From the Chapel — April 8: The Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian
From the Chapel — April 8: The Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian
“From the Chapel” is a series of short, daily reflections on life and faith in a time of uncertainty. As people across the world cope with the effects of the coronavirus — including the social isolation necessary to combat its spread — these reflections remind us of the hope that lies at the heart of the Gospel.
More than 25 years ago, while Amy and I were partaking in services at Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church located in Annandale, Virginia, I initially came across the Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian.
St. Ephrem, a deacon from the fourth century, indeed composed numerous prayers and hymns, which is the reason he was named a Doctor of the Church in 1920. However, throughout the centuries, this particular prayer has become so essential to the Lenten practices of Eastern Christians, both Catholic and Orthodox, that it has earned the unique designation of the Prayer of St. Ephrem.
Numerous Eastern Christians (as well as individuals influenced by their customs) pray the Prayer of St. Ephrem several times daily throughout Lent. This prayer consists of three lines, each followed by the Sign of the Cross and a prostration, where the person praying kneels on both knees and places their forehead to the ground.
Similar to another of my beloved prayers, Cardinal Merry del Val’s Litany of Humility, the Prayer of St. Ephrem serves as a supplication, beseeching God to suppress the desires of our spirit that hinder us from lowering ourselves before Him. Particularly during Holy Week, when our spiritual foes attempt to separate us from one another while we should all be journeying together on the Way of the Cross, this prayer serves as a significant reminder that genuine humility is a virtue we cannot attain by our own efforts. We need to implore God to bestow it upon us as a divine gift.
Numerous interpretations of the Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian exist; this is the version I initially learned and continue to recite to this day:
“O Lord and Sovereign of my existence, Shield me from the spirit of apathy and despair, Desire for authority and mindless conversation. [Sign of the Cross/prostration]
“Rather, bestow upon me the essence of complete existence, Humble-mindedness, endurance, and affection. [Sign of the Cross/prostration]
“O Lord and Sovereign, Bestow upon me the grace to recognize my transgressions and refrain from judging my brother, For You are eternally blessed, now and always, unto the ages of ages. Amen.” [Sign of the Cross/prostration]
In recent years, numerous Catholics have refrained from using social media during Holy Week, but this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it appears that a smaller number are choosing to do so. Sadly, this results in increased chances for conflict and frustration at a time when we ought to focus on the elements of our redemption.
Therefore, if you catch yourself logging into Facebook or Twitter, pause for a moment first and recite the Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian. Approach social media with a proper mindset — modest and tranquil.
And if you discover, as I did many years back, that the Prayer of St. Ephrem resonates with your spirit, think about incorporating it into your Lenten practices in the years ahead.
Scott P. Richert is publisher for OSV.
