VESPERS HYMNS

O Lord Christ Jesus, our only Creator Redeemer, the only begotten Son, lamb of God who alone takes away the sin of the whole world of those who are saved, The only first born from the dead in the flesh, who shall come again in the same flesh, back from the third heaven from the right hand of the Father, we beg you:
give stability and strength to Your Church, implant in the depths of our souls
the harmony of love,
that the integrity of faith may grow.
Give firmness to the shepherds
and soundness to the flock.
May the clergy be irreprehensible in their morals, the monks continent,
the virgins pure,
married couples in accord;
may the penitent receive your pardon;
the rich be generous,
those in power, moderate;
may the poor receive help.
Be strength to the old
and teacher to the young.
Enlighten those without faith,
make divisions in the Church to cease,
break the pride of heretics
and deign to hold us all united
in concord and love.

Coptic liturgy

Prayer of an old man

Lord, Christ Jesus, King of kings, you have power over life and death; you know the intimate secrets and none of our thoughts and sentiments are unknown to you. Repair the evil which I have done in your sight.

My life declines from day to day and my sin is growing. O Lord, God of soul and body, you know the extreme frailty of my soul and of my flesh, give strength to my weakness and sustain me in my anguish.

You, who are my powerful support, know that I am esteemed by many. Give me a grateful heart, which will not forget your benefits, Lord of infinite goodness! Forget my many sins and pardon all my treachery.

Lord, do not despise the prayer of one who is sorry; keep me in your grace as you have kept me in the past. This has shown me the wisdom of: blessed are those who pass swiftly through life, for they will receive a crown of glory.

Lord, I praise and glorify you in spite of my unworthiness, for your mercy to me has been without limit. You are my help and my protector. May your name be ever praised!
Have mercy upon our kinsmen after the flesh and our friends and neighbors and all who – a sin not unto death – have personally trespassed against us, forgive and save them. To you, O Lord our God, be glory!

Ephrem Syrus

Prayer in sickness

Give me strength, O Christ. Else, Your servant is undone. My voice, singing to you, is now silent.
How can you allow it?
Give me strength, and do not abandon your minister. I would have health once more;
sing to your praise and sanctify your people.
I beg you, my strength, do not desert me.
If my faith has grown less in the storm,
yet I would return to you.

Lord God, our Father have mercy us
Lord God, the Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour have mercy us
Lord God, the Holy Spirit have mercy us

Gregory Nazianzen