What are some of your favorite prayers?

[ronyodish]

Hi everyone,

This is one of my favorite liturgical prayers/hymns that is used in the Chaldean Catholic Church:

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Thanksgiving Hymn of Mar Ephrem

O Lord Jesus, O adorable King
…by whose passion has conquered death.

O Son of God who promised us
…a full new life in his kingdom.

Protect us from all misfortune;
…let peace and mercy dwell among us.

At your return we will arise
…and will meet you in eternal joy.

We praise your name with hosanna (osha’na)
…for your goodness towards our race.

Your mercies abounded on us
…your love has shone on us mortals.

By your pardon, our sins are erased;
…glory to you for all your gifts.

Your Majesty always be blessed
…for your pardon and your mercy.

Make us worthy by your goodness
…to thank and adore you as our God

And offer you, at every time,
…eternal praise; amen, amen.​

God bless,

Rony

 

[wynd]

One of my favorites is the Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian, said during Lent:

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. (Prostration)

But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. (Prostration)

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. For blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. (Prostration)

O God, cleanse me, a sinner (12 times, with as many bows, and then again the whole prayer from the beginning throughout, and after that one great prostration)

 

[allhers]

Examination of Conscience Prayer
Holy Spirit, send forth your light and your truth as I examine my life and consider my sins as they are. Help me to look with honesty at what I have done and what I have failed to do. In your mercy, make me confident of your love for me as I really am. Help me to become more aware of my failings so that I might ask for and receive your healing forgivness. I ask this in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

[a_pilgrim]

I believe that the Prayer before Holy Communion as recited in the Byzantine Catholic Church represents a truly beautiful and humbling way in which to prepare yourself for the Holy Mystery you are about to receive. It’s recited by the entire congregation in the Byzantine Catholic Church immediately before approaching to receive Our Lord… I even recite it to myself prior to receiving in the Latin Church:

O Lord, I believe and profess that You are truly Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the first. Accept me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper, O Son of God, for I will not reveal your mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I profess to You:

•        Remember me, O Lord, when You come in Your kingdom.*

•        Remember me, O Master, when You come in Your kingdom.*

Remember me, O Holy One, when You come in Your kingdom.

May the partaking of Your holy mysteries, O Lord, be not for my judgment or condemnation but for the healing of soul and body.

O Lord, I also believe and profess that this, which I am about to receive, is truly Your most precious body and Your life-giving blood, which, I pray, make me worthy to receive for the remission of all my sins and for life everlasting. Amen.

•        O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.*

•        O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.*

*O Lord, forgive me for I have sinned without number. *

 

[Thepeug]

That’s one of my favorites, Al. Here’s another (chanted during Great Compline):

*Prayer of Paul the Cenobite to the Most Holy Mother of God

O Lady, Bride of God, virginal, pure, immaculate, blameless, without stain or disgrace, who through your birth-giving united God the Word with our human nature and established a link between our fallen state and the things of heaven; O you, only hope of the hopeless, help of the oppressed, ready protection of those who flee to you and refuge of all Christians: despise me not who am a wretched sinner, who have defiled myself with unclean thoughts, words, and deeds, and in my slothfulness have become a slave to the passions of life. Since you are the Mother of God, who is the Lover of Mankind, have mercy, have compassion on me a sinner and a prodigal son; accept this prayer from my impure lips, and, with the power of your maternity, beg your Son, my Lord and my God, that he may open for me the depths of His loving kindness, forgive my countless sins, convert me to true repentance, and make me faithful to His commands. O you who are compassionate, be my constant companion: in this present life, be with me as an intercessor, as a powerful help to turn away the assaults of my enemies and to guide me to salvation; at the hour of my death, be with me to embrace my poor soul and to keep away the dreadful sight of the wicked devils; on the terrible day of judgment, deliver me from eternal punishment and make me an heir of your Son’s glory, through the grace and the love for mankind of your Son our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him and to his eternal Father and to his all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit we send up all glory, honor, and worship, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

