And now, a few words from St. Ephrem

Hunting for an Orthodox prayer for the next issue of the magazine, my Associate Editor stumbled upon these wise and especially timely words from the saint who was also a deacon:

Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem

O Lord and Master of my life!

Take from me the spirit of sloth,

faint-heartedness, 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 errors

and not to judge my brother;

For Thou art blessed unto ages of ages.

Amen.