Lenten Prayer of Ephrem the Syrian – 4th Century
(Adapted from an article by the late Alexander Schmemann)
Tradition ascribes this prayer to one of the great teachers of the spiritual life – St. Ephrem the Syrian, who lived in the 4th century. It is used extensively in Lenten services in he Eastern church. Here is its text (translated with some modern terms) with commentary by Schmemann.
O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth and apathy, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity and wholeness, humility, patience, and love to Your servant. O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother; For You are blessed forever, to ages of ages. Amen
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Lyle Mook, Teaching Pastor.