 

[a_pilgrim]

Another prayer that I’m very fond of is the Prayer to the Holy Spirit by St. Antiochus:

*O Holy Spirit, most merciful Comforter: You proceed from the *
*Father in a manner beyond our understanding. Come, I *
*beseech You, and take up you abode in my heart. Purify *
*and cleanse me from all sin, and sanctify my soul. *
*Cleanse it from every impurity, water its dryness, melt *
*its coldness, and save it from sinful ways. Make me *
*truly humble and resigned, that I may be pleasing to *
*You, and that You abide with me forever. Most blessed *
*Light, most amiable Light, enlighten me. O rapturous *
*Joy of Paradise, Fount of purest delight, my God, give *
*yourself to me, and kindle in my innermost soul the *
*fire of your love. My Lord, instruct, direct, and *
*defend me in all things. Give me strength against all *
*immoderate fears and against despondency. Bestow upon *
*me a true faith, a firm hope, and a sincere and perfect *
*love. Grant that I always do your most gracious will. *
Amen.

I am especially fond of the line that reads* …My Lord, instruct, direct, and defend me in all things… *and often times find myself repeating this line many times throughout the day.

 

[jabelltulsa]

Ever time … after Communion:

I thank You, O holy Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, who have deigned, not through any merits of mine, but out of the condescension of Your goodness, to satisfy me a sinner, Your unworthy servant, with the precious Body and Blood of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this Holy Communion be not a condemnation to punishment for me, but a saving plea to forgiveness. May it be to me the armor of faith and the shield of a good will. May it be the emptying out of my vices and the extinction of all lust-full desires; and increase of charity and patience, of humility and obedience, and all virtues; a strong defense against the snares of all my enemies, visible and invisible; the perfect quieting of all my evil impulses of flesh and spirit, binding me firmly to You, the one true God; and a happy ending of my life. I pray too that You will deign to bring me, a sinner, to that ineffable banquet where You with Your Son and the Holy Spirit, are to your Saints true light, fulfillment of desires, eternal joy, unalloyer gladness, and perfect bliss. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

This prayer, from St. Thomas Aquinas is a bit different in my missal, but I love it so much. It is very important to me.

 

[Aramis]

I realized I must return to Byzantine praxis from two events; one of which was realizing I was saying the byzantine prayer before communion silently while in the Roman mass. (Even as an EMHC!)

It is my favorite prayer.

 

[ronyodish]

I also find the Byzantine prayer before Communion quite beautiful. Here is a Coptic Orthodox prayer before Communion from a book that I have called: Prayers from the EAST: Traditions of Eastern Christianity. The first sentence of the prayer will be familiar to Roman Catholics:

---

O Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under the roof of my house, for I am sinful, but say thou first a word and my soul shall be healed. Say unto my soul: ‘Thy sins are forgiven.’

I am barren and wanting all righteousness, and have but thy compassion, mercy and love of man.

Thou hast condescended from the heaven of thine ineffable glory to our afflictions and accepted to be born in a manger. Refuse not, O my blessed Savior, to come into my lowly and afflicted soul that awaiteth thy radiant presence. But accept to come into my soul to cleanse it. O thou, who disdainedst not to enter into the leper’s house and to heal him, forbid me not to approach thy pure Body and thy holy Blood.

O thou who preventedst not the woman who was a sinner from kissing thy feet, let my communion be for partaking with thee and for effecting all defilement, the mortification of my lusts, the doing of thy life-giving commandments, the healing of my soul and body from all sins, the acceptance of thy gifts, the indwelling of thy grace, the descent of thy Spirit for union with and abiding in thee, that I may live for the glory of thy holy Name. + Amen.​

I find it interesting that while the Byzantines pray “nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas”, the Copts pray “O thou who preventedst not the woman who was a sinner from kissing thy feet”. An interesting two complementary perspectives on kissing .

