Interpretation of the Lenten prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian – Father Gavril Galev
Posted By Macedon on March 3, 2025
This prayer is included in the liturgical cycle in the Lenten-Triodion throughout the entire period of the Great Lent. Beginning on Tuesday and Thursday evening (Wednesday and Friday services), in the Cheesefare Week before the Great Lent begins, until the Passion Week (Holy Week), each worship ends with the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian.
Saint Ephrem the Syrian was a monk, a 4th century hermit living in Syria. He was a very great ascetic who attained great repentance. He is a writer of many repentant songs that derived from his repentant invaluable inner spirit. He was not educated, but the Holy Spirit taught him. This prayer is one of many of his repentant prayers. It is simple and very short, and at the same time very comprehensive and precise. It is the core, the center of spiritual life in the Church.
The prayer reads:
Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of sloth, despair, love of power, and idle talk. (Prostration)
But to me, Your servant give me rather, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love. (Prostration)
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions and not judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen. (Prostration)