Prayer of St Ephrem the Syrian

English and Slavonic

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.