The Prayer of St Ephraim the Syrian

The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian

O Lord and Master of my life, a spirit of idleness,

despondency, ambition, and idle talking give

me not. Prostration.

But rather a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness,

patience, and love bestow upon me Thy

servant. Prostration.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my failings

and not condemn my brother; for blessed art

Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen. Prostration.

Then twelve “reverences” (bows from the waist with the

sign of the Cross).

With each one we say:

O God, cleanse me a sinner.

And then the entire prayer:

O Lord and Master of my life, a spirit of idleness,

despondency, ambition, and idle talking give me not.

But rather a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness,

patience, and love bestow upon me Thy servant. Yea, O

Lord and King, grant me to see my failings and not

condemn my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages

of ages. Amen. Prostration.

Readings