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Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem (306-373 A.D.)

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power, and idle talk.  But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. 

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.

St. Ephrem  the Syrian was a a gifted teacher, poet, teacher, orator, and a courageous defender of the faith. He opposed the many false doctrines rampant at his time, always remaining a true and forceful protector of Christian doctrine.
My loving wife Susan, who is Eastern Orthodox, introduced me a couple of years ago to this simple and beautiful prayer. St. Ephrem’s words are pregnant with meaning – and I think it captures in it the essence of many Scriptures: The Lord’s prayer, the Greatest Commandments, Romans 12, and 1 Corinthians 13 come to mind.In these days of loud and mean-spirited discourse, it is good for us Christians to bow our heads as we mourn for our own sins during Lent.  The Lord Jesus Christ calls us to be living icons of grace and truth; His ambassadors in this wounded planet.  In this prayer, we have been gifted a sweet treasure as we journey with Jesus Christ to the Cross!ST Ephram

O Gladsome Light – Alegre Luz

GIA Publications has just published this choral composition based on an ancient Greek prayer, the Phos Hilaron. It is very appropriate for a choral anthem on Sunday morning (A morning text is included); and for college, community, and High School choirs, it would make a great way to begin or end a concert. You can purchase it from GIA.

Here’s a recording from our Advent Service at Baylor University:

 

Veo Violencia en la Ciudad por Carlos Colón

Clip de una presentación en la Catedral de Santa Ana, El Salvador. Música: Carlos Colón. Letra Carlos Colón y María Eugenia Cornou – basada en el Salmo 55.

Veo violencia en la ciudad, violencia y discordia.

Veo violencia en la ciudad.

¡Señor, ten piedad!

1.Escucha, Oh Dios, mi oración;

Oye la voz de mi ruego.

Mira atento nuestra opresión,

ven y rescata a tu pueblo.

 

2. Hay en mi alma dolor,

siento terrores de muerte.

Líbranos hoy de éste temor;

Que el malo no nos aceche.

 

3.¡Oh, quién pudiérame dar

alas, cuál tórtola ágil!

Lejos podría yo volar

y no sentirme tan frágil.

 

4. A mi Señor clamaré,

sé que vendrá en mi rescate.

Día y noche suplicaré;

y Dios habrá de escuchar me.