---
title: "Short penitential prayers — Prayers"
description: "The Publican's prayer (Luke 18:13) and the opening prayers read with bows."
url: "https://spas.life/en/orthodoxy/prayers/penitential-short"
language: "en"
---

Penitential

# Short penitential prayers

O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. Thou who hast created me, O Lord, have mercy on me. I have sinned without number, O Lord, have mercy on me.

## Explanation

The Publican's prayer (Luke 18:13) and the opening prayers read with bows.