the Holy Qurbana instead).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: WEDNESDAY THIRD HOUR
This is the third hour prayer that is to be prayed on Wednesday around 9am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: WEDNESDAY Matins
This is the morning prayer that is to be prayed on Wednesday around 6am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: Wednesday Compline
This is the Compline prayer that is to be prayed on Tuesday evenings around 9pm (or before bedtime). Oftentimes, the office of Compline is offered following the office of Vespers (Ramsho).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the qauma. Also please note, that prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the Cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: Wednesday Vespers
This is the evening prayer that is to be prayed on Tuesday evenings after 6pm (which is liturgically Wednesday evening).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: TUESDAY NINTH HOUR
This is the ninth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Tuesday around 3pm.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: TUESDAY SIXTH HOUR
This is the sixth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Tuesday around 12pm. The Manitho of St. Severus is to be prayed following the 6th hour Bou'tho except on Sundays and other days when attending Liturgy (The Manitho on liturgical days, like the Creed, will be prayed during the Holy Qurbana instead).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: TUESDAY THIRD HOUR
This is the third hour prayer that is to be prayed on Tuesday around 9am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: TUESDAY Matins
This is the morning prayer that is to be prayed on Tuesday around 6am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: TUESDAY Compline
This is the Compline prayer that is to be prayed on Monday evenings around 9pm (or before bedtime). Oftentimes, the office of Compline is offered following the office of Vespers (Ramsho).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma. Also please note, that prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the Cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: TUESDAY Vespers
This is the evening prayer that is to be prayed on Monday evenings after 6pm (which is liturgically Tuesday eveniComplineng).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: MONDAY Ninth HOUR
This is the ninth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Monday around 3pm.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: MONDAY Sixth Hour
This is the sixth hour prayer that is to be prayed on Monday around 12pm. The Manitho of St. Severus is to be prayed following the 6th hour Bou'tho except on Sundays and other days when attending Liturgy (The Manitho on liturgical days, like the Creed, will be prayed during the Holy Qurbana instead).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: MONDAY Third Hour
This is the third hour prayer that is to be prayed on Monday around 9am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer begins with the Qauma and concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: MONDAY Matins
This is the morning prayer that is to be prayed on Monday around 6am.
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed. Also please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed.
SHEHIMO RECORDINGS: MONDAY Vespers
This is the evening prayer that is to be prayed on Sunday evenings after 6pm (which is liturgically Monday evening).
*Although not included on the audio, please note that the prayer concludes with the Qauma followed by the Nicene Creed.
**Please note, prostrations are to be done when making the sign of the cross during the Qaumas and the Nicene Creed