Prayer during the Great Fast
Fasting without prayer is just a
“diet” and of no spiritual benefit
at all. At the very least use
the Prayer of St. Ephraim every day
during the Fast.
O Lord and Master of my life!
Take from me the spirit of sloth,
despair,
lust of power and idle talk.
Make
one prostration.
But give rather the spirit of
chastity,
humility, patience and love to Thy
servant.
Make
one prostration.
Yea, O Lord and King!
Grant me to see my own
transgressions
and not to judge my brother,
for blessed art Thou, unto ages of
ages.
Make
one prostration.
O God, cleanse me, a sinner.
Say 12
times with bows.
Then say the entire prayer again
with only one prostration at the
end.
This should be done privately in
your own room as your own offering
to God. Do not prostrate unless you
can be sure of being able to get up
again afterwards!
If you have children teach them how
to pray this prayer together with
you, so that you make a family
offering to God every day of the
Great Fast. Do it before you eat
together. It is much more difficult
on a full stomach.
Apart from this do not be too
adventurous, rather persevere in
your daily prayer routine and keep
to it.