Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian

O Lord and Master of my life,
give me not the spirit of laziness,
despair, lust of power, and idle talk. (prostration)

But give rather the spirit of sobriety,
humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (prostration)

Yea, O Lord and King,
grant me to see my own transgressions
and not to judge my brother,
for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen (prostration)
St. Ephraim the Syrian (AD 305-373)

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The emergence of Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian

The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian is a well-known Catholic prayer that is typically recited during the season of Lent. St. Ephraim was a fourth-century poet and theologian who is known for his writings on the Christian faith.

The prayer is a reflection on the themes of repentance, humility, and spiritual renewal that are central to the Lenten season. It is meant to be a reminder of the need to turn away from sin and to pursue a life of virtue and holiness.

The origins of the Prayer of St. Ephraim are not entirely clear. Some sources suggest that it was written by St. Ephraim himself, while others suggest that it was written later by an anonymous author. What is known is that the prayer has been used in the Catholic Church for many centuries and is an important part of the Lenten liturgy.

The prayer is typically recited with a series of prostrations, during which the believer kneels and touches their forehead to the ground as a sign of humility and repentance. The practice of prostrations is a common part of Eastern Christian spirituality and is meant to be a physical expression of one’s spiritual commitment.

Today, the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian remains an important part of the Lenten season for Catholics and other Christians around the world. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to turn away from sin and to pursue a life of holiness and virtue, and it is a testament to the enduring spiritual legacy of St. Ephraim and his teachings.