It’s as if the Byzantines are saying: Lord, I’m a sinner, I will not kiss you like Judas. Whereas the Copts are saying: Lord, I’m a sinner, let me kiss you like the sinful woman. I just find that interesting.

God bless,

Rony

 

[Edwin1961]

Two years ago, we did something that was really beautiful and awesome. Our pastor found an Akathist to the Most Holy Eucharist. So during Wednesday evenings in the summer, we had this Akathist. We used this as our version of Eucharist Adoration. Then when we were finished with the Akathist, we sat in silence in meditation and contemplation. It’s really beautiful, and if you remember the chant to an akathist. Check this one out!

Kontakion VIII
And after the sop - that is, after the traitor had eaten the bread You gave him - as the holy John relates, Satan entered into him. Oh, what a dreadful punishment for unbelief! Oh, how unhappy the lot of the traitor! What should have been for his salvation is turned into death and damnation for him. Bowing reverently before this judgment of Your righteousness, with fear and trembling I cry to You: Alleluia! Alleluia! (4x)

Ikos VIII
“Do this in remembrance of Me,” did You say to Your disciples at the supper, giving them Your Body under the appearance of Bread, and Your Blood under the appearance of wine. For as often as we eat this bread, and drink this cup, we show forth Your death, according to the word of the holy Paul. And now, remembering Your Passion, with compunction I cry to You:

Jesus, Who for the salvation of the world did give Yourself over voluntarily into the hands of Your enemies;
Jesus, Who did not allow legions of angels to appear in Your defense;
Jesus, Who with a glance and with the crowing of a cock did convert to repentance an unfaithful disciple;
Jesus, Who did make no reply to Caiaphas and Pilate who questioned You foolishly.
Jesus, Who from the Cross did ask the Father to forgive the sins of them that crucified You;
Jesus, Who in Your surpassing loving-kindness did give Your beloved disciple to Your Mother as a son.
Jesus, God of my heart, come unite me to Yourself forever. (2x)

 

[wynd]

I believe that the Prayer before Holy Communion as recited in the Byzantine Catholic Church represents a truly beautiful and humbling way in which to prepare yourself for the Holy Mystery you are about to receive.

Do you (or does anyone) know why this prayer is different between the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox liturgies? I have heard this version of the prayer:
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ the Son of the living God who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.

Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.

May the communion of Thy holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation, O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body. Amen.

 

[Woodstock]

It is hard to choose! Some of my favorites are the Canon of St. Andrew, which also incorporates Wynd’s favorite, Psalm 50/51 from Compline each night (I hope that’s the right one), Let My Prayer Arise, God Grant You Many Years, and O Joyful Light (I couldn’t find the Rachmaninoff version to link).

** O Joyful Light**
O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the Immortal, Heavenly, Holy, Blessed Father: Jesus Christ! Now that we have reached the setting of the sun, and see the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

It is proper at all times to worship You with voices of praise, O Son of God, Giver of Life, therefore all the world glorifies You.

 

[Aramis]

Do you (or does anyone) know why this prayer is different between the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox liturgies? I have heard this version of the prayer:
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ the Son of the living God who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.

Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.

May the communion of Thy holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation, O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body. Amen.

Primarily translational isues: different modes of translation into English, and different times when the translation was done.

The missing of the trifold invocations of mercy… that I’ve no clue.

 

[Spiritu]

My very favourite post-Communion prayer is the Anima Christi, which I usually say in Latin (and probably mis-pronounce), but also love in English:

ANIMA Christi, sanctifica me.
Corpus Christi, salva me.
Sanguis Christi, inebria me.
Aqua lateris Christi, lava me.
Passio Christi, conforta me.
O bone Iesu, exaudi me.
Intra tua vulnera absconde me.
Ne permittas me separari a te.
Ab hoste maligno defende me.
In hora mortis meae voca me.
Et iube me venire ad te,
Ut cum Sanctis tuis laudem te
in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

SOUL of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Separated from Thee let me never be.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of death, call me.
To come to Thee, bid me,
That I may praise Thee in the company
Of Thy Saints, for all eternity. Amen.

