[Prayer 15] Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart:

Now again with the same sighs
from my distressed heart
pouring out the same wordy strains,
I seek your mercy, bestower of all gifts,
and with my soul immersed in torment ¹
like the dead, I pray to you
living, immortal God, confessing
before your honor, my disgrace,
before your goodness, my evil.
I am more devastated than cured,
more embarrassed than emboldened,
having broken my vows and forsaken
the trust reposed in me.

I am like the pathetic sheep in the second parable,²
which strayed into inaccessible hills
and wandered in a daze among beastly demons³
and fierce idols, without the slightest chance of
returning to the fold. Although my tongue was lost
for words to tell my anguish, and my hands
lacked the agility to communicate like the mute,
still you found me, you who alone
are praised from beginning to end
throughout the generations.

You found me, a sinner, lost in darkness
crying like the psalmist in prayer,⁴
and because of your willing care
you were called Shepherd, for not only
did you care, but you sought,⁵
not only did you find, O worker of miracles,
but with the goodness of your love,
a love that defies description,
you rescued me,
lifting me upon your shoulders,
to set down alongside your heavenly army,
the heirs to your fatherly legacy.

Prayer – “Book of Lamentations” St. Gregory of Narek 15

Readings – Ընթերցումներ
Exodus 3:16-22; Joel 3:1-8 –  Ելք. 3.16-22: Յովէլ 3.1-8:

DAILY SPIRITUAL TASK
Pick a day when you fast from using
electronic appliances. Lenten Service 7p.m.