"To the saints: a request for intercession" (Saint Ephraim the Syrian)

To the saints: a request for intercession

Fear, O soul, the judgment and gehenna, and drive away the heavy sleep of apathy and the terrible slumber of recklessness. The end is near, the judgment is at the door. What will we encounter after we take leave of this life?

Come to mine aid, O saints and righteous ones, who have performed good deeds unto salvation and lament for me as for one deceased, or take pity on me as one who is among the living but half-dead. For I am full of shame and lack boldness because of the sins I have knowingly committed.

Pour out on me your kindness as you would for a prisoner or for one covered with festering sores. Be kind to me, O initiates of the merciful God, our Savior, and pray that He might freely convert me, and that in the hour of His coming I might not be found unworthy and not hear the terrible condemnation: get away from Me, O worker of deceit. I tell you that I know you not.

From A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God, compiled from the works of Saint Ephraim the Syrian