I hope that all that are observing the season of lent are finding the journey spiritually
purifying. I thought that I would share a prayer that has been very beneficial to during this time. The Prayer of St. Ephraim is thought to be the perfect encapsulation and summation of the Lent season. I agree wholeheartedly!
O Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, or vain talking. (cross yourself and make a prostration)
But rather a spirit of purity, humility, patience, and love bestow on me thy servant. (cross yourself and make a prostration)
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages,
Amen. (cross yourself and make a prostration)
O God, cleanse me a sinner. (x12, crossing and bowing)
O Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, or vain talking. But rather a spirit of purity, humility, patience, and love bestow on me thy servant.
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages, Amen.
(cross yourself and make a prostration)
March 21, 2011 at 11:32 am
What a wonderful prayer! Thanks.
March 21, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Awesome! The cross-and-prostrate part makes this sound like something more akin to the Eastern Orthodox.
March 21, 2011 at 10:08 pm
JohnDave, it is indeed. This prayer is said, with prostrations and bows, not only during weekday services in Lent, but also in our morning and evening prayers on Lenten weekdays (but not on Saturdays and Sundays, which as the Sabbath and the Lord’s Day, have a festive character).
March 22, 2011 at 6:39 am
A good prayer to know, crossings and prostrations included.
March 23, 2011 at 2:17 pm
Thanks Esteban for providing some context for the usage of the prayer. I recently attending an Orthodox prayer vesper here in Portland for the first time. It was truly a wonderful time of prayer. I’m sure I will visit them again soon.
Pingback: Lenten Prayer: St. Augustine of Hippo | Near Emmaus