Tag: St. Ephraim the Syrian

A Lenten Prayer

During the weekdays of Great Lent, we say the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian (306-373 AD).

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 on 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 the prayer once more in full, with one prostration at the end.

If unable to physically do a prostration, “bend the knees of your heart” instead.

Scripture brought me to the Gate of Paradise, and the mind stood in wonder as it entered. ~ St. Ephraim the Syrian

Let books be your dining table, and you shall be full of delights. Let them be your mattress, and you shall sleep restful nights. ~ St. Ephraim the Syrian

Feast Day of the Annunciation

May Thy Light shine in my thoughts; may they be illumined by Thy rays and may Thy magnificent radiance gladden them, for Thou art the sun that radiates all.   

~ St. Ephraim the Syrian, Spiritual Psalter

Today, the sun shone extra brightly on this beautiful feast of the Annunciation, celebrating the Archangel Gabriel’s Good News to the Virgin Mary, that she would give birth to the Son of God.

Good news comes in many forms. It can be surprising or hoped for, but it’s always welcome and appreciated.

During the current world pandemic and the safety laws for physical distancing ourselves from each other, the normal routines of our daily lives have vanished almost overnight. Little in the world seems familiar.

Now is the time to especially remember a great consolation – that we are never deprived of God, because God is always right here, right now, within us.

True, we may be temporarily isolated, and physically apart from each other, but we are never alone. We remain connected with each other through the Holy Spirit; embraced by God’s enduring love, compassion, forgiveness and great mercy.

This is permanent good news!

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come; Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ~ Romans 8:38-39

Jesus Christ remains the same, yesterday, today and forever. ~Hebrews 13:8

Thank you Anastasia for sharing this beautiful photo of your icon corner today.

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