Prayer 12

This is a section of prayer number 12 from the Book of Prayers, (also known as the Book of Lamentations) by St Gregory of Narek. Since I discovered this book and this newly-canonized saint, I have been overwhelmed by the many beautifully-written prayers to God. If you check further down his biography posted on his feast day on February 27, you can also get a link to the entire Book of Prayers, and see for yourself the variety of meaningful prayers, divided into 95 prayers or chapters.

Accept with sweetness almighty Lord my bitter prayers.

Look with pity upon my mournful face.

Dispel, all-bestowing God, my shameful sadness.

Lift, merciful God, my unbearable burden.

Cast off, potent God, my mortal habits.

Spoil, triumphant God, my wayward pleasures.

Dissipate, exalted God, my wanton fog.

Block, life-giving God, my destructive ways.

Undo, secret-seeing God, my evil entrapments.

Fend off, inscrutable God, my assailants.

Inscribe your name on the skylight of my abode.

Cover the roof of my temple with your hand.

Mark the threshold of my cell with your blood.

Imprint the outside of my door with your sign.

Protect the mat where I rest with your right hand.

Keep my cot pure from all seductions.

Preserve my suffering soul by your will.

Steady the breath of life you have given my flesh.

Surround me with your heavenly host.