O God, watch over me
always, in my work, in my words, in the thoughts of my heart.
O God, have pity on
me, in this world and in the world to come.
O God, have pity on
me, for I have sinned against you like the mortal that I am; but, kind and
gentle Master, forgive me…
O God, do not show me
the anger that my sins and misdeeds deserve...
O God, your Word was
made flesh for me; for me he was crucified, died, was buried, and on the third
day rose again. Bind me to you!
O God, do not let me
give way to disloyalty. May the Enemy find nothing in me that he can call his
own.
O God, sharpen my
will. May it be like a sword and cut all sinful thoughts out of my mind.
O God, as you calmed
the sea with a word, so drive out the evil passions from my sinful nature. May
sin die down and disappear from all my members.
O God, grant that my
heart may always be pure and my faith orthodox forever, yes forever. Amen.
(Shenute)