"I have fallen: Raise me up and grant that I may labor if only a little while, that I might not be ashamed at the Judgment." (Saint Ephraim the Syrian)
I have fallen: Raise me up and grant that I may labor if only a little while, that I might not be ashamed at the Judgment.
urify me with Thy grace, O kindhearted Father. Wipe away my stains with Thine all-cleansing hyssop and heal my sores, that I might give thanks to Thy grace!
I have fallen; raise me up and strengthen me, O Lord, for Thou raisest up all who have fallen. Stretch forth Thine hand to me and enliven me once again by Thy compassion!
The adversary has deceived me; he has stripped me of my garment and stolen it away. Because of him I remain fruitless and must go to the judgment entirely naked. May Thy mercy be for me a robe in the day of judgment!
What great fear there will be in the day of judgment when every man gives an account of his deeds, thoughts, and even of every time he beckoned with his eyes. Vindicate me on that day, O my Judge, for though I am guilty I wish to repent.
Our hearts will be tormented and suffer exceedingly when all that aroused our desire is reviewed, when every man stands naked and will be called to answer for himself.
On that day, woe to the man who, like me, has committed many transgressions, who has sinned and concealed his sins, that he might escape shame in this world! Fingers will be pointed at him in the day of judgment.
My transgressions have multiplied, my days have passed by and vanished; the end is approaching, but there is no repentance to be found in me. If compassion finds no place for me, woe is me in the day of judgment!
Blessed is the man who has labored some in this world, for he will inherit the kingdom in the intransient world to come. In return for small labors, he will acquire a great inheritance.
At Thy judgment, O our Lord, there will be no partiality. Every man will receive what he deserves. He who has done good deeds will receive the kingdom, and he who has done wicked deeds will receive torment.
Open to me the door of Thy compassion, O Hope of the penitent, and stretch forth to me Thine healing hand to bandage my scabs and mend my sores.
My will refuses to follow Thy will. Do Thou Thyself subdue me to Thy will, that I might thereby receive salvation and glorify Thy will, for it is kind to the penitent.
Mercifully receive my prayer to make peace between me and Thee; and, according to Thy kindness, grant me life in Thy coming. Then the evil one will be ashamed when he sees that Thy truth has pardoned me.
From A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God, compiled from the works of Saint Ephraim the Syrian