Lord and Master of my life, do not give me a spirit of laziness or idle curiosity, or ambition or empty talk.
Instead, grant to me, your servant, a spirit of self-control and humility, of patience and love.
Yes, Lord and King, enable me to see my own failings, and not to judge my brother or sister, for you are blessed unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
~The Prayer of St. Ephrem (d. 373); prob. composed 5th century
The Prayer of St. Ephrem is the great Lenten prayer of the Byzantine-Rite Churches (Orthodox and Catholic). It is prayed twice daily in the weekday services of Lent, and also used privately. It is a physical prayer as well as a verbal one: after each of the three verses of the prayer, one kneels down and touches the forehead to the ground (or, alternatively, makes a deep bow). We’re not used to physical gestures in prayer so this may feel awkward. It might also seem “Muslim”—but it is likely that the Islamic prayers and their gestures were actually inspired by Christian practices!
(adapted from Fr. Columba Stewart, in Give Us This Day)
Safe travels over the spring break!--Karen
___________________________
Karen Soos
Associate Chaplain and Catholic Campus Minister
Davidson College
Campus Box 7196
Davidson NC 28035
704. 894. 2423
Associate Chaplain and Catholic Campus Minister
Davidson College
Campus Box 7196
Davidson NC 28035
704. 894. 2423
