Reflections on God


Cave of St. John of the Ladder


Prayers that St. Ephraim the Syrian offered up to God.


O Lord and Master of my life, give me not the spirit of sloth, idle curiosity, meddling, lust for power and idle talk. But grant unto me, Thy servant, a spirit of chastity, integrity, humility, patience and love. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see mine own faults and not to judge my brother. For blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen. 


1 Beatitudes

Blessed is he who has in the Lord become completely free of all earthly things in this troublesome life, and who has loved the one good and merciful God. 


Blessed is he who has become a doer of good works and, like a fruitful field, brings forth a great abundance of the fruits of life in the Lord. 


Blessed is he who stands at prayer in service to God and, like the heavenly angels, at all times has pure thoughts and does not allow the evil one to approach him, that he may not enslave his soul and lead it away from God the Savior. 


Blessed is he who loves sanctity (purity) like light, and has not defiled his body before the Lord with shameful acts of the evil one. 


Blessed is he who always retains in himself remembrance of God, for such a person on earth is like a heavenly angel, constantly celebrating the Lord with fear and love. 


Blessed is he who loves repentance, which saves all sinners, and does not delight in sin, that he might not appear ungrateful before God our Savior. 


Blessed is he who, like a courageous warrior defending heavenly treasures, preserves his soul and body without reproach in the Lord. 


Blessed is he who like the heavenly angels, has pure thoughts, and who with his lips sings praises to the One who has authority over all that breathes. 


Blessed is he who has become like unto the seraphim and cherubim and is never slothful in spiritual service, who ceaselessly glorifies the Lord.


Prayer of Saint Ephrem the Syria

                                            




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