The prayers of Ephraim the Syrian have been ascending to the Lord by Christians all over the world for more than one thousand six hundred years. His interpretations of the Holy Scriptures and works of an ascetic nature became a model of theological literature. There is hardly a believer who would not read his famous prayer during the days of Great Lent. But what do we know about the author of these lines?
Earthly life of St. Ephraim the Syrian
One of the greatest teachers of the church, Saint Ephraim the Syrian was born in Mesopotamia in the city of Nisibis at the very beginning of the 4th century. It just so happened that the father of the future outstanding Christian theologian was a pagan priest. For his son's commitment to the teachings of Christ, he kicked him out of the house. From the meager information that has come down to us, it is clear that in his youth, the Monk Ephraim was distinguished by irritability and a quick temper. In general, his inclinations could not be called positive.
He even ended up in jail once on charges of stealing sheep. It is now difficult to judge how justified these accusations were, but it is known that in this gloomy place he suddenly experienced a deep internal fracture. in somemoment he was honored to hear the voice of God addressed to him. It is not known what exactly the Lord said, but since then the young man has completely changed.
Becoming a disciple of Bishop Jacob, later canonized and now known under the name of Saint James of Nisibis, Saint Ephraim studied the Holy Scriptures. Distinguished by outstanding abilities and zeal, he early entered the path of a preacher of the teachings of Christ. In addition to preaching, one of his duties was to teach children in a religious school. For 14 years the monk was in obedience to St. Jacob.
Pastoral ministry of St. Ephraim the Syrian
After the death of the teacher, having betrayed his body to a Christian burial, he retired from the world, settling in the mountains, where he led an ascetic life, indulging in fasting and prayers. He led a similar life until in 363, after a long siege, Nisibia was captured by the Persians. From that time on, the saint settled on a mountain not far from Edessa, where he taught the people and preached Christianity. Saint Ephraim the Syrian ended his earthly life in the year 373, refusing shortly before his death the episcopal miter offered to him by Saint Basil the Great.
Theological writings of St. Ephraim the Syrian
Filled with true Christian humility, St. Ephraim the Syrian in his letters speaks of himself as a person not a scientist, but many of his contemporaries paid tribute to his broadest erudition and knowledge.
He wrote a huge number of the most serious theological works. Among them, the main place is occupied byhis interpretation of the Holy Scriptures, translated into Greek during the author's lifetime and read by a wide range of adherents of the Christian faith.
Ephraim the Syrian's prayers, also translated into different languages, are heard in churches to this day. According to the testimony of the ancient historian Photius, more than 1,000 works were written by the monk. In addition, he owns a large number of poems written on subjects related to the teachings of the church. These poems, laid on a musical basis taken from folk tunes, were performed throughout the country.
Preacher and educator
The analysis of his writings testifies to the broad education of St. Ephraim the Syrian. They reveal the author's acquaintance not only with the works of Christian authors, but with the works of Greek philosophers, with pagan mythology and, which is very important, with the foundations of a new science at that time - natural science. It is known that when delivering sermons, he constantly emphasized the need for knowledge, which, in his words, is “higher than we alth.” The prayers of Ephraim the Syrian, in addition to a deep spiritual and moral foundation, also have a high poetic style. They made up a significant part of his creative legacy.
Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian for Lent
Of all the writings of the monk, the prayers composed by him are the most famous. In them, his talent was revealed with extraordinary brightness. The Lenten prayer of Ephraim the Syrian, the text of which is given on this page, is perhaps the most famous of all those written by him. What causedthe amazing, mysterious effect of prayer, penetrating into the very heart? First of all, the sincerity with which it is written. It comes from a soul purified and filled with holiness, and is born from a mind enlightened by Divine Grace. This small prayer contains an inexhaustible we alth of thought and feeling.
Features of Lenten Prayer
Its characteristic feature lies, first of all, in the fact that St. Ephraim, as a gift from God, asks not for earthly blessings, not for help in solving everyday problems, and not even for he alth and strength, but asks to cleanse him from the vicious beginning laid down in every person. He asks to be delivered from sinful motives and to make him full of Christian virtues.
Why is this what he asks of God? The prayer of Ephraim the Syrian is a lesson for that category of people who are used to relying only on themselves in everything. They blindly hope to achieve what they want, relying solely on the power of their mind. Sometimes they set themselves really lofty and noble goals, striving for spiritual growth and moral perfection. But these people are unable to comprehend that there is a great deal in the world that is not subject to the human will and forces and is impossible without the grace of God's help. Such delusions were often held in pre-Christian, pagan times. These days, unfortunately, they are also relevant.
