"Punish me here and correct me with grace, so that I might not then be ashamed." (Saint Ephraim the Syrian)
Punish me here and correct me with grace, so that I might not then be ashamed.
kindhearted Lord, spare Thy servant, that I might not be found in fear and great shame at Thy judgment, that I might not be a disgrace to angels and men.
Punish me here, O my Savior, as a tenderhearted Father who loves His children; and forgive me there, as the only sinless and most merciful God.
For if Thou givest not understanding to an unfortunate one and illuminest not his heart, that he might daily offer blameless repentance for his sins — what can he do there if he has no means to justify himself?
Before I was on earth it pleased Thee, O Master, according to Thy great compassion, to form me in the womb of my sinful mother. When I was born, according to Thy mercy Thou madest me worthy to become a vessel of grace. But, after I received this gift, I who am weak and sinful was in my slothfulness disinclined to offer recompense for it.
Thus, falling down before Thy kindness, I pray Thee, O Only-begotten Son, our Savior: sober me and raise me up, and shine Thy grace upon me again, that it might illumine my clouded mind as behooves Thy grace. May it always remain with me, and through its invisible guidance may it make me worthy of the heavenly kingdom. For as Thy grace has been for me, who am unworthy, at all times illumination, protection, a shield, a refuge, and joy — so may I then find shelter, O my Savior, from the terrible judgment under its protection; and with its compassion, saved by Thy mercy, may I stand on Thy right hand in Thy kingdom, praising and glorifying Thy long-suffering kindness, O mine immaculate Creator; for Thou didst not overlook the tears of Thine unprofitable and sinful servant.
From A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God, compiled from the works of Saint Ephraim the Syrian