Justin Appel

Dear friends,

This morning, I would like to share a prayer that Eastern Orthodox Christians say often during the Lenten season. It is the prayer of Saint Ephrem the Syrian, and it is often prayed several times at the end of Morning Prayer with a series of bows or even prostrations.

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

This a lovely prayer to add to one's repertoire. If one prays it with earnestness, out loud, and with some appropriate posture, one can learn a great deal about themselves and about God.

This prayer (and the prayer practices that accompany it) were the first place in my Christian life when I was told that that ambition (here rendered 'love of power') is actually not a Christian virtue.

Of greatest possible value, though, is the teaching that one should never judge another, but rather ask God to impart the gift of self-understanding.

Blessings,
Justin