Get rid of the spirit of idleness and despondency
The prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian begins with a request for deliverance from the "spirit of idleness."Why is this the beginning of turning to God? Probably because, according to a well-known expression, "idleness is the mother of all vices." This truth is beyond doubt. It is idleness that often gives rise to sinful thoughts in people, and those, in turn, are embodied in deeds leading to the death of the soul.
Further, the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian asks God to get rid of the "spirit of despondency". Lent is a period marked by sadness and tearful repentance for the sins committed. But this should in no way cause discouragement in the repentant person. Despondency according to church canons is a grave sin, as it is generated by disbelief in God's mercy and help. In addition, the result of despondency is a breakdown, which does not allow you to fight passions and pernicious inclinations.
Getting rid of the spirit of arrogance and idle talk
The prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian does not leave without attention such a human vice as the "spirit of arrogance." This is the next request addressed to the Almighty. Curiosity means love to rule, to command others. This pernicious passion once destroyed the archangel Dennitsa, the head of all angels. Filled with a thirst for unlimited power, he was cast out of heaven and turned into Satan. There are many such examples in the Bible. The same passion underlies the activity of all heretics who wished and wished to replace the true Christian teaching with their own and become the head of the Church.
Next, we are talking about the "spirit of idle talk", this vice that is inherent in so many people. Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian asks the Lord to grant deliverance from him. Often the word has great power. Ability toword, as an expression of thought and intention, man is like God. The word is both a creator and a destroyer. Often it outlives the one who uttered it for many centuries. The word is a great gift of God, and a frivolous, irresponsible approach to it is a grave sin, from which the reverend prays to God.
On bestowing the spirit of chastity and humility
Offering petitions for deliverance from pernicious passions, the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian also asks for the gift of virtues. The first of these is the "spirit of chastity." This should be understood in a broad sense - bodily and spiritual chastity. Having established the sacrament of marriage and thus blessed the union of a man and a woman, the Church condemns depravity in all its manifestations. Even the thought of him defiles the soul. Realizing human infirmity, the monk cries out for help to God.
There is another important virtue, with the petition for which the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian turns to the Lord. Lent is a time of repentance, and it is impossible without deep humility. It is the “spirit of humility” that the monk asks to be sent down. Humility should be understood as unquestioning obedience to the will of God. This is a very important point. The Beatitudes begin with a mention of the "poor in spirit", that is, the humble, and they are promised the Kingdom of Heaven.
On bestowing the spirit of patience and love
Prayer of Rev. Ephraim the Syrian, among other virtues, also mentions the "spirit of patience." It will certainly be needed for self-improvement and spiritual growth. The writings of the Holy Fathers of the Church testify thatthat only with great patience and hard work could they reach spiritual heights.
Next comes the petition for the bestowal of the "spirit of love". Jesus Christ showed us the greatest example of love. All his earthly ministry and sufferings on the cross are an endless preaching of love. "Love each other!" - was his commandment given to the disciples. The Holy Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians emphasized that with all our virtues, without love we are nothing.
On awareness of one's sins and non-judgment of one's neighbors
Especially penetrating are the words that conclude the Great Lenten Prayer of Ephrem the Syrian. Its text at the end contains a petition for sending down the gift of seeing one's own sins and not judging one's neighbor. This, in truth, is a great gift, and few people have it. As a rule, we are only strict with others.
We mercilessly condemn their real or even imaginary transgressions. And at the same time, we are very condescending about our own misdeeds. Turning to this topic gives the prayer a completely new spiritual and moral color and raises it above the general level of religious writings of this kind.
Ephraim the Syrian's prayers for anger and weight loss
The name of St. Ephraim the Syrian, thanks to his theological works and prayers, of which he is the author, is widely known throughout the world. He is also revered by the Russian Orthodox Church. The prayer of Ephraim the Syrian in Church Slavonic sounds especially poetic. One of the best poems by A. S. Pushkin is dedicated to her.
Besides the Lenten prayer he wrote, ohwhich was discussed in this article, prayers are often heard under the vaults of temples addressed directly to him. Among them, the most famous is the prayer to Ephraim the Syrian from anger. In it they ask the Lord for the gift of faith, love and piety. They ask to protect them with the prayers of the saint from anger, malice and all evil done in the world.
Another, no less famous prayer is the prayer to Ephraim the Syrian for weight loss. In it, as in the previous prayer, they ask the monk not to leave them with his help and beg the Lord God to send them His mercy and help in all worldly affairs.
More than sixteen centuries separate us from the days when St. Ephraim the Syrian lived and worked. During his lifetime, he was called the "Syrian prophet." This testifies to the deep respect for him by his contemporaries. And through the centuries, the voice of this true Christian and humanist continues to sound.
