The Priest begins the prayer with "Shlil" (meaning "Pray"), to which the Deacon responds with "Epi prosevkhi stathite" (meaning "Stand up for prayer"). This announces to the Congregation to prepare for prayer. Everyone ought to stand in reverence, worshipping God without slothfulness.

“I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”— 1 Timothy 2:8