Ephrem the Syrian

“The hutzpah of our love is pleasing to you, O Lord, just as it pleased you that we should steal from your bounty.”

“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, Thy 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 blessed art Thou to the ages of ages. Amen. O God, cleanse me, a sinner.”

“Thy possessions have made thee a hollow image; they have ruined thee and left thee.”