Ephrem the Syrian Quotations

Ephrem the Syrian was a Syriac deacon, prolific Syriac-language hymn writer and theologian of the 4th century. He is venerated by Christians, and especially Syriac Christians, as a saint.

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The hutzpah of our love is pleasing to you, O Lord, just as it pleased you that we should steal from your bounty.
- Hymns on Faith 16:5

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O Lord and Master of my life,
give me not a spirit of sloth,
vain curiosity, lust for power and idle talk,
but give to me, your servant,
a spirit of soberness, humility, patience and love.
O Lord and King,
grant me to see my own faults
and not to condemn my brother:
for you are blessed
for ever and ever.
Amen.
O God, cleanse me, a sinner.
- Prayer of Ephrem, prayed by Eastern orthodox faithfuls during the Great Lent.