A Beautiful Prayer for the Advent Fast

Lord Jesus, You have come so many times to us and found no resting place,
forgive us for our over-crowded lives, our vain haste and our preoccupation with self.

Come again, O Lord, and though our hearts are a jumble of voices, and our minds overlaid with many fears,
find a place however humble, where You can begin to work Your wonder as you create peace and joy within us.

If in some hidden corner, in some out-of-the-way spot, we can clear away the clutter, and shut out the noise and darkness, come be born again in us, and we shall kneel in perfect peace with the wisest and humblest of men.

Help us to enter into this Christmas fast with humility, yet with joy.

And finally Lord, give us Christmas from within, that we may share it from without,
on all sides, all around us, wherever there is need.

God help us, every one, to share the blessing of Jesus, in whose name we keep Christmas holy. Amen.

The Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim

Lord and Master of my life,

Take away from me the spirit of laziness, idle curiosity, lust for power and vain talk.

Rather grant to me, Your servant, a spirit of moderation, humility, patience and love.

Yea, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother, for You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord of the Powers

Lord of the Powers, be with us! For in times of distress we have no other help but You.

(Hear this beautful hymn from the Holy Monday services performed by Eikona)