The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian

O Lord and Master of my life, a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, and idle talking give me not. Prostration. But rather a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness, patience, and love bestow upon me Thy servant. Prostration. Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see my failings and not condemn my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen. Prostration. O God, cleanse me a sinner, (twelve times, with a reverence each time, and then repeat the entire prayer:) O Lord and Master of my life and the rest, with a prostration at the end. [Note: This prayer is read at the hours of Wednesday and Friday of Cheese-Fare Week and in all of the Holy Great Lent, except on Saturdays and Sundays.]