lord and master of my life

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“We must always pray. But Lent is the time of an increase of prayer and also of its deepening. The simplest way is, first, to add the Lenten prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian to our private morning and evening prayers. Then, it is good and profitable to set certain hours of the day for a short prayer: this can be done “internally”—at the office, in the car, everywhere. The important thing here is to remember constantly that we are in Lent, to be spiritually “referred” to its final goal: renewal, penitence, closer contact with God.”

Father Alexander Schmemman

Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk

But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. 

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own transgressions, and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. Amen.

sweet praise

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Psalms and Hymns

 

Psalmody is the ABC for beginners, progress for the more advanced, confirmation for the perfect, the voice of the Church. It makes festivals radiant; it creates mourning that is in accordance with God, for psalmody draws tears even from a heart of stone.

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Saint Ephraim the Syrian

 

Blessings as we usher in the Nativity Season

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Praise the Lord, for a psalm is a good thing;

Let praise be sweet to our God.

The Lord is building Jerusalem,

And He shall gather together the dispersion of Israel;

He heals the brokenhearted

And He binds up all their wounds.

He numbers the multitude of stars

And calls them all by name.

Great is our Lord, and great is His strength;

His understanding exceeds every measure.

The Lord raises up the gentle,

But humbles sinners to the ground.

Begin with thanksgiving to the Lord;

Sing to our God with the harp,

To Him who covers heaven with clouds,

Who prepares rain for the earth,

Who makes grass grow on the mountains

And the green growth for the service of men,

To Him who gives the cattle their food

And who gives food to the nestlings of ravens

When they call upon Him.

He shall not take pleasure in the strength of a horse,

Nor be pleased with the legs of a man;

The Lord is pleased with those who fear Him,

And with those who hope in His mercy.

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Psalm 146

 

prayer of saint ephrem

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prayer of saint ephemera

Lord and Master of my life, give me not a spirit of sloth, idle curiosity, love of power, and useless chatter. Rather grant to me, Your servant, a spirit of chastity, humility, patience , and love. Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to condemn my brother; for You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.