 

[kitkatty]

Two years ago, we did something that was really beautiful and awesome. Our pastor found an Akathist to the Most Holy Eucharist. So during Wednesday evenings in the summer, we had this Akathist. We used this as our version of Eucharist Adoration. Then when we were finished with the Akathist, we sat in silence in meditation and contemplation. It’s really beautiful, and if you remember the chant to an akathist. Check this one out!

Kontakion VIII
And after the sop - that is, after the traitor had eaten the bread You gave him - as the holy John relates, Satan entered into him. Oh, what a dreadful punishment for unbelief! Oh, how unhappy the lot of the traitor! What should have been for his salvation is turned into death and damnation for him. Bowing reverently before this judgment of Your righteousness, with fear and trembling I cry to You: Alleluia! Alleluia! (4x)

Ikos VIII
“Do this in remembrance of Me,” did You say to Your disciples at the supper, giving them Your Body under the appearance of Bread, and Your Blood under the appearance of wine. For as often as we eat this bread, and drink this cup, we show forth Your death, according to the word of the holy Paul. And now, remembering Your Passion, with compunction I cry to You:

Jesus, Who for the salvation of the world did give Yourself over voluntarily into the hands of Your enemies;
Jesus, Who did not allow legions of angels to appear in Your defense;
Jesus, Who with a glance and with the crowing of a cock did convert to repentance an unfaithful disciple;
Jesus, Who did make no reply to Caiaphas and Pilate who questioned You foolishly.
Jesus, Who from the Cross did ask the Father to forgive the sins of them that crucified You;
Jesus, Who in Your surpassing loving-kindness did give Your beloved disciple to Your Mother as a son.
Jesus, God of my heart, come unite me to Yourself forever. (2x)

How beautiful Edwin! I have never heard of that Akathist and it`s a beautiful Eastern alternative to Eucharistic Adoration.

 

[kitkatty]

It is hard to choose! Some of my favorites are the Canon of St. Andrew, which also incorporates Wynd’s favorite, Psalm 50/51 from Compline each night (I hope that’s the right one), Let My Prayer Arise, God Grant You Many Years, and O Joyful Light (I couldn’t find the Rachmaninoff version to link).

** O Joyful Light**
O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the Immortal, Heavenly, Holy, Blessed Father: Jesus Christ! Now that we have reached the setting of the sun, and see the evening light, we praise God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

It is proper at all times to worship You with voices of praise, O Son of God, Giver of Life, therefore all the world glorifies You.

One of my favorites, I always include this in my night prayers.

 

[rowlands]

Do you (or does anyone) know why this prayer is different between the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox liturgies?

It appears to me that the question posed permits an ‘Orthodox’ response, even though that falls outside the normal rules and remit of this forum. This response implies no criticism.

I have heard this version of the prayer:

From Post #11 ?“Orthodox”

{1}I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ the Son of the living God…

{2}Of Thy Mystical Supper…

{3}May the communion of Thy holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation, O Lord…

From Post #4 ?“Eastern Catholic”

{4}O Lord, I believe and profess…of whom I am the first. Accept me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper…

{5}Remember me, O Lord…

{6}May the partaking of Your holy mysteries…

{7}O Lord, I also believe and profess that this, which I am about to receive…

{8}O God, be merciful to me…

I have numbered the three prayers generally used in the ‘Orthodox’ Church 1, 2, 3 and those cited for the ‘Eastern Catholic’ usage 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

Prayer 1 is by Saint John Chrysostom; prayer 2 is the hymn sung in place of the cherubikon on Great and Holy Thursday.
Prayer 4 appears to be the first half of prayer 1 with prayer 2 added.
Prayer 5 is an interpolation ibetween prayers 1 and 2 of the verses sung at the conclusion of the Beatitudes at the service of Typika.
Prayers 3 and 6 are essentially the same.
Prayer 7 appears to be a paraphrase of the second part of prayer 1, the prayer of Saint John Chrysostom.
Prayer 8 is an interpolation or addition of some of the introductory prayers recited at the beginning of a rule of prayer, or when reciting kanons and akathists alone (The Seven Bow Beginning), and by some on entering the church building.

