This ancient prayer is prescribed for the Canonical Hours of the weekdays of Great Lent. It is attributed to St Ephraim the Syrian (AD 306-373) and is an excellent summary of how we should strive to purify ourselves during Great Lent not just through fasting and abstinence but also through a genuine change of heart.
This prayer is added to our daily prayers during the season of lent.
O Lord and Master of my life,
take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power
and idle talk;
(PROSTRATION)
But grant rather the spirit of chastity, 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 the ages of ages. Amen.
(PROSTRATION)
Then twelve bows from the waist, saying at each bow:
O God, cleanse me a sinner.
Repeat the full prayer again followed by one prostration.
