I’ve done some of my usual pre-Lenten inquiries, and came across these two prayers that are taken from the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. Oh, if I could just get this right! To my understanding, it all boils down to these two things: Love God and love my neighbor. It is my intent to make this the focus of my Lenten discipline, along with the usual dietary modifications. Here are the prayers, and may God bless you always!
The Prayer of Saint Ephraim the Syrian is traditionally said many times throughout each day during Great Lent, in addition to our daily prayers.
O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, faintheartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. (+)
But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to your servant. (+)
Yes, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sin and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed from all ages to all ages. Amen. (+)
(The “(‘+)“ indicates that those praying make a deep bow or prostration at this point.)
The following comes from the Monday Vespers of the first week of Great Lent, observed in the Orthodox Christian tradition.
“Let us fast with a fast pleasing to the Lord. This is the true fast: the casting off of evil, the bridling of the tongue, the cutting off of anger, the cessation of lusts, evil talking, lies and cursing. The stopping of these is the fast true and acceptable.”
Wonderful prayers. I’m an Eastern Orthodox Christian. I converted from the Protestant faith a couple of years ago. I enjoyed this post.