By Fr Alexander Schmemann Of all lenten hymns and prayers, one short prayer can be termed the lenten prayer. Tradition ascribes it to one of the great teachers of spiritual life - St. Ephraim the Syrian. Here is its text:
O Lord and Master of my life! Give me not the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Your servant. Yea, O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed forever and ever. Amen |