There are other appropriate verses which could also be interpolated at these points - and often are, mentally or silently, by ‘Orthodox’ as they approach Holy Communion.

Other than the apparent restructuring/division of the prayer of Saint John Chrysostom and the joining (to its first part) of the cherubikon, as presented in Post #4, there is no significant difference between the two usages other than what is acceptable as local custom/tradition (although the reason for the changes is far from clear). No doubt others could post prayers 1, 2, 3 with additional verses/prayers used in their particular parish.
Textual variants are simply differences of translation into English.

 

[Volodymyr_988]

The Akathist and the Jesus Prayer.

Guard your heart…

 

[Irish_Melkite]

The ancient Prayer Before the Holy Table, recited by Maronite presbyters at the conclusion of the Holy Qurbono (a similar prayer is recited by priests of the Syriac Catholic and Orthodox Churches). The prayer acknowledges the part played in God’s worship by the altar on which the liturgical service has been served and recognizes the temporality of both priest and the altar. The prayer is hauntingly beautiful.

Remain in peace, O Holy Table of the Lord; I pray that I may return to you in peace. May the Sacrifice which I have been blessed to offer upon you forgive my sins, help me to avoid faults and prepare me to stand blameless before the Throne of Christ. I know not whether I shall ever again be blessed to return to you and again offer this Holy Sacrifice upon you. Remain in peace, O Holy Table of the Lord.

Two others, also remarkable for their haunting beauty, the Dies Irae

Dies iræ! dies illa
Solvet sæclum in favilla
Teste David cum Sibylla!

Quantus tremor est futurus,
quando judex est venturus,
cuncta stricte discussurus!

Tuba mirum spargens sonum
per sepulchra regionum,
coget omnes ante thronum.

Mors stupebit et natura,
cum resurget creatura,
judicanti responsura.

Liber scriptus proferetur,
in quo totum continetur,
unde mundus judicetur.

Judex ergo cum sedebit,
quidquid latet apparebit:
nil inultum remanebit.

Quid sum miser tunc dicturus?
Quem patronum rogaturus,
cum vix justus sit securus?

Rex tremendæ majestatis,
qui salvandos salvas gratis,
salva me, fons pietatis.

Recordare, Jesu pie,
quod sum causa tuæ viæ:
ne me perdas illa die.

Quærens me, sedisti lassus:
redemisti Crucem passus:
tantus labor non sit cassus.

Juste judex ultionis,
donum fac remissionis
ante diem rationis.

Ingemisco, tamquam reus:
culpa rubet vultus meus:
supplicanti parce, Deus.

Qui Mariam absolvisti,
et latronem exaudisti,
mihi quoque spem dedisti.

Preces meæ non sunt dignæ:
sed tu bonus fac benigne,
ne perenni cremer igne.

Inter oves locum præsta,
et ab hædis me sequestra,
statuens in parte dextra.

Confutatis maledictis,
flammis acribus addictis:
voca me cum benedictis.

Oro supplex et acclinis,
cor contritum quasi cinis:
gere curam mei finis.

Lacrimosa dies illa,
qua resurget ex favilla
judicandus homo reus.

Huic ergo parce, Deus:
Pie Jesu Domine,
dona eis requiem. Amen.

Day of wrath and doom impending,
David’s word with Sibyl’s blending!
Heaven and earth in ashes ending!

O what fear man’s bosom rendeth
When from heaven the Judge descendeth,
On whose sentence all dependeth!

