Ancient Prayers for These Times
Call to Confession
by Ambrose (c. 330-397), Bishop of Milan
O Lord, who is all merciful: Take away my sins from me, and enkindle within me the fire of Your Holy Spirit. Take away this heart of stone from me, and give me a heart of flesh and blood, a heart to love and adore You, a heart which may delight in You, love You and please You, for Christ’s sake. Amen.
Prayer of Confession
by Ephraim of Syria (c. 306-373), Theologian
I give You glory, O Christ, because You, the only begotten, the Lord of all things, who alone are without sin, gave Yourself to die for me, a sinner unworthy of such a blessing: You died the death of the cross to free my sinful soul from the bonds of sin.
Assurance of Pardon
Augustine (c. 354-430), Bishop of Hippo
O You, from whom to turn is to fall, to whom to be
turned is to rise, and in whom to stand is to abide forever,
grant us in all our duties Your help, in all our perplexities
Your guidance, in all our dangers Your protection,
and in all our sorrows Your peace; through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