Wondrous sound the trumpet flingeth,
Through earth’s sepulchers it ringeth,
All before the throne it bringeth.

Death is struck, and nature quaking,
All creation is awaking,
To its judge an answer making.

Lo! the book exactly worded,
Wherein all hath been recorded;
Thence shall judgment be awarded.

When the Judge His seat attaineth,
And each hidden deed arraigneth,
Nothing unavenged remaineth.

What shall I, frail man, be pleading?
Who for me be interceding,
When the just are mercy needing?

King of majesty tremendous,
Who dost free salvation send us,
Fount of pity, then befriend us!

Think, kind Jesu, my salvation
Caused Thy wondrous Incarnation;
Leave me not to reprobation.

Faint and weary Thou hast sought me,
On the Cross of suffering bought me;
Shall such grace be vainly brought me?

Righteous Judge! for sin’s pollution
Grant Thy gift of absolution,
Ere that day of retribution.

Guilty, now I pour my moaning,
All my shame with anguish owning;
Spare, O God, Thy suppliant groaning!

Through the sinful woman shriven,
Through the dying thief forgiven,
Thou to me a hope hast given.

Worthless are my prayers and sighing,
Yet, good Lord, in grace complying,
Rescue me from fires undying.

With Thy favored sheep O place me,
Nor among the goats abase me,
But to Thy right hand upraise me.

While the wicked are confounded,
Doomed to flames of woe unbounded,
Call me with Thy Saints surrounded.

Low I kneel, with heart submission,
Crushed to ashes in contrition;
Help me in my last condition!

Ah! that day of tears and morning!
From the dust of earth returning,
Man for judgment must prepare him;

Spare, O God, in mercy spare him!
Lord all-pitying, Jesu Blest,
Grant them Thine eternal rest. Amen.

 

[Irish_Melkite]

and the Mourner’s Kaddish

Yisgadal veyiskadash shemey rabo
Be’olmo di’vero chir’usey
Veyamlich malchusey
Bechayeychon u’veyomeychon
U’vechayey di chol beys yisroel
Ba’agolo u’vizman koriv ve’imru omeyn

Yehey sh’mey rabo mevorach le’olam u’le’olmey olmayo
Yisborach ve’yishtabach ve’yispo’ar ve’yisromam ve’yisnasey
Ve’yis’hadar ve’yis’aleh ve’yiys’halol
She’mey dikudsho b’rich hu
Le’eylo min kol birchoso ve’shiroso tushbechoso ve’nechemoso
Da’amiron be’olmo ve’imru omeyn

Yehey sh’lomo rabo min shemayo ve’chayim
Oleynu ve’al kol yisroel ve’imru omeyn

O’seh sholom bimromov
Hu ya’aseh sholom oleynu ve’al kol yisroel
Ve’imru omeyn

Glorified and sanctified be God’s great Name throughout the world which He has created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom in your lifetime and during your days, and within the life of the entire House of Israel, speedily and soon; and say, Amen.

May His great Name be blessed forever and to all eternity.

Blessed and praised, glorified and exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the Name of the Holy One, blessed be He, beyond all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations that are ever spoken in the world; and say, Amen.

May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

And the prayer which we of the Eastern Churches offer in our memory of those who have reposed - which expresses not sorrow, but our joyful expectation of the life to come. You can find slight variants in the English translations, but this is the essence of it:

O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who has trampled down death, vanquished the Devil and given life to Your world, grant rest, O Lord, to the soul of Your departed servant, in a place of light and peace, a place ever verdant, in which there is neither pain nor sorrow nor sighing, but only life everlasting.

Forgive him his every sin, whether in word or deed or thought, for You are a good God and the Lover of mankind, and there is no man living nor will there ever be who does not sin. You alone are without sin and Your righteousness is everlasting and Your word is truth. For You are the resurrection and the life and the repose of Your departed servant, O Christ our God, and to You do we give glory, together with Your Father Who is from everlasting, and Your holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Many years,

Neil